Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing.

From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy and fun!

Desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años, su hijo debería alcanzar indicadores en la manera en que juega, aprende, habla, actúa y se mueve. Hágale seguimiento a los indicadores del desarrollo de su hijo desde los 2 meses hasta los 5 años de edad; obtenga consejos para promover el desarrollo de su hijo; y averigüe lo que puede hacer si alguna vez le preocupa cómo va el desarrollo de su hijo. En esta aplicación se ilustra cada indicador del desarrollo con fotos y videos, lo que hace que para usted sea fácil y divertido hacerles el seguimiento en su hijo!

Download it free today on iOS and Android devices in English and Spanish.

Disponible en español y en inglés. Descárguela gratis hoy en los dispositivos iOS y Android.

Check out the Early Childhood Recommended Practices Modules now available on the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center website. The modules, based on the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children's recommended practices, were created to use when training early care and education, early intervention, and early childhood special education faculty and professional development providers.   

These free and interactive multimedia modules are easily accessed by faculty and professional development providers and can be embedded in coursework and professional development sessions. Each module contains several lessons and includes accompanying instructor supports and learning guides to assist professional development providers and faculty. 

Anyone who’s ever sat in on an IEP meeting can confirm: When parents and teachers meet to discuss the needs of a child who’s struggling in school, emotions tend to run high.

On this first episode of In It, hosts Amanda Morin and Lexi Walters Wright dig into why. They talk with comedian Dena Blizzard about her (very) public reaction to a disappointing IEP meeting. They also connect with expert Mark Griffin, Ph.D., about what’s at stake during these meetings.

Plus, we hear from other families who’ve cried out of frustration and relief. And Amanda shares why all IEP meeting tables should be round.

Click here to listen to the podcast or read episode transcript.

After months of research, visiting successful programs around the nation, and receiving testimony from experts and concerned citizens, today the Federal Commission on School Safety (Commission) released a 177-page report detailing 93 best practices and policy recommendations for improving safety at schools across the country.

Utilizing the information gathered, the Commission report offers a holistic approach to improving school safety, ranging from supporting the social and emotional well-being of students to enhancing physical building security. Acknowledging there can be no one-size-fits-all solution to this complex problem, the final report serves as a resource guide for families, educators, law enforcement officers, health professionals, and elected leaders to use as they consider the best ways to prevent, mitigate, and recover from acts of violence in schools. The recommendations are based on efforts that are already working in states and local communities. Click here to continue reading.

Click here to review report

The October 2018 Issue of EP-Magazine is now available.

The Family & Community Issue Includes:

• 10 Holiday TIps for Families with Special Needs
• Military Families: Truly Connect this Holiday Season
• On Advocacy: Losing One Voice to Find Another
• A Parent's Perspective: Community Alternatives to Out-Of-Home Placement

You can read it here: bit.ly/2Oxffmn

The Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media (formerly the Tennessee Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) has developed a new story time program for children. This program is the first in the nation to provide an innovative monthly children’s story time by phone for kids who are blind or have vision disabilities.

A librarian reads the kid’s story on a conference line and they have mailed out interactive packets of fun sensory materials that go along with the story ahead of time to all the kids so they can touch and play with things that correspond to the story. This allows them to reach kids all over the state! 

The Tennessee program has no age limits and there’s no cost to participate – the library provides participants with a toll-free number so they don’t incur any long distance charges. Maria Sochor, the TLABM Director said “children and the young at heart” are welcome to join the calls each month.

(Please note that some of the materials in the following links were developed before the name of the library changed. The following information is all about the same library and program.)

Click here to watch a 3-minute video on the Virtual Story Time program.

Click here to read more about the Virtual Story Time program.

Click here to learn more about Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media.

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Happy Holidays
• Request for Public Comment: 1% Waiver
• Tennessee Deaf-Blind Project Annual Census
• Special Populations Assessment Specialist
• Application of Interest: AAD Instructional Practices PLC
• SSIP Phase III Fall/Winter Update
• EasyIEP Summer 2019 Updates
• IDEA Discretionary Grant Opportunity
• Reports on English Learners with Cognitive Disabilities
• Next Steps Summer at Vanderbilt Institute 
• TRIAD Needs Assessment Survey for Administrators
• 2019 PIE Conference
• Middle Tennessee State University Professional Development Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

Do you have a school age child with disabilities, special health care needs, or mental health needs in Hamilton County, Clarksville / Montgomery County, or Tipton County? 

If so, we are inviting you to provide feedback about your experiences related to special education services and support in your school. Disability Rights TN (DRT) and STEP, Inc. (Support & Training for Exceptional Parents) work with families and caregivers to assist them in advocating for effective education for their children. Effective education starts with having a view of what is happening in the district. It covers two main things: First, communicating what is going well and reinforcing that, and also identifying practices that may be having a negative on your child’s education and advocating for needed change.

Join us for one of our FREE Information Exchange Sessions listed below. 

Register online at bit.ly/infoexchangedrt or by calling STEP at 800.280.7837 

(Español 800.975.2919) or 423.639.0125, ext. 12. 

Feb. 12 - Hamilton County
Stanley Heights Baptist Church
1512 McBrien Road
East Ridge, TN 37412

Feb. 19 - Montgomery County
Lettie P. Kendall Outreach Center
203 Plum Street
Clarksville, TN 37042

Feb. 21 - Tipton County
Brighton County Community Center
66 School Street
Brighton, TN 38011

For the latest information about these events please visit bit.ly/DRTSTEP2019

A collaborative project of Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) and Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP, Inc).

The latest IEA (Individual Education Account) Program Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Parent Information Sessions (Note: Jan 4 Registration Deadline for Spring Info Sessions)
• Private School Information Sessions
• Resources

If you have questions, please contact IEA.Questions@tn.gov

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Leadership Academy for Excellence in Disability Services
• What Early Intervention Can and Should Look Like: Part 2
• TEIS Eligibility of Referrals
• TEIS Early Interventionist Credential
• Updated Diagnosis List
• Welcome Aboard
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

Play is what children do; it is how they grow and learn. The importance of play in a young child's life cannot be over-stated; it is their primary occupation, impacting all areas of development. All children regardless of ability need a variety of opportunities to playfully interact. Since toys are the child’s tools for play, finding toys with features that make them usable by all/most children is a critical part of this effort. Toys with these features are defined as “universally designed”.

Families and service providers should look for toys that include features that make them universally appealing, usable and fun, that are challenging, yet appropriate for the child’s abilities. 

Click here to download this resource guide from the Center on Technology and Disability (CTD).

For most people, having a conversation is relatively easy, even second nature. Not so for children and youth with social skills issues! Skills such as reading body language and knowing what to say (and when to say it) don’t come easily to them. Here’s a look at the four parts of a conversation, the skills involved, and how to help children navigate each one.  Click here to continue reading.

Also available in Spanish: 4 partes de una conversación: Cómo ayudar a los niños que tienen dificultades para socializar

Occasional tantrums and irritability are normal parts of childhood, but some kids have frequent, extreme tantrums — at an age when most kids have outgrown them — and are irritable most of the time. Those are signs that they might have what’s called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, or DMDD. It’s a mouthful of a name, but the key words are “disruptive,” which refers to behavior like tantrums and outbursts, and “dysregulation,” which means that these kids can’t manage their emotions in an age-appropriate way.

Kids who have DMDD have usually had, from infancy, a difficult temperament. They have had a hard time self-soothing, and trouble adapting to changes without getting upset or losing their temper. As toddlers, they’ve been strong-willed and difficult to manage. And by grade school age, they’re still having tantrums that are no longer developmentally appropriate.  Click here to continue reading.

Five years ago, I sat in front of my computer with my 7-year-old daughter and completed the Hour of Code. She absolutely loved the idea of typing something and seeing animation as a result. This was the first time she was exposed to computer science and coding.

We spent hours completing various activities online and seeing things move, jump and make sounds. I have always loved technology, so seeing my daughter enjoy it made me proud.

However, after a while, I noticed she didn’t enjoy typing on a computer as much as I did. We were missing a physical component, beyond the visuals on the computer screen.  Click here to continue reading.

Source: Defending the Early Years (DEY)

This new brief published by Defending the Early Years (November 2018) offers families and preschool teachers guidance about healthy child development in the digital age. Through research and case stories, the brief discusses how the over use of screen media has affected how children play and covers six core ideas in early child development, followed by practical ways to implement these ideas in the home or classroom.

No single factor puts a child at risk of being bullied or bullying others. Bullying can happen anywhere - at school, parks, in after school programs, or online. Depending on the environment, some youth are at higher risk for bullying. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth, youth with disabilities, children who are overweight or underweight, and youth from a minority race, ethnicity, or religion may be at an increased risk of being bullied. Because they are often perceived as being different by their peers, children with special health care needs are also at higher risk of being targeted.

For example, results from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that nationwide, more U.S. high school students who self-identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) report having been bullied on school property (33%) and cyberbullied (27.1%) in the past year than their heterosexual peers (17% and 13.3% respectively).

