SAVE THE DATE

Fall Family Conference

Saturday, September 13, 2008

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells Elementary School

Featuring - RICK LAVOIE

Sponsored by Southern Maine Parent Awareness and LDA of Maine

Family Fun Day

at the Riverton Elementary Gym in Portland
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  
Rain or Shine

Bring your family for a day of fun!

Lots of good food will be provided!

Workshops for Parents in partnership with LDA of Maine

The Link Between Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Learning Disabilities

Speaker: Evelyn de Frees, LDA of Maine

Why is environmental health so important?  Consider the following information:

• Twelve million American children or 17% of all Americans under the age of 18 have one or more developmental, learning or behavioral disabilities;
• About 1.5 million Americans are autistic.  In the 1970’s, autism was estimated to have affected about 1 in 2,500 to 5,000 children; studies show it occurs today in 1 in 150 to 500 children;
• 127,000 adults and children in Maine are identified as having learning disabilities;
• 37% of the children receiving special education services in our public schools have learning or attention disabilities.

Date:     Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 6:30-8:30 P.M.

Location: CMMC Conference Center at 12 High St, Lewiston

You may register by phone at 1-800-264-9224

Physical Activity and Nutrition Training Series

Registration Now Open!

The Built Environment and Physical Activity

May 7th, 2008
Eastland Park Hotel, Portland

Featured Speaker:

Bob Chauncey, National Center for Bicycling and Walking

"The Built Environment: Influencing Physical Activity, Health and Community Vitality"

Opportunities will be available for participants to explore strategies to improve the built environment to promote physical activity, including biking, walking and trails, funding opportunities and how to conduct walking audits. Rain or shine, bring your walking shoes!

CEUs will be available for Registered Dietitians, for CHES credit, and for general attendance.

Due to the generous support of the Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School Program, we are able to offer this training for $10 for all participants. To save on parking fees at the parking garage and for the health of the environment, we encourage you to carpool to Portland if you are coming from out-of-town.

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If you have any quesitons, please contact:

Rebecca Drewette-Card

Physical Activity Coordinator

Physical Activity and Nutrition Program

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Key Plaza, 4th Fl

11 SHS

Augusta, ME 04333-0011

(207) 287-5084 (Voice)

(207) 287-4631 (FAX)

Rebecca.DrewetteCard@maine.gov

WELLNESS COUNCIL OF MAINE PRESENTS

WELL WORKPLACE UNIVERSITY!

On May 6th, 2008, Wellness Council of Maine will host Well Workplace University, Changing Lives and Transforming Organizations from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jeff’s Catering Banquet and Convention Center in Brewer, Maine. Sponsorship is generously provided by Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems. Our Keynote presenter is Laurent J. Beauregard, Ph.D., Associate Director, Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health, who will speak on “We Are Researchers Too - Community Involvement in Health Improvement”.

 Well Workplace University is an internationally recognized learning opportunity where business leaders, health care professionals, and wellness practitioners come together to learn the art and science of building world-class worksite wellness programs. Drawing from the actual experiences and practices of North America’s best-run corporate wellness programs, this unique training opportunity exposes participants to an internationally recognized framework for building comprehensive health promotion initiatives. Because Well Workplace University is designed to equip participants with both the “theory behind the thinking” as well as the important “how to’s,” participants walk away from this training with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently design and deliver worksite wellness programs that do what they’re supposed to do – produce results.

If your time permits only limited attendance, consider attending the Keynote and Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on “We Are Researchers Too - Community Involvement in Health Improvement". Dr. Beauregard will discuss how progress in health and medical research is best achieved through a partnership that actively involves community members, clinicians and investigators.  His presentation will look at the incidence of cancer in Maine and look into a number of ways that we, as a research partnership, might be able to design new approaches to prevent or treat this health problem.

Nurturing Fathers Program

A ten-week course for fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers and male guardians

Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8:15 pm

Beginning March 5th and continuing until May 7th

Classes will take place at :

Broadreach Family & Community Services, 5 Stephenson Lane, Belfast.

Every child deserves a NURTURING FATHER; a man who actively provides guidance, love and support to enhance the development and growth of children for whom he cares.

Program activities address:

                                   The Roots of Fathering    

  Nurturing Ourselves/Our Children  

                                   Fathering Sons/Fathering Daughters

   Discipline Without Violence

                                   Playing With Children

   Managing Anger/Resolving Conflict

                                    Teamwork with Spouse/Partner

   Balancing Work and Fathering

                                     Communication and Problem Solving  

   Dealing with Feelings

                                     The Father I Choose To Be

What job is more important and requires a higher level of skill and understanding than fathering? Yet we undertake this challenge with no clear set of instructions or box of tools for the job.

Patrick Walsh is the Director of the Waldo County Child and Parent Council a program of Broadreach Family & Community Services.

