Hello Autism Program Support Teachers and Friends,
I hope your school year is off to a great start!
Instead of bogging down your inboxes with attachments for these occasional updates, I have created three shared folders.
1) Shared Trainings and Professional Development for Students with Autism In Wisconsin: https://drive.google.com/
This folder will hold fliers for professional development around Wisconsin
2) Shared New Autism Resources: https://drive.google.com/
This will be new information each time I send a new email update (about once every 1-3 months)
3) Shared Archived Autism Resources: https://drive.google.com/
Any documents I have shared in the past with email distribution lists and are still relevant
If you have trouble getting into the shared folders, let me know and I can see what I can do.
Below you will find:
· Autism and Disability Related PD Around Wisconsin
· Opportunities for Families, Students, Professionals and Educators
· Recent Resources and Updates (articles, blogs, other NEW information/resources)
· Archived Resources and Information (sent last school year)
Autism Related Professional Development Opportunities
) Two Day Autism Trainings for 2013-14
We hope that you can spread the word for these excellent trainings conducted by Judy Endow, Mary Graczyk-McMullen, and Kate McGinnity.
· Basic Needs of Students with ASD: Jan 28/29 Oconomowoc
· Addressing Challenging Behaviors: Oct 29/30 WI Dells and also on Feb 25/26: Oconomowoc
· Instructional Strategies: Oct 8/9 Steven’s Point
Registration on the DPI autism web page: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
Detailed descriptions can be found on the DPI Autism web site.
College credits are available for these trainings through Silver Lake College.
) WDPI Autism Webinars
20 webinars will be scheduled during 2013-14 on a variety of topics. Webinars are free and are recorded for future viewing by registered participants.
Registration invitations are sent to Autism PST and General Autism Email Distribution Lists approximately 2 weeks prior to each webinar.
To refer a friend to the WDPI Autism General Email Distribution list have them register at: http://tinyurl.com/wi-dpi-
) Janice Fialka (author of “Do You Hear What I Hear” and “The Dance of Partnership” FREE Workshop – Live and Available Via Webinar!
Friday October 25, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, UW Stout Memorial Student Union, Menomonie.
This workshop will be presented live at UW Stout as well as via WebEx Event (webinar). Registration for web and live attendance is below.
Janice will also be presenting at the Keys to Success Conference on the Following Day
To register online click on http://goo.gl/NUHtV4 or call the WSPEI Office at 877-844-4925.
For more information contact Mary Skadahl at marys@cesa12.org
Sponsored by: The Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative
) Keys to Success Conference, (FREE) Saturday October 26, UW Stout, Menomonie.
This regional special education conference bring families and educators to learn about a variety of special education topics.
Registration Contact Barb Garling, CESA #11, barbg@cesa11.k12.wi.us (715) 986-2020.
) Special Education Mediation Training, October 30, CESA 2, 1221 Innovation Drive, Whitewater, 8:30 to 10:00 am
Presenters Nissan Bar-Lev, CESA #7 and Jan Serak, WI FACETS, $15, no charge for parents.
This is one of many CESA Mediation trainings to take place this year across Wisconsin to inform families and educations about the Free Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS) which assists with early dispute resolution.
Contact sharnon.anderson@cesa2.org for information for this event.
) Wisconsin Community of Practice on ASD/DD Fall Meeting, November 5, 2013, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton Campus, 1825 N. Bluemound Drive.
Discovering Work: Employment Strategies for Youth with ASD/DD.
Registration at: https://uwmadison.qualtrics.
COP Web Site: http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/
) Wisconsin Statewide Medical home Initiative – FREE Parent Training Session*
November 7, 2013 6:00 to 7:15pm, Appleton Public Library, 225 N. Oneida Street, Meeting Room D. *Flier in Google Doc.
This parent training session will explore strategies and tools parents can use to develop partnerships with their child’s primary care clinician.