To help make schools safe and more inclusive for all students, teachers can implement social emotional learning. Activities that foster peer relationships and help build understanding and empathy contribute to a positive school climate. They can engage students in developing high-interest activities where everyone has a role to play in designing, executing, or participating. Conducting team-based learning activities that rotate student groupings can help to link students with peers outside their social group. Implementing buddy systems for children with special needs will connect them with supportive peers. Parents can role model and teach moral engagement to foster empathy, kindness, and inclusion of others by their children.

StopBullying.gov has resources for teachers, parents, and youth on bullying prevention. The Bystanders are Essential to Preventing Bullying Fact Sheet has tips for bullying intervention. Teachers and parents can use Preventing Bullying Through Moral Engagement to help foster empathy in youth.      

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)/Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is rethinking Results Driven Accountability(RDA) to ensure we are in the best position to improve early childhood and educational outcomes and raise expectations for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the nation. Specifically, we are interested in your thoughts about what is working well and what may not be working well with the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR), the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), annual determinations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and OSEP's system of differentiated monitoring and support (DMS).   

Please submit your comments to RethinkRDA@ed.gov. We will review and consider all input.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology its educator and developer toolkits for English learners.    

These resources can be particularly valuable for supporting English learners with disabilities engagement in instruction and access to content in many ways. The toolkits are based on insights from surveys, case studies, and meetings with experts in the field, including educational technology publishers, researchers, and educators. The Educator Toolkit supports educators in using technology to help their English learners gain proficiency in English and meet academic goals. The Developer Toolkit can help developers design educational technology that is useful for English learners.

Enjoy national parks, lands, and waters throughout the year! As part of the our nation’s commitment to protect its unique outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them, the Every Kid in a Park initiative continues to provide all fourth grade students and their families with free admission to national parks and other federal lands and waters for a full year.

This initiative provides valuable opportunities to explore, learn, and play in spectacular parks and aims to inspire stewardship of these places for future generations.  The pass grants free entry for fourth graders along with up to three accompanying adults as well as other children under the age of 16 (or an entire car for drive-in parks) at more than 2,000 federally managed sites, including national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and more!

Students who are currently in 4th grade (including home-schooled students) can obtain a paper pass that grants them free entry through August 31, 2019 into all federal lands and waters.  In order to receive the pass, students should visit the Every Kid in a Park website and participate in an educational activity.  Then, they can print a paper pass to bring with them to visit public lands.  At certain participating sites, fourth graders can exchange the paper pass for a durable plastic Interagency Annual 4th Grade Pass.  Fourth graders must be present for free entry into parks and to exchange the paper pass for a plastic pass.  Teachers can also obtain passes for their entire classroom of students!

Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) are principles that help all children improve their behavior at school, at home, and in the community. The benefits are enormous. When children are in positive, predictable, consistent environments, they have better grades, better behavior, higher self-esteem, better school attendance, greater motivation, and more success in life. Schools practice PBIS. As a parent, you can too. This presentation will show you how to use positive approaches to teach your child new behavioral skills to use at home and in the community.  These skills will be important throughout the life of your child.

This 12-minute online captioned module is 1 of 5 from the Utah Parent Center.  These short videos can use with families and professionals. Videos in English and Spanish.

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• 2018 TNReady Accessibility Guidance and Related Changes to Oral Presentation
• Instructions for Dec. 1 Report Packet
• Prior Written Notice
• 2019 PIE Conference
• Did You Know: Adverse Impact  
• Did You Know: Progress Monitoring Discretionary Grant  
• Tennessee Mental Health Collaborative
• Tennessee Comprehensive School-based Mental Health Resource Guide
• Reminder: Public Comment on Principles of Transition for Postsecondary Readiness Courses 
• Reminder: Call for Textbook Reviewers
• Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers Conference
• Tennessee Association for Assistive Technology (TAAT) Conference
• Middle Tennessee State University Professional Development Opportunities
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The Fall 2018 Employment Issue of Breaking Ground Magazine is out from our Partners at the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

You can read the entire magazine online by clicking here: bit.ly/2DsA8ZH

Anyone can sign up to receive a print or Braille copy (or multiple copies) for free by mail or a PDF version by email by sending their home or email address to mildred.sparkman@tn.gov or by calling the Council offices at 615-532-6615.

If you have questions or comments about Council Publications they encourage you to contact Emma Shouse, Director of Communications, at emma.shouse@tn.gov or 615-253-5368.

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Uber & Lyft Offering Free/Discounted Rides on Election Day (Nov 6!)
• 11/15 Deadline - Call for Artwork for Breaking Ground Arts Issue
• Several Surveys Seeking Input
• An Extensive Calendar of Upcoming Events

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Welcome Aboard
• From Early Intervention to Preschool: A Toolkit for Parents
• What does early intervention look like?
• TRIAD Publishes Results of Study on Telediagnostic Service Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Central Office and Greater Nashville Relocation
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

The latest IEA (Individual Education Account) Program Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• 2017-18 Program Implementation Report
• Parent Information Sessions
• Private School Information Sessions
• 2018-19 IEA Program School Applications Update
• IEA Parent Resource Questionnaire
• Additional Resources for Parents
• Resources

If you have questions, please contact IEA.Questions@tn.gov

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Public Comment Period Thru Nov 30 on Postsecondary Readiness Courses
• The rule requiring that parents receive a copy of a draft IEP (if one is created) before the IEP meeting will go into effect during the Spring 2019 semester.
• There's a new Accessibility Guide for TNReady
• School Psychology Internship Grants
• Trauma-Informed Schools Announced
• CPM IDEA Monitoring Coordinator
• IEP Monitoring Pilot
• Results-based Monitoring
• Call for Textbook Reviewers
• Middle TN State University Professional Development Opportunities
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory County for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Note from Executive Director
• 10/25, Knoxville - Legislative Disability Committee's 'Listening Tour'
• 10/27, Greeneville - Council Member Organizes Family Workshop
• New TN Dept. of Mental Health Council Representative, Mark Liverman
• 11/15 Deadline - Call for Artwork for Breaking Ground Arts Issue
• News from Our Partners
• 10/23, Knoxville - Disability Employment Breakfast
• 10/25, Nashville - Disability Rights TN's Employment Awareness Luncheon
• 10/29 Rhea County Transition Tennessee Community Conversation
• 11/1 Maryville Transition Tennessee Community Conversation
• TN Early Intervention System Online Referral Form
• TN Disability MegaConference Call for Artwork
• New Plain Language "Employment First" Toolkit
• SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) Voting Toolkit and Resources
• Your Input Needed!
• Until 10/26 - TennCare Asking for Feedback on Work Requirements 
• Surveys for Siblings of People with Disabilities and their Partners ("Sibs-in-Law")
• TN Arts Commission Access to the Arts Survey
• By 11/30 - Transition Tennessee Survey for Parents
• Transition Tennessee Survey for Special Educators
• 2018 Election/Voting Deadlines
• Upcoming Events
• East TN
• Middle TN (+ Statewide Conferences in Middle)
• West TN
• Free Webinars
• Outside TN
• Other recent news from the Council

The October 2018 Issue of EP-Magazine is now available.

This Employment & Transition Issue features:

• Raising Expectations for Youth with Disabilities
• Transitioning from High School to Employment
• The Retail Dive and Transitioning to Employment

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/2Oxffmn

Briana Harris is from Henderson, Tennessee, and currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a lead teacher at Cambridge Early Learning Center, which is part of the Metro Nashville Public Schools system. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She began her early learning career in Nashville as an educational assistant and interim teacher at the Martha O’Bryan Center. She is passionate about early childhood education, her family, and her three dogs!

ED: How did you begin your career in early learning and development?

BH: I’ve known since I was in kindergarten that I wanted to work in early childhood education. I had a difficult childhood. My experiences caused me to be a fragile child and I didn’t trust new people and was afraid of new situations. My kindergarten experience was critical for me. Was school going to be okay? Was it a safe place? I didn’t attend preschool, so kindergarten was my first school experience. My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Emily Brown, was everything I needed her to be for me as a child. She and her classroom were my safe place when I really needed one. I so clearly remember the love, grace, patience, and kindness I experienced that first year in school. She gave me a sense of belonging in a world that terrified me and I knew that I wanted to be just like her. I wanted to be a teacher and wanted to do for other children what she had done for me. She had the power to help me love school or hate school and I knew I wanted the opportunity to make children’s first year of school positive and meaningful. Click here to continue reading.

Kindergarten is such a memorable experience for children and their family members, and it is the beginning of a child's formal educational career. Kindergarten provides opportunities for children to grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially and academically, and for many families, it is an exciting and sometimes challenging time. Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. It is a new experience for both the child and the parents, and change can be somewhat challenging at first. This is especially important for families of children with special needs. Effective transition planning requires teamwork among parents, educators, and others. By planning ahead and thinking about the ways you can support your child in this new adventure, you can make the transition to Kindergarten a smooth one for your child and your family. Click here for resources to help in your transition planning.