There is no fee for the class but a donation of $22 for the course book will be requested.

Call 338-2200 ext. 109 for information and to register

Maine’s Chapter of

 The Federation of Families For Children’s Mental Health

And

Proud Sponsor of:

Children’s Mental Health Week

May 4-10th

You are Cordially Invited To Join Us

At Our Green Ribbon

Tailgate Kickoff Celebration!

Date:                    Monday, May 5, 2008

Time:                    9-11 a.m. Coffee, bagels, donuts served

Place:                   Office of Child and Family Services

                            2 Anthony Ave. Augusta

                            Tailgate kickoff will be in the Parking Lot
                            (across from the Great Wall)

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

 CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

MAY 4-10, 2008

Joan Smyrski, MS

Director of Children’s Behavioral Health Services

and the Department of Health and Human Services,

cordially invites Community Members, Mental Health Providers, Youth and Family Organizations

TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH DAY

When:   Thursday, May 8th

Where:  Hall of Flags, State House Building, Augusta, Me

Time:     10:30 to 12:30 p.m.

It is requested that all exhibitors bring agency brochures and informational & educational items concerning child, youth and family mental health services.  Please no large display boards.

Important facts to remember: 

• Every child’s social-emotional health is important.
• Many children have mental health needs and challenges. These problems are real, painful, and can be severe.
• Stigma is a barrier and discourages families from getting the help they need.
• Mental health problems can be recognized and successfully treated.
• By working together, caring families and communities can help.

This celebration is endorsed by The Children’s Committee of Maine’s Mental Health Planning Council

SIGN-N-KIDS Inc.   Day Camp Registration

Summer     2008

Camp Address:                                                                          Mailing address:

4221 Broadway                                                                           33 C Ledgewood Drive

Kenduskeag, Maine 04450                                                          Hampden, Maine 04444

Phone: 884-7864 (voice/TTY)                                                     862-2029 (TTY/Fax/VP)

Email:Signnkids@aol.com                                                            711 (Relay)

Dear Parents/Guardian/Caseworker:

We are pleased to announce that SIGN-N-KIDS Inc.  has decided to continue for an ninth year, with their summer program. Please be sure to read all of the program materials. Due to low enrollment, we will need to be certain that we have enough campers to continue by May 1st. Please fill out the pre-enrollment form and return it to us by May 1st. The registration papers  May 31st. You will also need to include your $10.00 Registration Fee, this must be paid before camp starts. This also includes campers who are paid for by agencies or schools.     The program is for children between the ages 4-14*. We have decided that we will have the summer program for 12 days. We will start July 8th, and end July 31st. We will have the program on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each week.   . The times will be from 9AM-3PM.  On the forth Wednesday and Thursday we will be having an overnight camping/motel trip if our finances permit.  Details will be determined at a later date.  A schedule of field trips and camping trip will be sent to you after May 31st.

We will be charging $20.00 per day per child.  All children need to pay a $10.00 registration fee. This registration fee needs to be sent in with your registration packet. Your application can not be processed until we receive your registration fee.  Please check with your school/social work agency for assistance with funding or transportation if you need to. If an agency is assisting you with finances for the summer program, that agency must have someone sign and subit the registration papers before May 31st (with Registration Fee) . Papers that are not signed by the agency will be returned. Sign-N-Kids cannot be responsible for your Childs transportation to and from camp. If you are in need of transportation, please try to find an agency to assist you. It is recommended that you look for assistance as soon as possible. You can check with your school, caseworker and other local agencies to assist you with transportation as well as finances. There may also be other students in your area, where you could car pool.  If you have an agency paying for your child’s summer camp and registration fees, please ask them to contact Kathy Pierce at 884-7864  before May 31st, to ensure payments are on time. You and the agency are responsible for setting up payment arrangements before camp starts.  If an agency is not paying for your camp, then you are expected to pay for the child’s fees weekly.

Once we have received your registration papers, we will send home a list of field trip dates. We will also send home permission slips for you to sign. It is very important that you mark the days your child will be attending. We plan to hire buses, if necessary and do not want to misuse that expense. In addition, we need to make sure that we have the appropriate number of staff for each day.  Campers are expected to pay for all circled dates on paper. A week advance notification of cancelled attendance is required for refund of the circled date. Any cancellations thereafter must be paid for in full. Payments can be made anytime during the week of attendance.

The language used by staff and most campers is American Sign Language. This language is used as the foundation for communication, and to reflect Deaf Culture at camp. Children attending the camp are encouraged to use/learn American Sign Language.

We will also be doing arts, crafts, nature hikes, group games, water activities, pony riding, and sports.  On our  camping trip we welcome hearing family members to attend. However, signing is to be used by family members as much as possible, to avoid feeling left out,  for those of us  who use sign language to communicate. We will need family members for chaperones. 