) 24th Annual Children Come First Conference, Wisconsin Family Ties, November 11, 2013, Stoney Creek Inn, Rothchild, WI
The Children Come First Conference focuses on the needs of children and adolescents with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or substance use challenges.
Registration at: http://fs11.formsite.com/
WI Family Ties web site: http://wifamilyties.org/
) Transition Academy, College and Career Ready, WDPI, November 13 (Free), Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center, WI Dells
Sponsored by the Transition Improvement Grant (TIG), The 2013 Transition Academy will feature a keynote presentation by Judson Laipply, award-winning speaker and inspirational comedian. This one-day academy will feature two one-hour sectionals in the morning and a 3-hour sectional in the afternoon.
For more information contact Pam Jenson, pamj@wsti.org (608) 921-1400
) Across the Lifespan Conference, November 14 and 15, Glacier Canyon, WI Dells
A collaboration between WisTech, Wisconsin AHEAD, Department of Health Services, Stout Vocational Rehab Institute
As the title implies, “Across the Lifespan” the targets all age groups. This includes PK-12, post secondary education, adulthood and seniors. Our attendees represent the fields of assistive technology, education, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and rehabilitation counselors. Students of these professions, consumers and family members also make up a fair share of our attendees.
Conference web site and registration: http://www.atacrosslifespan.
) State Learning Disabilities Workshop, Power Up – 21st Century Technology, Saturday November 23, 2013, Waukesha County Technical College
For information and registration go to: http://www.wctc.edu/events/
) RTI Center Trainings on UDL (Universal Design for Learning), Dropout Early Warning System, Reading Interventions, Common Core Stand Standards Tool, and More …
Go to Wisconsin RTI Center web page for more information on the various training offered statewide: http://www.wisconsinrticenter.
) WSPEI Webinar, Post Secondary Transition Plan (free), December 11, 9:00 to 12:00
) Save the Date, Autism Society of Wisconsin Annual Conference, April 24-26, Wisconsin Dells
Now taking a call for proposals for sectionals at this conference on April 25 and 26.
Proposal form link: http://www.asw4autism.org/pdf/
Link to ASW: http://www.asw4autism.org/
) Save the Date, Circles of Life Annual Conference, April 24-25, Madison Marriott West
Link to Circles of Life Conference Web Site: http://fvofwi.org/training-
) Check out Parent and Educator Professional Development and Support Groups at Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin:http://www.assew.org/
) Check out Parent and Educator Professional Development and Support Groups at Autism Society of Wisconsin (ASW):http://www.asw4autism.org/
ASW also has links to regional Autism Society Chapters across Wisconsin which hold regional events, support groups, and professional development opportunities.
) Check out WI FACETS Free Phone Workshops for Families and Educators and Other Trainings
Information and registration information at: http://www.wifacets.org/
Opportunities for Educators / Families / Students
) 2013 Take Your Legislators to Work Campaign
The BPDD (Board for People with Developmental Disabilities) is currently seeking people with disabilities who have community-integrated jobs to participate in the 2013 Take Your Legislator to Work Campaign. This is a great opportunity to show legislators that people with disabilities are ready, willing, and able to work! As you may know, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We conduct the campaign in the fall to show legislators how everyone wins when people with disabilities are employed in their community. Last year, 40 legislators visited people with disabilities at work (check out the report). Also, people with disabilities who participate in the campaign have a great opportunity to establish a relationship with their legislator so they can stay in-touch after the campaign.
If you know anyone – or any groups – who might be interested in participating in the campaign, please give them the Get Started Kit. All of the instructions and tools necessary to get started are in the kit, including the Participant Application. Every day more and more legislators are expressing interest in participating in the 2013 campaign. Please help us get more people with disabilities who have community-integrated jobs involved in this campaign. The more people that participate, the more legislators will be aware of how everyone wins with community-integrated employment.