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Update: Amendment to Special Education Programs and Services-Parent Participation
• Call for Textbook Reviewers
• Updated: Revised High School Policy FAQ
• Middle Tennessee State University Professional Development Opportunities
• Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Note from Executive Director
• Letter to the Editor about DD Councils
• Council Sponsors Video on Employment and Community First CHOICES
• Council Presents at Tullahoma Parent Summit
• Council Trains Vocational Rehabilitation Leaders
• 10/20 - Council Sponsors Dickson Family Outreach Day
• 10/25, Knoxville - Legislative Disability Committee's 'Listening Tour'
• 10/27, Greeneville - Council Member Organizes Family Workshop
• Call for Artwork - Breaking Ground
• News from Our Partners
• 10/15 - Bristol & Greeneville Community Conversations on Transition to Adulthood
• 10/17 - The Arc TN launching Clarksville Family group
• 10/23, Knoxville - Disability Employment Breakfast
• 10/25, Nashville - Disability Rights TN's Employment Awareness Luncheon
• 11/8-11/10, Nashville - Scholarships for Families from Diverse Backgrounds to Attend Arc Convention
• Your Input Needed!
• Until 10/26 - TennCare Asking for Feedback on Work Requirements Surveys for Siblings of People with Disabilities and their Partners ("Sibs-in-Law")
• TN Arts Commission Access to the Arts Survey
• Transition Tennessee Survey for Parents
• Transition Tennessee Survey for Special Educators
• Transition Tennessee Searching for Self-Advocates for Video Series
• 2018 Election/Voting Deadlines
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

October is Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month.

Nicola—a mom of three and an advocate—and her son Dylan, a college sophomore, share what has made their journey unique in hopes of inspiring others. Below, they take turns asking questions and telling their story.  Click here to continue reading.

Transition Tennessee invites parents and caregivers across Tennessee to participate in a short survey on the needs of their child(ren) with disabilities (ages 14-22) preparing for future jobs, training, or college after high school.  

Transition Tennessee is a collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Education, Vanderbilt University’s Department of Special Education, and TennesseeWorks. Coordinators will randomly select 50 parents or caregivers who complete the survey to receive a $20 gift card. The survey takes less than 20 minutes and Transition Tennessee will share new resources with participants on how to support their child’s transition to college or the workplace.  

A full description of the study and the survey can be found here.

For more information, contact the Transition Tennessee team at http://www.transitiontn.org/contact.

Join in the "Community Conversations" in Bristol and Greeneville

10/15/2018 from 9:30 – 11:00 Bristol Tennessee City Schools is hosting a community conversation at the Tennessee High School Cafeteria for all interested persons in the area.  This conversation will focus on factors that need to be in place to ensure that all students with and without disabilities in Bristol are well prepared for their future careers.  Breakfast pastries and coffee will be served.  To register, please sign up at https://tinyurl.com/BristolConversation.  

10/15/2018 from 5:00- 6:30 PM Greene County is hosting a community conversation at the Greene Tech Center for all interested persons in the area.  This conversation will focus on factors that need to be in place to ensure that students with disabilities in Greene are well prepared for their future careers. Snacks and beverages will be served. To register, please sign up at https://tinyurl.com/GreeneConversation.

October is Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month.

Have you ever sat in a classroom and your teacher asks everyone to read a paragraph out loud? You skim through to see which paragraph has the easiest words to read out loud.That was me.

I was the young girl shaking in my boots when I knew I had to read out loud. Often, I would try to identify the “easy” paragraph, and if I couldn’t find one, I would make the class laugh by getting myself into trouble and taking the pressure off me. I was scared, although everyone thought I was the girl who didn’t fear anything and was tough. I was scared because I saw others do things that I struggled with. Middle school was hard for me. Not only was I dealing with social pressure, but keeping up with my academics was a lot of work in and of itself.  Click here to continue reading.

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Central Office and Greater Nashville Relocation
• East Tennessee District Teaming and Collaboration Spotlight
• CDC Developmental Milestones
• Leading From the Middle: The FISH! Philosophy
• TEIS Online Referrals
• Welcome Aboard
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

These four family guides are designed to explain the dispute resolution options under Part C of the IDEA: mediation, written state complaints and the due process complaint and hearing procedures specific to families with infants or toddlers with disabilities (Birth through Age 2). The companion resource, "Quick Guide to Early Intervention Dispute Resolution Processes for Infants & Toddlers (Birth through Age 2)" offers a side-by-side look at dispute resolution options under Part C of the IDEA.    

CADRE developed the four Family Guides and the Quick Comparison Chart with the support of OSEP and Parent Leaders from across the country.   

Get the guides here: https://www.cadreworks.org/resources/idea-early-intervention-family-guides/

The latest OSEP Update is out from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

In This Issue:

• Top News: Rethinking Special Education
• Inside OSEP: Ruth's Report
• Results Driven Accountability: What's Due and What's New
• Dose of Data: State Data Displays Now Available!
• Early Childhood Check-in: New Webinar! Creating a Culture of Data Use
• Update From ED! Comments Requested on Comprehensive Centers Program Priorities
• Open Funding Opportunity for Building Strong Birth-to-Five Mixed Delivery Systems
• Resources for You: IEP Implementation and Intensive Interventions
• Research News: Listening Fatigue for Students With Hearing Loss
• Collaboration Corner: Assessments and Meetings
• Voices From the Field: Tennessee Early Educator
• Engage With Us! Social Media and More

As parents of children with special needs, it may be known that special education services are available as their children enter presechool and elementary school. This document helps to inform parents of exactly how to obtain and navigate through these services during these formative years, how to make it a positive experience for their child, as well as their rights as a parent.

Link: http://sdrc.org/wordpress/wp-content/media/2013/06/ESSpecEdEng.pdf

Source: The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE).

CADRE recently published a quick guide (September 2018) that explains each of the different options under Part C of the IDEA for resolving a dispute concerning families of infants and toddlers in the special education system. A side-by-side look at the different dispute options: IFSP facilitation, mediation, written state complaints, due process complaint and hearing procedures, and the resolution meeting will assist families involved in or new to the process.

Link:  https://www.cadreworks.org/sites/default/files/resources/Part%20C%20DR%20Comparison%20Chart-FINAL%208-23-18.pdf

ABOUT THIS SHOW:  Each episode of the Intentional Partnerships Podcast offers an on-the-ground perspective from real people exploring their shared values around family engagement. Over the 11-episode season, you’ll hear from teachers, parents, district administrators, early childhood educators, family support professionals, and parent educators about their hard-earned successes and complex challenges. Most importantly, you’ll hear about their ongoing interactions as partners in this important work.

Check back every other week for a new episode. 

SEASON 1: Starting the Conversation (Newest episodes are listed first)

Link:  https://parentsasteachers.org/podcast-intentional-partnerships?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Making an IEP binder is a great way to keep information organized and at the ready when you need it. An IEP binder can help you prepare for IEP meetings and stay up to date on your child’s progress. This powerful tool can also help you communicate and collaborate with teachers and your child’s IEP team. Here’s what you need to get started:

• A three-ring binder
• Six tabbed section dividers
• A three-hole punch

Our friends at Understood have created a pretty cool system and have made all of the parts easy to download.

You can read the entire article, watch a video about how it works and grab the pages here: https://u.org/2QqfCfD.

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Update: Effective Date of the Amendment to Special Education Programs and Services-Parent Participation
• Alternate Academic Diploma Facilitator Guide
• Assistant General Counsel for Civil Rights and Special Populations
• IDEAL Intern
• Secondary Special Educators and Transition Teachers in Tennessee: Your Voice is Needed
• 2018-19 IEA Program Enrollment Update
• 2018-19 Results-based Monitoring Notifications
• 2018-19 New Desktop Monitoring Process
• 2018-19 Monitoring Update
• 2019 PIE Conference Request for Proposals
• WBL Certification/Recertification Networking Event
• Funding Opportunity: School Based Behavioral Health Liaison Program
• EasyIEP Summer Updates
• Middle Tennessee State University Professional Development Opportunities
• Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest OSEP Update is out from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

In This Issue:

• Top News: OSEP's Next Virtual Symposium is Oct. 15
• !Inside OSEP: Ruth's Report
• Results Driven Accountability: What's Due and What's New
• Dose of Data: New Resources for Meaningful Data
• Early Childhood Check-in: Highlights From the Latest Child and Family Outcomes Data
• Open Funding Opportunity From OSEP
• Resources for You: New Letters, Literacy Tools, and State- and Parent-focused Webinars
• Research News: Strengthening Reading Instruction
• Collaboration Corner: Upcoming Collaborative Meetings on ESSA Implementation and More
• Voices From the Field: Dan Gaffney on Oregon's Preschool Improvement and Expansion
• Engage With Us! Social Media and More

In most families, the first day of school triggers excitement and anxiety. In families who choose an inclusive setting for their child with disabilities, there is concern about their child being accepted, the program seeing their child’s strengths as well as challenges, and the program’s readiness to welcome a child with special needs. Inclusive settings should be the first option to be considered for young children with disabilities. But what should parents look for as they seek quality inclusive early childhood programs for their child? Listed here are 10 questions to ask about a program and corresponding indicators of a quality inclusive program.

Link: https://www.dpcolo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Quality-Inclusive-Early-Childhood-Programs_10-Things-to-Look-For.pdf

On August 20, 2018, parents, who are COPAA members, received an overwhelming victory in a swiftly delivered opinion from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in L.H. v. Hamilton Cty. Dept. of Educ., regarding their child’s right to be educated in his least restrictive environment (LRE), a decision which the school district’s counsel referred to at oral argument as “arguably the most important special education case heard by the Sixth Circuit in the past thirty-five years.”