If your child needs one-on-one to assistance YOU MUST HAVE YOUR CASE  WORKER CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS IN PAYING FOR ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE. All one-on-one workers must be approved first. All workers must be knowledgeable in the child’s disability, it is also required that they are able to sign. Please have them e-mail Carrie Pierce at signnkids@aol.com to make arrangements for one-on-one approval before May 31st.  

Workshops for Parents

Positive Behavioral Supports

Self-Preservation & Success in Parenting Children with Behavioral Health Needs

Speaker: Mike Mitchell, LCSW, Crisis & Counseling Centers, Inc.

Do you sometimes feel like you are at the end of your rope?  Children with behavioral health needs do not come with a manual!  The need to effectively understand and respond to these challenges is essential. This workshop will offer a framework to understand the nature of your child’s behavior and methods to flexibly respond to the needs your child presents.  Positive Behavioral Supports emphasizes practical ideas about how to meet your child where they are at and utilize their motivation to increase success.  Understanding and using Stage of Change concepts, maximizing provider involvement and enhancing natural supports will be emphasized to provide usable tools that can be applied in a variety of real life situations.

Date:                  Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Location:            WINGS Office, 900 Hammond Street, Bangor

You may register by phone at 1-800-264-9224

Community Case Managers,

Your Role with Families and students involved

in Special Education

When:         Thursday, May 1, 2008, 9:00am-3:00pm

Where:       Southern Maine Parent Awareness, Libby Wakefield Gallery

                    304 main Street Sanford, Maine

What:          Discuss techniques helpful related to new regulations in supporting families      
                    preparing for and during IEP meetings

                    Learn how the new regulations will effect IEP participation

                    Review the new Maine State Forms used in IEP Meeting

                    Understand the relationship between evaluations and IEPs

                    The impact of New Federal Medicaid language and impact on case management

To register call Cathy Poulin, 207-324-2337 or 1-800-564-9696

The Maine Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association
Presents...

Listening & Spoken Language Topics for Parents and Professionals of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Friday, May 2, 2008
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Holiday Inn Express
Hotel & Suites

352 North Street
Saco, Maine 04072

Sponsored by:

hear ME now!

"Where children with hearing loss learn to listen and talk"

Workshops for Parents

The World of Tantrums:

A Discussion About Why They Happen and What To Do

Guest Speaker:  Mike Mitchell, LCSW, Crisis and Counseling Centers, Inc.

Parenting a child with behavioral health concerns typically comes with tantrums and emotional volatility that can overwhelm the best of us.  This workshop talks about the various reasons behind many of the big blow-ups and practical ways to manage these situations.  Whether it occurs in the home, grocery store, school or a much anticipated birthday party, there are ways to understand the cycle of escalation to maximize your success with your child.  Both parents and providers can benefit from this discussion about how to manage successfully living in the “World of Tantrums.”

Date:       Thursday, April 17, 2008 from: 6-8 p.m.

Location:  Mayo Regional Hospital, Boarstone Rm, Dover Foxcroft

Workshops are free to parents/guardians of children with emotional and behavioral health needs.

*For professional staff there is a $10 fee at the door or you may attend free–if you bring a parent!

FMI: Call 1-800-264-9224

Save the DATE - TheBrain Injury Association ofMaine

Annual Conference on Brain Injury

DATE: Thursday, April 24 & Friday, April 25, 2008

TIME: 8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Abromson Education Center, University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine

Anyone working with survivors of brain injury, families,

caregivers, discharge planners, social workers, and clinicians should attend.

Brain Injury Association of Maine * 13 Washington Street,Waterville,Maine 04901
* (207) 861-9900 * (207) 861-4617 fax

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LDA of ME Calendar

LDA of Maine Board of Directors meetings are held the second Wednesday during the months of January, March, May, August, September, October, and November at the LDA of Maine office (97 Rocky Shore Lane, Oakland, ME). Our meeting begins with a social hour from 5:30 to 6:00 PM where members may bring their lunches and share time with other members.  The business meeting starts promptly at 6:00 p.m., ending at 9:00 p.m.

2007 BOARD MEETING DATES:
January 10, 2007
March 14, 2007
May 9, 2007
August 8, 2007
September 14, 2007 (Board Meeting & Annual Meeting)
October 10, 2007
November 17, 2007 (Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

2008 BOARD MEETING DATES:
January 16, 2008

March 15, 2008 (Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

April 11, 2008 (Annual Conference)

May 14, 2008

August 13, 2008

September 10, 2008

October 8, 2008

November 12, 2008

2008 COMMITTEE MEETING DATES:

Events Committee:

January 29, 2008 (Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

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Events Spotlight

September is National Literacy Month
October is National Learning Disabilities Month
October 15 Deadline “Educator of the Year” Submissions
October 15 Deadline Principal/Administers Scholarship Application

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