For more information contact: Joshua Ryf, Communications Director, WI BPDD, (608) 261-7829, joshua.ryf@wisconsin.gov
) WDPI Special Education Team Position Opening
The Education Consultant - Specific Learning Disabilities position has been reannounced with a deadline of October 21st. The job announcement can be viewed by visiting http://wisc.jobs/public/job_
) Public Forum at Wisconsin Special Education Leadership Conference, November 18, 5:00 to 6:30 PM, Madison Marriott West, Salons A-D
Please join us at the annual public forum held by the State Superintendent’s Council on Special Education. The purpose for this forum is to gather input on the successes and challenges of special education from Wisconsin families, school administrators, educators, community representatives, and others. Information gathered will be used by the council in advising the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on matters affecting the education of Wisconsin’s children and youth with disabilities. The council is receptive to hearing about any topic upon which people may choose to comment.
This public forum will be held Monday, November 18th, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at the Madison Marriott West, Salons A-D (1313 John Q. Hammons Drive (Middleton, Wisconsin); 608/831-2000).
Please help the Council in sharing this opportunity with parents or members of your organization. The full announcement is attached and is online athttp://dpi.wi.gov/sped/cee_
Thank you for helping to get the word out.
Recent Updates and Resources
) Check out updated web site for Center on Secondary Education for Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CSESA)
Link to web site: http://csesa.fpg.unc.edu/
) Wisconsin Statewide Transition Initiative (WSTI) is Renamed Transition Improvement Grant (TIG)
The WSTI web address is still the same. Check out their new look and resources: http://www.wsti.org/
TIG contacts for each CESA can be found in the google folder.
) Materials from the summer 2013 Cognitive Disabilities Conference
Materials from the 2013 CD Conference, held last summer, have been posted online. Please visit: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_cd to access these materials.
) Resources on DSM V Changes
The DSM V is changing the language and the classification of Autism for Medical Diagnosis. This done NOT affect Educational Eligibility for Autism Impairment in Wisconsin.
An information sheet developed by Autism Society of Wisconsin can be found in the Google Folder and can be found at:http://www.asw4autism.org/pdf/
Links / information from national organizations are below.
American Psychiatric Association: www.dsm5.org
Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org/dsm5.
Autism Research Institute: http://www.autism.com/index.
) Assistive Technology Lending Center (ATLC)
The Assistive Technology Lending Center (ATLC) is open for the 2013-14 school year. The ATLC is a lending library of high-end (costing $4000 or more) alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) equipment for trial purposes. The ATLC makes loans to Wisconsin public school educators for trial with students ages 3-21 who have IEPs and are enrolled in public schools.
) Guidance on Special Education Teachers Working with Students Not Identified with Disabilities
WDPI sent a letter to OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs) with questions regarding special education personnel working with students who are not identified as students with disabilities.
OSEP responded and WDPI put together a guidance document based on OSEP’s response.
) Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Updates and Alternate Assessment Information
The following modules are now available and more should become available this fall:
The link to these modules is http://dynamiclearningmaps.
If you have questions about these modules, please contact dlm@unc.edu
Module 1: Common Core Overview
Module 2: Common Core Essential Elements
Module 3: Universal Design for Learning
Module 4: Common Core Essential Elements Instructional Achievement Level Descriptors Module
Module 2: Common Core Essential Elements
Module 3: Universal Design for Learning
Module 4: Common Core Essential Elements Instructional Achievement Level Descriptors Module
Module 5: Principles of Instruction in English Language Arts*
Module 6: Standards of Mathematical Practice
Module 6: Standards of Mathematical Practice
Information from WDPI about Alternate Achievement Standards at: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
) Organization for Autism Research (OAR): New Video Resource
Understanding Autism: A Guide for Secondary Teachers: http://www.researchautism.org/
A great series of videos about autism and how to support students with autism in general education settings.
) Autism Internet Modules is Now Offering Graduate Credit for Completing Autism Internet Modules (AIM).
For more information go to: http://www.
You can also contact aim_course@ocali.org if you have questions.