The Sixth Circuit’s opinion affirmed the district court decision finding that the school district violated IDEA when it demanded that a second-grade student with Down syndrome be removed from his general education classroom in his neighborhood school to a segregated special education classroom comprised solely of children with disabilities at another school.  Rejecting the school district’s argument that L.H. could receive a more “meaningful educational benefit” from placement in the special education classroom at the separate school, the Sixth Circuit reiterated that the LRE is a “separate and different” measure than that of “substantive educational benefits” and that, “in some cases, a placement which may be considered better for academic reasons may not be appropriate because of the failure to provide for mainstreaming.” 

The Sixth Circuit then cited the Supreme Court’s recent Endrew F. decision which measures for “appropriate progress based on the unique circumstances of the child for whom it was created” in affirming the district court’s holding that, “What the IDEA implies, the case law makes explicit: a child need not master the general-education curriculum for mainstreaming to remain a viable option.  Rather, the appropriate yardstick is whether the child, with appropriate supplemental aides and services, can make progress toward the IEP’s goals in the regular education setting.” 

Additionally, in a stern condemnation of the school district’s actions in violating L.H.’s right to be educated his LRE, the Sixth Circuit stated that the school district’s approach “is the type of approach that the IDEA was designed to remedy, not encourage or protect.”  The Sixth Circuit further explained that “these actions at Normal Park [L.H.’s zoned school] do not demonstrate a failure of mainstreaming as a concept, but a failure of L.H.’s teachers and the other HCDE staff to properly engage in the process of mainstreaming L.H. rather than isolating and removing him when the situation became challenging.”

After affirming the district court’s decision with respect to L.H.’s LRE, the Sixth Circuit then addressed the parents’ right to reimbursement for his private education at the Montessori school where L.H. was educated alongside his typically developing same-age peers in the general education classroom for the past five years while litigation was pending.  Relying in large part on the contributions of the parents’ expert, and COPAA member, Dr. Kathleen Whitbread, the Sixth Circuit found that while the Montessori method is not as “structured” as public school, at the Montessori school L.H. was included in the general education classroom with his non-disabled peers, received personalized curriculum, and a paraprofessional dedicated to him, such that he was working well with instructional support and making academic progress.  Accordingly, the Sixth Circuit held that L.H.’s private school meet the standard for reimbursement under IDEA because even though it did not replicate all of the public school’s standards, it met Endrew F.’s requirement that it be “reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress in light of the child’s circumstances.”  Therefore, the Sixth Circuit reversed the district court’s decision denying reimbursement to the parents and remanded the case back to the district court to determine the appropriate amount of reimbursement.

Yesterday's decision clearly supports the argument made in the amicus brief COPAA filed in January. This was a tremendous victory on behalf of children with disabilities who strive to be educated in their general education classroom, as well as for COPAA members Justin Gilbert and Jessica Salonus, who tried the case below, and whom COPAA supported by filing an amicus brief on behalf of the parents.  

Read the 6th Circuit decision in L.H., et al. v. Hamilton Cty. Dep’t of Educ. 

Information provided by Jessica Salonus - Consulting Attorney, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) 

Jessica has been an active member of COPAA for a number of years prior to recently joining COPAA as a contractual attorney.  She graduated with honors with a degree in Management from Louisiana State University and with honors from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law with her law degree, where she was also the Managing Editor of the Law Review. 

Parent involvement in education is like the frosting on a cupcake, it makes it complete and oh so sweet.      

To be involved, parents and family members need information. STEP, Inc. collaborated with the Tennessee Department of Education on new information guides that families can use to become informed, empowered, and engaged in their child’s education.

The Tennessee “Say Dyslexia” law requires school districts to screen all students for characteristics of dyslexia. The new Dyslexia Overview for Parents one-page guide includes information about the  law, school obligations, the screening process, tips for parents, and resources.  The “Say Dyslexia” Law Overview for School Districts provides requirements of the “Say Dyslexia” law, universal screening process summary, continuum of programming, and resources

Dyslexia Overview for Parents

"Say Dyslexia" Law - Overview for School Districts

This Quick Guide to Parent Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education is an overview of some of the provisions of special education. It is designed  to assist families in understanding their rights and responsibilities in the special education process. Parents of children who receive or may be eligible for special education services have rights under both the TN Rule 0520-01-09 and The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2014). An important part of these laws provides parents with the right to participate in their children’s education.

Quick Guide to Parents Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education

____________________________

What can you do with the information in these Information Guides?

Prepare questions you have for your next IEP team meeting. Ask your child’s teacher how your child is doing in reading compared to their peers. Share the guides with families, administrators, and educators

Please contact a member of the STEP Team if we can be of assistance in understanding your rights.

• EAST TENNESSEE - 423.639.0125, ext. 17 beth.smith@tnstep.org  
• MIDDLE TENNESSEE  - 615.463.2310 patricia.valladares@tnstep.org viviana.aureille@tnstep.org  
• WEST TENNESSEE - 901.726.4334 shuntea.price@tnstep.org  
• ESPAÑOL - 1.800.975.2919 or 423.290.3391 dorca.rose@tnstep.org  
• POST SECONDARY TRANSITION SPECIALIST/ YOUTH EDUCATOR & MENTOR - 615.693.2547  joey.ellis@tnstep.org    
• GENERAL INFORMATION - 800.280.7837 information@tnstep.org

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Welcome back from Assistant Commissioner Theresa Nicholls!
• Reminder: Amendment to Special Education Programs and Services-Parent Participation
• Defining Significant Disproportionality in Tennessee: Revisions to the Calculation
• EasyIEP Summer Updates
• Results-based Monitoring 2018-19
• "Say Dyslexia" Law Overview Documents for Districts and Parents
• Speech-Language Surveys
• Technical Assistance for School Social Workers
• 2018-19 High School RTI2 Communities of Practice
• Supporting Individual Learning Plans for English Learners - School Administrator Edition
• Special Education Professional Development Opportunities
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

Familias en Tennessee ya tenemos el taller de Derechos Básicos en Español disponible en DVD, si no puede asistir a un taller, contáctenos al 1-800-975-2919 y se lo enviaremos por correo!

As you may know, we offer the Basic Rights workshop in Spanish. What happens if you cannot attend a workshop? Contact us at 1-800-975-2919 and we will mail a DVD of the training to you!

Don't forget to reference our Special Needs Resource Directory for any of your needs! The directory ranges from products and services to government programs and scholarships.

Link for TN Resources:  https://www.eparent.com/special-needs-resource-directory/wpbdp_category/products-services/wpbdm-region/tennessee/

Nevertheless, researchers have rarely examined what parents know, and want to know, about parenting and child development, how they prefer to receive such information, and how their knowledge and preferences may vary across different groups of parents. To address this gap, Child Trends conducted a study on parenting knowledge that included two components: (1) a comprehensive review of the literature on parenting knowledge; and (2) focus groups with parents from diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. We focused especially on parents’ perceptions of their knowledge of children’s social-emotional and physical development, as early parent-child relationships form primarily through caregivers’ intensive efforts to meet the social-emotional and physical needs of their infants and toddlers.

This research-to-practice brief highlights findings from Child Trends’ study of first-time parents of young children (under age 3) and their knowledge about parenting and child development.

Click here to download publication.

Link: https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ParentingKnowledge_ChildTrends_July2018.pdf

The latest OSEP Update is out from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

In This Issue:

• Inside OSEP: Ruth's Report
• Results Driven Accountability: What's Due and What's New
• Dose of Data: New Resources for Meaningful Data
• Early Childhood Check-in: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Learners
• Resources for You: Engaging and Empowering Families, and More
• Funding Opportunities From OSEP
• Research News: Special Education Research Grants!
• Collaboration Corner: Resources for State Assessments
• Voices From the Field: Impressive Stories From the OSERS Blog
• Engage With Us! Social Media and More    

Serving children ages 1 to 5 and their families in Maury and Montgomery Counties.

Parenting preschoolers isn’t always easy. When behavioral issues become serious or prolonged, Centerstone Early Childhood Services can help. The Regional Intervention Program (RIP) is a parent-implemented, professionally-supported program for young children and their families who are experiencing challenging behaviors. Since 1969 this unique, internationally-recognized program has guided parents in learning the skills to work with their own children while they receive training and support from experienced RIP families.

Click here for program information.

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Amendment to Special Education Programs and Services-Parent Participation
• Reminder: Prior Written Notice
• Determining Basis for Extended School Year (ESY) Services
• Speech-Language Surveys
• RTI2 Next Steps for High School Implementation and Support
• Reminder About Significant Disproportionality
• Special Education Professional Development Opportunities
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

Early intervention is crucial for providing a good education to children with special needs. Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) helps families with children who have disabilities or developmental delays connect to the supports and services they need.   

Make a Referral to TEIS

• You may make a referral to TEIS by:
• calling (800) 852-7157,
• completing our online referral form, or
• calling your local district office listed on the TEIS main page.

Please provide the following information:

• your name and contact information,
• the child’s name, date of birth, county the child lives in,
• parent information (if someone other than the parent calls), and
• the reason for referral or developmental concern.

Eligibility

Information from the child’s doctor as well as the results of a developmental test will determine if a child meets the eligibility criteria in Tennessee. Read more about eligibility requirements.

How Much Does TEIS Cost?

Tennessee has a system of payment process in place to ensure that supports and services are provided in a way that will not create a financial hardship for families. Read more about the TEIS system of payment.

More Information for Parents

Learn more about TEIS services for families with children ages birth through two years of age with disabilities and developmental delays.

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Share Input about our Communications
• Disability Voter Registration Week
• Council Members Work Together to Solve Accessibility Barrier
• Council Presents to Govt. Professionals on Inclusive Public Meetings
• News from Our Partners
• Celebrate the ADA's Anniversary
• Video about Employment and Day Services Changes under DIDD Waivers
• Volunteer Advocacy Project - Family Training Program
• August Enabling Technology Forums in Crossville, Franklin
• Upcoming EventsOther recent news from the Council

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Reminder About Significant Disproportionality
• Speech-Language Resources: Assessments to Inform Eligibility and Present Levels
• RTI2 Listening Tour Takeaways and Next Steps 
• Resource: Warning Signs of Child Abuse
• Summer Professional Development on Writing Effective Present Levels of Educational Performance
• Summer Implementing the Alternate Academic Diploma Training
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Note from Executive Director Wanda Willis
• New Council Member Alicia Hall
• New Commission on Aging and Disability representative to the Council
• Council Co-Hosts 2nd Youth Leadership Academy with Empower Tennessee
• NPR features Council-led 'Partners in Policymaking' program; New TN 'Partners' Video
• Council Trains Vocational Rehabilitation Staff, Families
• Transition TN: Archived Webinar on Supported Decision Making
• News from Our Partners
• July 17 - Amerigroup Project SEARCH Information Night
• July 18 - Inaugural Middle TN Assistive Technology Reutilization Open House
• July 19 - Youth Advisory Council Open House
• July 19 - STEP-TN Webinar on Alternate Academic Diploma
• August Enabling Technology Forums in Crossville, Franklin
• Upcoming Events Other recent news from the Council
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Southwest Special Education Consultant
• Provisional Endorsements for Special Education
• High-Cost Reimbursement Requests
• Summer Professional Development on Writing Effective Present Levels of Educational Performance
• Summer Implementing the Alternate Academic Diploma Training
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Council Presents to The Arc of the Great Smokies Parent Support Group,Teens
• Council Exhibits & Presents to Young Adult Deaf-Blind Transition Institute
• Long Term Council Impact: Chattanooga’s Inclusive Sports Group Prepares for Triathlon
• 2nd Annual Southeast Adult Autism Symposium - Early Bird Registration ends 6/30
• News from Our Partners
• STEP-TN Trainings, Webinar on Alternate Academic Diploma
• TennesseeWorks Blog: TN Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Enabling Technology Forums, Summit
• TN Statewide Plan for Independent Living Survey - Deadline 7/30
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest OSEP Update is out from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

In This Issue:

• Top News: June 18 Symposium Now Available!
• Inside OSEP: Ruth's Report
• Results Driven Accountability: What's Due and What's New
• Dose of Data: New Resource for Meaningful Data
• Early Childhood Check-in: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Learners
• Resources for You: Personnel Preparation, Intensive Intervention, and Comprehensive Resource Portal
• Research News: Condition of Education Report
• Collaboration Corner: Upcoming State Convenings
• Voices From the Field: Maryland Parent and Parent Educator Rene Averitt-Sanzone
• Engage With Us!

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• 6/25 Transition TN Supported Decision Making Webcast
• Tennesseans Attend National Self Advocacy Conference, sponsored by the Council
• Youth Leadership Forum Graduate earns Master's degree
• Partners Graduate selected for 'Leadership Brentwood'
• Archived STEP-TN Webinar about the Council
• News from Our Partners
• DIDD Family Support Program Accepting Applications for FY2019
• TN's TBI program selected for a Mentor State Grant
• Final Employment and Community First CHOICES Listening Sessions
• Enabling Technology Forums, Summit
• Giles County/South Central Disability Resource Fair - Sept. 8
• Volunteer Advocacy Project Expansion
• TN Statewide Plan for Independent Living Survey - Deadline 7/30
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

Primavera 2018

Desde el escritorio de la Directora Ejecutiva

¡Finalmente la primavera llegó! Hay tantas decisiones que tomar ahora que el clima está caliente. Usted puede estar pensando en qué flores plantar, a dónde ir de vacaciones, o un nuevo libro que desee leer mientras se relaja en la terraza bajo el sol de la tarde. Yo mismo, estoy tomando decisiones sobre mi primer viaje a Europa e ir de aventura por Roma en la parte trasera de una motoneta Vespa. Los mantendré informados sobre cómo resulta esto.

Como padres y cuidadores de niños y jóvenes con discapacidades, parece que el número de decisiones que se tomarán es interminable. En esta edición del boletín de STEP, vamos a enfocar nuestra información en tres áreas:

• Planificación del Programa de Educación Individualizado (IEP, por sus siglas en inglés) para lograr que las metas y los objetivos tengan buenos resultados;
• Opciones de graduación y decisiones sobre la universidad, la carrera profesional y la vida independiente después de la escuela secundaria; y
• Como tomar decisiones más informadas

En realidad, estas áreas no están separadas sino totalmente vinculadas. Cada decisión tomada en una reunión del IEP impacta los resultados de la vida del estudiante con una discapacidad. A su vez, los resultados de la vida de cada niño y joven con discapacidad dependen de las elecciones y decisiones que se toman. Exploraremos la información actual y los recientes eventos relacionados con:

• Cómo la decisión de la Corte Suprema del 2017 afecta el IEP
• Una nueva opción de diploma en TN: Diploma Académico Alternativo
• Legislación reciente en Tennessee con respecto a la Toma de Decisiones

Después de leer esta información, es posible que tenga que tomar algunas decisiones. ¿Cómo usarla? ¿Cómo podemos ayudarlo?

El equipo de STEP está disponible para proporcionar capacitación, información y asistencia para educación especial!

¡Feliz primavera!

Karen Harrison

Haga clic aquí para continuar leyendo en Español

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Council presents at Camp Empower, MePower
• New 'Partners in Policymaking' Video -- Jen Vogus, 2007 Grad
• Council Policy Director on 6/25 Transition TN Webcast on Supported Decision Making
• News from Our Partners
• 6/18 Public Comment Deadline on Changes to DIDD Waivers
• Employment and Community First CHOICES Listening Sessions
• Weigh in on TN Disability Pathfinder website
• Upcoming Enabling Technology Forums, Summit
• Volunteer Advocacy Project Expansion
• TN Statewide Plan for Independent Living Survey - Deadline 7/30
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• East Tennessee Special Education Consultant
• Did you know? Timelines for Children Transitioning from Part C to Part B
• Tennessee Mental Health Collaborative
• 2018-19 IEA Program Applications Update
• Special Education Preschool Classrooms: VPK Instructional Materials Alignment
• High-Cost Reimbursement Requests
• Summer Professional Development on Writing Effective Present Levels of Educational Performance
• Summer Implementing the Alternate Academic Diploma Training
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this isue:

• 55 Years of the Developmental Disabilities Act
• Career Connections - A Partnership between Breakthrough
• Corporation and Knoxville's American Job Center
• Camp EmPower, MePower: An adult learning experience - a camp for adults with disabilities coordinated by the Down Sydrome Association of West TN in Jackson
• Enabling Technology: Modernizing supports for people with disabilities
• Enabling Technology: A parent’s perspective
• Partners 2017-18 Class Graduates
• What Independent Living Is (and is not) - by Empower Tennessee Program Director Paul Choquette
• Partners 2018 Annual Reunion Conference
• Martin McGrath: An independent living story
• Remembering Council Member and Partners Graduate Douglass Hall
• New Council Member Craig W. Lemak

Anyone can sign up to receive a print copy by mail or a PDF version by email by sending their home or email address to mildred.sparkman@tn.gov or by calling the Council offices at 615-532-6615.

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Early Intervention Resource Agency Spotlight; Grundy County
• Welcome Aboard
• Building Strong Brains video Series, Episode 3
• "Wondering" with Parents from the Early Intervention strategies for Success
• 2018 Building Best Practice Conference
• New Reports Available on TEIS Website
• Early childhood Outcomes Data Walkthrough
• Fiscal Services Highlights

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Building Strong Brains Video Series, Episode 4
• 11 Things a Millennial Parent Wished a Generation-X Early Interventionist Provider Knew
• New Help and Support Available for Applicants for Infant Mental health Endorsement
• The Struggle is Real...Important
• Welcome Aboard!
• TEIS Fiscal Services Team Highlights
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Note from Executive Director Wanda Willis: Council Trainings, Scholarship Fund
• Scholarship Fund Provides Help for Attending Disability Conferences
• New Training Request Form on our Website
• Training DCS, self-advocates & families about Supported Decision Making
• Partners in Policymaking Video: 2018 Graduate Angelica Allsup
• June 7 STEP-TN Webinar on the Council
• News from Our Partners
• TN Statewide Plan for Independent Living Survey
• June Listening Sessions for Employment & Community First (ECF) Members, Families
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

https://mailchi.mp/85f2ce257524/5-23-2018?