) Two New PBS Features / Documentaries in Relation to Autism: “Best Kept Secret” and “Neurological”
If you did not get a chance to see these two PBS films this summer, try to find a copy at your local library.
Information and Trailer for Best Kept Secret: http://www.pbs.org/pov/
Information on Neurotypical: http://www.pbs.org/pov/
) Information on the Wisconsin Common Core State Standards: This link includes general information as well as myths about the common core:
) Easy to Read Facts on The Common Core / What You Need to Know about the Common Core:
) Check out the updated Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning Pages on the WDPI Web Site
Universal Design for Learning: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
Assistive Technology: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
) Interesting Article on Assistive Technology at Work: https://www.upworthy.com/how-
Really great video on a student with Brittle Bone Disease and Assistive Technology Innovations from Rice University to Assist this Student. The future is exciting!
) Back to School: 6 Tips for Your Sensory Child (article)
) Pop Culture Article about a Famous Celebrity and Autism:
) Pop Culture Article on Asperger’s and TV Characters:
) Interesting video / web site on a 4 year old autistic child with amazing talent for painting
) Some Great Inspiring Videos
Tony Evers WDPI agenda 2017: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Don't Limit Me (Megan): http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Rita Pierson Every Child Needs a Champion: http://www.ted.com/talks/rita_
Archived Resources
) National Autism Network
This is a new resource I have run across recently. Lots of links to other organizations and information about autism.
They have educator resources section which may be interesting to educators as well as lots of parent/family information.
) Interesting Article on Re-Thinking Disabilities
This blog discusses trends of rethinking disabilities in terms of differences and strengths.
) Article “Children with Autism Fall Off the Cliff After Graduation
Another story emphasizing the importance of social communication/emotional/
This year alone, 50,000 children with autism will turn 18, according to Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., who has sponsored federal legislation to provide funding for adult programs. Within two years of high school, less than half of those with autism spectrum disorder have paying jobs, the lowest rate of any disabled group.
) DPI ConnectEd Article on Wisconsin Schools and Autism Supports in Wisconsin “Secrets of a Successful Student with Autism”
Highlights a specific student story in Wisconsin, current direction of supports statewide, and importance of collaboration with home based teams.
) Articles / News on Student with Autism in Wisconsin “Wrestler with Autism Shines for Pecatonica High School”
How to Help Your Child Learn in School (attached)
This document (attached) was sent to me from a WSPEI coordinator. Very nice summary of some activities/structures parents can use to assist in children’s learning.
) From DPI: Helpful Information for Parents on WKCE Scores
This year’s WKCE tests have more rigorous scoring standards than in years past and math and reading scores are expected to be significantly lower for all students statewide. Following, are resources DPI has developed to help parents, community members, and school staff understand the changes in WKCE scores and how they help Wisconsin schools prepare all students for college and career.
Additional resources are available online at http://oea.dpi.wi.gov/oea_
) Two of DPI’s Opening Doors are now available electronically in Spanish!
Opening Doors to Adult Services: http://www.wsti.org/wstidata/
Opening Doors to Self-Determination: http://www.wsti.org/wstidata/
) WI DPI Seclusion and Restraint Updated FAQ. A new FAQ can be found on the WDPI web page (attached).
Please make sure that all educators in your CESA, District, and School know about the new law that took affect September 1.
This link includes an excellent PowerPoint with presenter notes to review with your staff. http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
“Seclusion and/or physical restraint may be used only when a student’s behavior presents a clear, present and imminent risk to the physical safety of the student or others, and it is the least restrictive intervention feasible. Certain maneuvers and techniques are prohibited, and mechanical or chemical restraints may not be used. Seclusion rooms may not have locks, and rooms must be free of any objects or fixtures that may injure the student. If it is reasonably anticipated that restraint or seclusion may be used with a student with disability, it must included in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the IEP must also include positive interventions, supports and other strategies based on a functional behavioral assessment. “
) Consider joining the Wisconsin Community of Practice on ASD/DD: This group of family members, researchers, medical practitioners, educators, and other stakeholder meet throughout the year on a variety of topics to promote best practice and work towards solutions to improve the lives of people with ASD and other development disabilities.