The TNSPDG initiative is committed to providing quality, inclusive early childhood programs to help children be successful in general education environments. To do this, professional development is provided through SPDG initiatives to support the work of districts toward increasing inclusive practices for 3-5-year-old children with disabilities and by addressing needs around improving and sustaining high-quality early childhood classrooms.

TN STEP’s newest Lunchtime Leaders webinar "Preschool Inclusion and Kindergarten Readiness" explores educational placement options for preschoolers, best practices in quality preschool classrooms and strategies families can use to be prepared participants in planning educational services for their children with special needs.

Click here for the archived webinar

Presented by:  Colleen Van Dyke, IDEA 619 Consultant, East Tennessee TN Dept. of Education, Division of Special Populations and Student Support 

Karen Harrison, Executive Director, Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP, Inc.).

This webinar is a collaborative project of the Tennessee Department of Education State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) and STEP, Inc. (Support and Training for Exceptional Parents), Tennessee's Parent & Youth Training and Information Center.

Spring Edition 2018

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Spring is in the air--finally! There are so many decisions to be made now that the weather is warming up. You may be thinking about what flowers to plant, where to head on vacation, or a new book you want to read as you relax on the deck in the afternoon sunshine. I am making decisions about my first ever trip to Europe and the wisdom of touring Rome on the back of a Vespa! I will keep you posted on how that turns out.

As parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities, it seems that the number of decisions to be made are endless. In this edition of the STEP Ahead newsletter, we are going to focus our information on three areas where parents and young people have lots of decisions to make.

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning for goals and objective to lead to good outcomes;
• Graduation options and decisions about college, career, and independent living after high school; and
• Making informed choices

In reality, these areas are not separate but linked. Each decision made at an IEP meeting impacts the life outcomes of the student with a disability. In turn, the life outcomes of each child and young person with a disability is shaped by the choices and decisions that are made. We will explore current information and recent developments related to:

• How the 2017 Supreme Court decision impacts IEP’s
• A new diploma option in TN: The Alternate Academic Diploma
• Recent legislation in Tennessee regarding Supported Decision Making

After reading this information you may have some decisions to make. How will you use it? How can we help? The STEP team is available to provide training, information, and special education assistance!

Happy Spring!

Karen Harrison

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• A Message from Assistant Commissioner Nicholls
• Special Education Preschool Classrooms: VPK Instructional Materials Alignment
• Math Resources: Assessments to Inform Present Levels
• Student-centered Funding Pilot
• Endrew F. One Year Later
• IEP Self-monitoring Vendor Selected
• 2017-18 IDEA Discretionary Grant Monitoring 
• Free Technical Assistance for Districts
• TRIAD School Age Services
• Registration Open: Path of Choice Mini-Conference
• Cortical Visual Impairment Training
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Borderless Arts Tennessee Upcoming Opportunities
• Friends on the Block Workshop
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities
• Special Populations Professional Development Request

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Friday Last Chance to Apply for Middle TN Youth Leadership Academy
• TN Council’s role in shaping services featured in national report
• Sharing Our Resources at Knoxville Transition Fair
• Join us next week at TN Disability MegaConference, May 24-25!
• Register for June 7 STEP-TN Webinar Featuring the Council
• News from Our Partners
• May 23 TN Lifespan Respite Summit
• TN Statewide Plan for Independent Living: Survey, Community Conversations
• Enrolled in Employment and Community First CHOICES?
• Share Your Experiences
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Youth Leadership Academy Application Deadline 5/18
• Council on Developmental Disabilities Membership Met
• Training Support Coordinators on Supported Decision Making
• June 7 STEP-TN Webinar to Learn More about the Council
• TN Disability MegaConference, May 24-25
• News from Our Partners
• Service Dog Photography Show by Partners graduate Jen Vogus
• Blue Cross: 'Employment and Community First CHOICES' Success Story
• Statewide Independent Living Plan: Weigh In via Survey, Community Conversations
• Listening Sessions for Employment and Community First CHOICES
• Project SEARCH at Amerigroup Nashville Information Night
• Transition Tennessee Offering Free Technical Assistance to School Districts
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council  

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Associate General Counsel for Special Education
• State Systemic Improvement Plan Biannual Update
• Prevalence of Autism Continues to Rise
• School-based Medicaid Billing Companies
• Teacher Leaders: Taking Action to Ensure All Means All
• Free Technical Assistance for Districts
• Defining Significant Disproportionality in Tennessee: Revisions to the Calculation
• High School RTI2 Communities of Practice
• Dyslexia Reporting Requirements
• Special Education Supervisors Conference Update
• Borderless Arts Tennessee Upcoming Opportunities
• Friends on the Block Workshop
• Special Populations Professional Development Request
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Check out our new TN Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute Video
• Apply by May 18 for our June Youth Leadership Academy hosted with Empower TN!
• Council Member Organizes Workshop on Supported Decision Making in Greeneville
• Mark Your Calendars: 6/7/18 STEP-TN Webinar about the Council
• TN Disability MegaConference, May 24-25
• Call for Success Stories: "Exploration" & "Discovery" Employment Services
• News from Our Partners
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council   

A Note from The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities' Executive Director Wanda Willis about the Youth Leadership Academy

Dear readers,

Helping Tennesseans with disabilities, family members and those who serve people with disabilities become strong community leaders and advocates is one of our core goals here at the Council. This week, I want to highlight an upcoming opportunity for youth leadership training.

This year's Youth Leadership Academy, our second annual one, will focus on helping participants develop their own disability identity, sharpen their advocacy skills, learn about self-determination, and discuss strategies for making informed choices.

It will be in Nashville on June 27-28 for young adults with disabilities ages 14-24. We are partnering with one of the state's Centers for Independent Living, Empower Tennessee in Middle TN, for this year's Academy.

Download the Youth Leadership Academy flier

Download the Youth Leadership Academy Introduction Letter

Download the Youth Leadership Academy Application or Click here to apply online

Questions? Please contact Council Partners in Policymaking Director Ned Andrew Solomon at ned.solomon@tn.gov or 615-532-6556.

Many thanks,

Wanda Willis
Executive Director of the TN Council on Developmental Disabilties

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 18, 2018

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and Amazon is excited to celebrate the most important women in everyone’s lives!  If you are looking for Mother’s Day gift ideas, be sure to check out their large selection of gifts for mom! 

This Mother's Day, shop for Mom at smile.amazon.com/ch/62-1739593 and Amazon will donate to Support and Training for Exceptional Parents Inc.

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• Building Strong Brains Video Series Episode 2
• Applied Behavior analysis, What is it?
• Autism Awareness: Why Early Detection Matters
• Federal Report Submissions- Agencies Seeking Developmental Evaluators
• Welcome Aboard
• TEIS Fiscal Services Team Highlights
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

The latest IEA (Individual Education Account) Program Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• 2018–19 Student & Private School Applications for the IEA Program
• Additional Resources for Parents
• Resources

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Monday is the deadline to apply for 2018-19 Partners in Policymaking
• Registration Open: Youth Leadership Academy hosted by the Council, Empower TN - June 27-28 in Nashville
• Council Member helps launch 'Take Me Home' disability safety program in Chattanooga
• Council Member Organizes Workshop on Supported Decision Making, Legal Issues for Greeneville-Area Families
• 2018 Partners Graduate Appointed to ADA Committee at UT in Memphis
• Webinars Featuring the Council
• Register today for TN Disability MegaConference in May
• Have you or your family member used "Exploration" or "Discovery" to Find Employment?
• News from Our Partners
• TN Housing Development Agency - Survey on Fair Housing
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council   

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Defining Significant Disproportionality in Tennessee: Revisions to the Calculation
• Gifted Micro-Credential
• High School RTI2 Communities of Practice
• Dyslexia Reporting Requirements
• Transition TN Webcast: It's about to be summer. Now what? 
• Friends on the Block Workshop
• Spring Fiscal Workshops
• Special Education Supervisors Conference
• Special Populations Professional Development Request
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.In this issue:
• Congratulations, 2017-18 Partners in Policymaking Graduates!
• One More Week to Apply for 2018-19 Partners in Policymaking
• Council sponsors TN Fair Housing Conference
• Register today for TN Disability MegaConference in May
• Have you or your family member used "Exploration" or "Discovery" to Find Employment?
• News from our Partners
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• April 30 Deadline to Apply for Partners in Policymaking
• Supported Decision Making
• Coordinated School Health Conference
• Call for Success Stories - Journey to Employment using Exploration, Discovery
• TN Disability MegaConference
• News from our Partners
• Upcoming Events -- Including the STEP-TN: Parent Advocacy Training for Legislative Change
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Now Open: Applications for 2018-19 Work-Based Learning (WBL) Leadership Council
• Alternate Academic Diploma Webinars
• New Tennessee School for the Deaf Opening in Nashville
• Required IDEA Timelines
• Dyslexia Reporting Requirements
• Coordinated Spending Guide Updated to Reflect Funding Options for Early Childhood Preschool Programs
• Reminder: High School Math Course of Study for Students with Disabilities 
• 2017-18 IDEA Discretionary Grant Monitoring
• 2017-18 IEP Monitoring Update
• 2017-18 IEP Monitoring Survey
• IDEA Part B Application for Federal Funds: Notice of Public Comment
• Preliminary Estimated 2018-19 ESSA/IDEA Allocations
• FUTURE Program
• Spring Fiscal Workshops
• Special Education Supervisors Conference
• WIDA Training: Introduction to the ELD Standards Framework
• Special Populations Professional Development Request
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities

In two weeks, the outdated Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 (Legacy) website will automatically redirect users to the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act website (new IDEA website).