The next meeting on October 11th is on Post Secondary Options and ASD/DD.
More information can be found at: http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/
) The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC-ASD) has released a New Coaching Manual, which was developed to support practitioners implementation of evidence-based practices in programs that serve children with autism spectrum disorders. The coaching manual and related coaching resources from NPDC are available online.
) Center on Secondary Education for Students with ASD (CSESA) Web Site and Face book Page: CSESA is a research and development project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that focused on developing, adapting, and studying a comprehensive school- and community-based education program for high school students on the autism spectrum. This project is a five-year project that brings together experts in autism, secondary education, adolescence, and implementation to work in collaboration with schools, families, adolescents with ASD, and community members.
Website: http://csesa.fpg.unc.edu/ - Sign-up to stay connected on our website!
Face book page: http://www.facebook.com/csesa.
) WI Technical College System Autism Spectrum Disorders Guide for WCTS Staff: May be useful information to pass along to families looking at technical college systems and/or assist in helping general education and other K-12 educators/administrators learn about students with ASD. http://systemattic.wtcsystem.
A pdf version is attached to this email.
) Assistive Technology Resource: From Keene State College, this web page provides a variety of free or low cost assistive technology ideas for reading, writing, communication, and other areas. The list was created with Institutes of Higher Education in mind, but may be interesting to those working in K-12. http://ods.keene.edu/index.
) 2013 Waisman Center Day with the Experts: Autism: All of the presentations from 2013 event are available online athttp://www.waisman.wisc.edu/
In Paul White's presentation, “Community Support to People with Autism and Challenging Behaviors,” he referenced a handout that shares ways to address stress triggers and reinforce adaptive behavior.
This handout can be downloaded at www.waisman.wisc.edu/~palumbo/
) Interesting article, This article “Where Should Special Needs Kids Be Special?” from Slate magazine may provide thoughtful reflections on how we share space and community with people who have movement and sensory differences. http://www.slate.com/articles/
) Great Ted Talks short Video from a Sibling of Brothers on the Autism Spectrum: http://www.ted.com/talks/
) Wisconsin Youth First is excited to unveil our "Going to Work" video series. The stories of six Wisconsin youth with disabilities who have transitioned to competitive employment are depicted in five parts.
Video #1: Meet the Characters (5:34) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Video #2: Understanding Your Disability and Self-Advocacy Skills(6:34) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Video #3: Disclosing Your Disability (5:59) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Video #4: Job Interview Skills (5:32) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Video #5: Asking for Accommodations on the Job (5:54) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
These videos can also be found on the WSTI website by searching "Going to Work" in the Services and Resources tab. http://www.wsti.org/
) Please note that WI DPI has a new look to our web site. With the new look, many of the old web links are broken. To quickly find WI DPI Special Education information go to the new Special Education Index web page at: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_
) Wisconsin Autism Evaluation Guide: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/files/
) Autism Internet Modules: http://www.
) National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC-ASD).
Defines 24 Evidence Based Practices for students with autism. http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/
) Foundations of Autism Free Online Course: A free introductory course on autism that is hosted by the Waisman Center
http://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/
) The Assistive Technology Lending Center (ATLC) is now open. The link to the ATLC is http://www.atlclibrary.org/
) Skills to Pay the Bills: A resource to teach job skills to students with disabilities. "Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft"
or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill
areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism. For more
) OAR (Organization for Autism Research) recently published another book in their Life Journey through Autism Series. This new resource is titled Navigating the Special Education System.
I hope that this information is helpful.
Take care,
Daniel
Daniel Parker
Administrative Consultant, Autism and Family Engagement
Special Education
Division for Learning Support
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