So, set those bookmarks to https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ today!

While the Legacy site will redirect users to the new IDEA website on April 30, content from the Legacy site is available for reference on the new IDEA website’s "Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004" historical reference page.

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• Partners in Policymaking Reunion
• Training State Leaders, Social Workers on Supported Decision Making
• Council Member Karen West Leading Charge for Inclusive Park in Her Community
• TN Disability MegaConference Registration, Last chance to submit artwork
• New Inclusive Higher Education Report from TN Disability Networks
• News from our Partners
• Upcoming Events
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Education Association.

In this issue:

• State Spotlight: TEIS featured in national Technical Assistance Resource
• Early Intervention strategies for Success Blog
• Staff Transitions
• Building Strong Brains Video Series
• Early intervention Resource Agency Highlights
• Autism Navigator
• Vendors Needed
• Fiscal Team Highlights
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

The latest IEA (Individual Education Account) Program Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Launch of 2018–19 Student & Private School Applications for the IEA Program
• Expense Report Summary
• Additional Resources for Parents
• Resources

The latest Special Education Directors Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Speech-language and Related Services Coordinator
• Special Education Consultant Reorganization
• IDEA Part B Application for Federal Funds: Notice of Public Comment
• District Selections Made for SPDG 2.0: ACCESS to Instruction and Intervention
• High-Cost Reimbursement Requests
• Supplemental IDEA Funds Available
• Special Education Supervisors Conference
• Department Website Accessibility
• April State Board Meeting
• 2017-18 Results-based Self-assessment
• 2018-19 IEP Monitoring Pilot Survey
• Coordinated Spending Guide in ePlan
• New English Learner Resources
• 2018 LEAD Conference Call for Proposals
• The TNth Period: A New Education Podcast
• FUTURE Program
• Announcing the 2019 WIDA English Language Development
• Standards Draft Framework
• Southwest Region RTI2 Town Hall Rescheduled
• Spring Fiscal Workshops
• WIDA Training: Introduction to the ELD Standards Framework
• Southwest Region RTI2 Town Hall Rescheduled
• Annual RISE Conference
• Professional Development for Special Populations
• TRIAD Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities

The Tennessee IDEA Part B Application for Federal Funds (fiscal year July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019) will be posted for 60 days, March 16 - May 16.

Public comments will be accepted during the first 30 days, March 16 - April 16.

The application includes, but is not limited to, information regarding the use of IDEA funds and state-imposed requirements not required by IDEA or federal regulations.

You will find a PDF of the application at this link: https://www.tn.gov/…/legal/IDEAPartBApplication_03152018.pdf.

Comments may be submitted to Allison Davey via email, fax, or posted mail at:

Tennessee Department of Education

Division of Special Populations

Attn: Allison Davey

Andrew Johnson Tower, 11th Floor

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN 37243

Email: Allison.Davey@tn.gov

Fax: (615) 532-9412

The latest update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• STEP's 'Life After High School Secondary Transition' Survey
• Council News
• TN Disability MegaConference Registration, Art Contest Open
• Applications for Individualized Education Account Program
• Vanderbilt Family Residential and Respite Care Services Survey
• Upcoming Disability Events & Webinars

The MARCH 2018 Issue of EP-Magazine is now available.

This SCHOOLS and CAMPS features:

• Finding Camps for Children with Disabilities
• Turning Camp Staff and Volunteers into Caring Leaders
• Genetic Manipulation for Individuals with Disabilities
• Strengthening Families Voices at IEP Meetings

Exceptional Parent Magazine provides practical advice, emotional support and the most up-to-date educational information for families of children and adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Just click the link Read.ep-magazine.com.   Please pass this onto others who might be interested. Plus, all 34 previous months issues are available at this same link;  all available to read online, or to print.

The Tennessee IDEA Part B Application for Federal Funds (fiscal year July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019) will be posted for 60 days, March 16 - May 16.

Click here to download and share flyer

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March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Here at Enabling Devices, we're celebrating with a blog that  highlights some of the life-changing research being done to improve the lives of people with Cerebral Palsy.  

According to United Cerebral Palsy, CP is characterized by "a number of disorders affecting body movement, posture and muscle coordination Caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, CP usually occurs during fetal development; before, during or shortly after birth; during infancy; or during early childhood."  

READ MORE

Blog article from Enabling Devices

It’s January and the gyms are full. After all, there’s no more popular New Year’s resolution than getting in shape. Exercise is just as important for people with disabilities as it is for their non-disabled peers. Yet, creating an exercise routine when one has a disability can be complicated.

For example, people with blindness or visual impairment have unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their physical fitness.

Perhaps that’s why a new study by Dr. Keziah Latham, from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK found that visually impaired individuals are twice as likely to be inactive as sighted individuals. But that’s not the whole story.

The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes estimates that it has helped more than 100,000 men and women with vision loss become top athletes in the last 30 years. This figure is just for elite athletes. Millions more individuals with vision loss lead health-conscious, active lives, and they are participating in exercise programs, fitness groups, and activity clubs on a regular basis.”

With the right tools, and techniques, plus a healthy dose of motivation, the benefits of exercise are well within reach for most people with visual impairment and blindness. Here are some tips to help yourself or your loved one get into shape:

1. Discuss exercise options with your doctor

Prior to beginning an exercise routine, be sure to speak with your doctor. This is especially important for people with low vision says Vision Aware.org “since some medical and eye conditions can be affected by bending, lifting, straining, or rapid movement.”

2. Consider logistical issues 

Transportation challenges, inaccessible fitness centers, safety concerns and financial constraints are among the obstacles people with visual impairment and blindness face when designing exercise regimens. Researching transportation options, accessible fitness centers, home-exercise programs and apps will help you determine what makes the most sense for you.

3. Consider personal preferences

Not everyone enjoys the same types of exercise. Investigate fitness options to find the activities you will enjoy. When fitness is fun, you are more apt to continue exercising.

4. Find a partner or coach

“When first learning fitness techniques, work with a trainer,” Vision Aware recommends. “Do not exercise alone, especially when beginning a program, using new equipment, learning new movements, or an unfamiliar environment. A sighted fitness professional or exercise partner ensures safety while providing motivation and boosting confidence.” Though trainers with expertise in training people with disabilities aren’t easy to find, it’s worth checking out the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability’s (NCHPAD) database of personal trainers who have such expertise. Perhaps there’s someone who works in your area.

5. Find fitness programs especially created for blind and visually impaired

Programs like Blind Alive, offer cardio exercise, weight lifting, body sculpting, yoga, pilates, and more. “BlindAlive also offers an Entry Level Bundle for those who have little to no experience with exercise, or want to finally get back into the flow.” Each activity is presented with multiple challenge levels. Other programs such as Eyes Free Yoga and the United States Association of Blind Athletes’ video onadapting judo for the blindalso enable people with visual impairment to exercise independently in their own homes.

6. Investigate the availability of accessible equipment

Scifit creates fitness equipment for people with disabilities. Those with vision impairment or blindness will benefit from Scifit’s consoles which feature “high-contrast, non-reflective display that’s easy to read, tactile markings and tactile buttons and audible beeps to confirm selections.” If equipment at your fitness center isn’t accessible, you consider asking center employees to attach braille labels.

7. Set goals

Setting attainable, realistic goals is helpful to anyone seeking to become physically fit. Consult with a trainer or with online or print literature to create appropriate goals and objectives.

Article by Betty Bell from Enabling Devices  January 24, 2018

Gerber has been making baby food since 1927. A year after its founding, the company launched a contest to find an image of “the perfect baby” to represent its advertising campaign. The winning entry was a charcoal sketch of an adorable infant drawn by artist Dorothy Hope Smith. Forty years later, the identity of the Gerber Baby, was finally revealed. The baby was Ann Turner Cook, a neighbor of the artist, who later became an English teacher and mystery novelist. Her image has remained the company’s trademark for more than 90 years.

In 2010, Gerber originated another contest — the Gerber Baby Photo Search. Earlier this month, the company made history when it chose 18-month-old Lucas Warren, a baby with Down’s syndrome from Dalton, Georgia as its 2018 Gerber “Spokesbaby.” The choice of Lucas speaks volumes about the country’s evolving attitudes toward people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Down syndrome was formally recognized by British physician John Langdon Down in 1866. According to the National Association of Down Syndrome, little was understood about the syndrome until 1959, “when French Pediatrician/Geneticist Professor Jerome Lejeune discovered that individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome—just one year before NADS was founded. Shortly thereafter, chromosome studies were developed to confirm the diagnosis of Down syndrome.” Prior to that, most babies born with Down syndrome, then referred to by the derogatory and obsolete term, mongoloid, were institutionalized.

By the 1970s, some parents were being advised to raise their babies with Down syndrome at home. NADS helped parents to do so through their services for families and children with down syndrome. Yet, several decades would pass before people outside the Down syndrome community would gain awareness of the abilities and talents of individuals with Down syndrome.

In recent years, the world has come to recognize that having Down syndrome need not be a barrier to accomplishing just about anything. Today, people with Down syndrome are well-known actors, musicians, athletes, fashion designers and politicians — and yes — Gerber babies!

In a Feb. 7, 2018 press release, Gerber President and CEO Bill Partyka said: “Lucas’ winning smile and joyful expression won our hearts this year, and we are all thrilled to name him our 2018 Spokesbaby… Every year, we choose the baby who best exemplifies Gerber’s longstanding heritage of recognizing that every baby is a Gerber baby, and this year, Lucas is the perfect fit.”

Upon learning that her son was grand prize winner, Lucas’ mother Cortney Warren said: ““This is such a proud moment for us as parents knowing that Lucas has a platform to spread joy, not only to those he interacts with every day, but to people all over the country…We hope this opportunity sheds light on the special needs community and educates people that with acceptance and support, individuals with special needs have the potential to change the world – just like our Lucas!”

Congratulations Lucas!

Article by Betty Bell for Enabling Devices

The latest Update is out from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

In this issue:

• March 2018 is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Gov. Haslam Interviewed on Disability Employment in TN
• The Council is #ServingTN - "Real TN Stories" Campaign Across State Govt.
• March Council on Developmental Disabilities Meeting
• Disability & Dental Care Barriers
• "TASH Connections" Supported Decision Making issue features TN, article from Council
• TN Disability MegaConference Registration, Art Contest Open
• Upcoming Tennessee Events
• Upcoming National / Out of State Disability Events & Webinars
• Other recent news from the Council

The latest Special Education Director Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Supplemental IDEA Funds Available
• Resources and Guidance to Support Students During Traumatic Events
• 2018-19 Correlation of Course Codes
• 2018 LEAD Conference Call for Proposals
• RTI2 Regional Town Halls
• Special Education Regional Mini-conferences
• Notice of Rulemaking Hearing: Special Education Programs and Services
• FUTURE Program
• Annual RISE Conference
• Professional Development for Special Populations
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities
• Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities

The Tennessee Treasury Department recently announced changes made to the ABLE TN Savings Program.

Achieving a Better Life Experience Tennessee (ABLE TN) is a savings program designed to help Tennessee residents with disabilities put aside money to pay for qualified expenses. These accounts provide the opportunity to save and invest with tax-free earnings to help participants maintain independence and quality of life.

Updates Include: 

• Maximum annual contribution increased from $14,000 to $15,000
• Account holders may now contribute income earned from employment in excess of annual contribution limit of $15,000 but the account holder cannot also participate in an employer retirement plan; and contributions cannot exceed the Federal Poverty limit (approx. $12,000). 
• 529 Account (College Savings) may be rolled over into ABLE account 
• ABLE TN accounts are now closed to out-of-state residents

For more information about the ABLE TN Savings Program, please visit their website here: http://www.abletn.gov/

IEP teams must consider assistive technology (AT) as part of developing a plan to meet your child's unique needs. But, as one mom learned, there may be members of the IEP team who really don't understand how AT works. Read more about how she discovered that some people see it as an unfair advantage. Then find out what the law says about who pays for AT—and learn where you can try out AT to see what works for your child.

• What I Learned About Assistive Technology From the IEP Process
• Who Pays for Assistive Technology?
• 8 Ways to Try Out Assistive Technology
• Assistive Technology for Writing
• Assistive Technology for Reading
• Assistive Technology for Auditory Processing Disorder

This information was provided by www.understood.org

The latest TEIS (TN Early Intervention System) Update is out from the Tennessee Department of Education.

In this issue:

• Early Intervention Resource Agency Highlights 
• Autism Navigator
• Early Intervention Strategies for Success Blog
• TEIS Vendor Services Needed
• Welcome Aboard New Staff
• Fiscal Team Highlights
• Upcoming Dates of Interest

https://mailchi.mp/tn/teis-update-c9yt8y9jy2-655609  

On Jan. 26, 2018, the State Board of Education approved the addition of the alternate academic diploma within High School Policy 2.103. 

This new diploma will count toward the district graduation rate and will be implemented beginning in the 2018-19 school year.

Parents and school leaders, including superintendents, high school principals, special education directors, and special education teachers who primarily teach students who are assessed on the alternate assessment are encouraged to listen to the overview webinar. 

Additionally, an FAQ is available here, and the course requirements for the 16 academic courses are now posted here. 

The Department of Education will also host a series of webinars this spring to support districts as they begin working to implement this diploma option. Information regarding these opportunities will be provided at a later date. 

If you have questions about the Alternate Academic Diploma, please contact Alison Gauld at Alison.Gauld@tn.gov.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will automatically redirect users from the Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004 website to the new Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website starting April 30, 2018.

OSERS launched the new IDEA website in June 2017 in order to provide updated department information regarding IDEA to the public including students, parents/families, educators, service providers, grantees, researchers and advocates. While the Legacy site will redirect users to the new IDEA site, content from the Legacy site is available for reference on the new IDEA website on the "Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004" historical reference page. 

IDEA website users are encouraged to bookmark the new IDEA website:

https://sites.ed.gov/idea

OSERS has made updates to the site based on the feedback it received from stakeholders since the initial launch of the new IDEA website last year. We will continue to gather feedback about the new website in order to enhance and add content,and to ensure the new site remains current.

Stay tuned for video tutorials highlighting features of the new site in the coming months. In the meantime, visit the OSERS Blog if you have feedback regarding the new IDEA website and leave a comment.

View new IDEA site  

Submit comments at the OSERS Blog

• Nomination form
• Photo of nominee (jpg format)

Over the past several decades, educational research has confirmed the connection between family engagement and student success. In A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement, Anne Henderson and Karen Mapp found that students with engaged families are more likely to succeed. This is true no matter how you measure success. Students get better grades. They behave better. They have a more positive attitude. They are more likely to graduate. They are more likely to go to college. Schools also do better when they engage families and communities as partners. An influential study of Chicago schools identified strong “parent and community ties” as one of five “essential supports” for successful school reform. Without this critical pillar of support, the most well executed improvement efforts to turnaround schools are likely to fail.

Of course, all schools interact with families. Every school sends report cards home, holds open houses, and solicits volunteers. So what, exactly, do we mean by “family engagement?” A recent paper from the Harvard Family Research Project, Beyond Random Acts: Family, School, and Community Engagement as an Integral Part of Education Reform, offers this description: 

“Effective family engagement is a shared responsibility of families, schools, and communities for student learning and achievement; it is continuous from birth to young adulthood; and, it occurs across multiple settings where children learn.” 

Sharing responsibility for learning and achievement 

First and foremost, sharing responsibility means working together and not pointing fingers. With this in mind, there are many ways schools can get started. A good first step is to make information about curriculum, instruction, assessments, and policies easily accessible. Schools should also be welcoming. They should encourage families to learn about the school and to participate in learning activities. Once schools share information and establish rapport, family and community leaders should be empowered to participate in meaningful decisions about school policy. Their insight can inform decisions ranging from broad educational goals to specific disciplinary policies or budget priorities. Educators must also reach out to families where they live and work in order to build trust, improve communication, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges different families face. In everything they do, schools and families must stay focused on improving student outcomes. 

Continuous family engagement from birth to young adulthood 

We now know that a child’s first few years have a powerful effect on his or her future. Even after those crucial years are past, children must overcome a variety of social, emotional, and academic challenges to reach adulthood prepared for a successful life. When the strands of family, school, and community are woven together with caring and frequent communication, they form a safety net to catch struggling children and offer support before it’s too late. Families, teachers, peers, guidance counselors, and countless other people affect a child’s life. To do their jobs well, these people must learn from a child’s past and be invested in the child’s future. Family, school, and community partnerships that support children from birth to young adulthood can help make that possible. 

Family engagement across multiple settings

Research has shown that children who engage in learning activities outside the classroom often make gains, and children who don’t, usually fall behind. One of the best ways schools can reduce achievement gaps is to fill every child’s life with rich learning opportunities in school and out. There are many ways schools can facilitate learning outside the classroom. They can work with parents to align out-of-school-time learning with class work. They can provide families and students with expanded access to libraries and computers. They can offer supports like after-school homework help. They can also be a crucial link between families and community resources like public libraries, museums, and community centers.

By taking advantage of every learning opportunity and working together, families and schools can help all children succeed. 

STEP, Inc. offers high quality in-service and professional development to school districts on family engagement, increasing inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities, and other topics through our work as the family partner on the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG). 

STEP, Inc. also houses Tennessee’s Parent Training and Information Center and offers workshops, resources, and information to parents and families across Tennessee. Contact us at information@tnstep.org to discuss your training needs or visit www.tnstep.org to learn more about our services. 

This article was written for FACET at the Federation for Children with Special Needs serving families in Massachusetts. We appreciate their permission to reprint this information. 

For more information on FACET offerings, visit: fcsn.org/facet/engaging-families

The Arc Tennessee is offering a Free Public Policy Advocacy Webinar Series

January 18th from 11am-12pm – Introduction to the TN General Assembly legislative process

February 1 – 11am-12pm – Navigating the TN General Assembly website/Disability Day on the Hill Update