Self-advocacy skills are very important for student with disabilities. These skills can be taught beginning in elementary school and teaching these skills can continue through high school. If a student is not taught self-advocacy skills or leaves with limited knowledge of self-advocacy skills the students chance for success are lowered. I found three artifacts that I though would be important to introduce you to in this section of my BLOG. We cannot forget that being able to speaking for your self (self-advocate) is a big part of living in the community and we all need to know how to make ourselves heard.
The first artifact that I am presenting is provided by Wikipedia. This artifact provides us with a general description of self-advocacy. I found it very interesting because it describes the self-advocacy movement as well. If you would like to view this artifact please click on the link that I am providing below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-advocacy
The second artifact that I found is an article provided by Great Schools. This article gives parents information on how to help their child gain self advocacy skills, participate in the community, and know their rights. I found this article very informative and think you will to. If you would like to read this article you can use the following link:
http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/showarticle/2522
The final artifact is called: SELF-ADVOCACY: SPEAKING FOR YOURSELF. This article provides individuals with disabilities information on how to speak for themselves. When you read this article you can get information about self advocacy, how to start a group, what self-advocacy means and making choices. I really enjoyed reading this article and I think that parents and teachers would benefit from reading it. To read this article click on the link below.
http://thechp.syr.edu/saspeak.htm
Monday, April 13, 2009
Safety and Health
Safety and health issues are very important and should be addressed with individual with disabilities. I want to provide a wide range of information so that addressing these issues might be done more easily. I found several wed-sites that address different safety issues to give you information. I have also found a paper that addresses heath care issue that individuals with disabilities may have. These artifacts are very informative and I would like you to take a look at them.
The first artifact that I found is called the: Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities. The guide outlines the four elements of evacuation information, in case of fire, that occupants need: notification, way finding, use of the way, and assistance. This guide also provides information on the five general categories of disabilities including: mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, and cognitive impairments. A check list called: Personal Emergency Evacuation Planning Checklist is also included to help services managers and people with disabilities design a personalized evacuation plan. To access the Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities go to:
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Forms/EvacuationGuide.pdf
Internet safety is a very important part of using the computer today. It is important for students to know about using a computer safely and I have found a web-site that will help you to address this. This site not only addresses Internet safety but it also addresses cyber-bullying and cell phone safety. This site can be used with any child and is a great resource for parents and teacher alike. I liked the fact that there is a quiz to see if the child has learned about the safety issues and the contract that is provided. To view this web-site got to:
http://www.safekids.com/
The final artifact that I found is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It specifically addresses, the health status, utilization and cost of services, and health insurance coverage of individuals with disabilities and compares these issues to those of individuals without disabilities. I found the information in this artifact very interesting and would like you to read this paper. To read this paper got to:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/disabled.htm
The first artifact that I found is called the: Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities. The guide outlines the four elements of evacuation information, in case of fire, that occupants need: notification, way finding, use of the way, and assistance. This guide also provides information on the five general categories of disabilities including: mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, and cognitive impairments. A check list called: Personal Emergency Evacuation Planning Checklist is also included to help services managers and people with disabilities design a personalized evacuation plan. To access the Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities go to:
http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Forms/EvacuationGuide.pdf
Internet safety is a very important part of using the computer today. It is important for students to know about using a computer safely and I have found a web-site that will help you to address this. This site not only addresses Internet safety but it also addresses cyber-bullying and cell phone safety. This site can be used with any child and is a great resource for parents and teacher alike. I liked the fact that there is a quiz to see if the child has learned about the safety issues and the contract that is provided. To view this web-site got to:
http://www.safekids.com/
The final artifact that I found is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It specifically addresses, the health status, utilization and cost of services, and health insurance coverage of individuals with disabilities and compares these issues to those of individuals without disabilities. I found the information in this artifact very interesting and would like you to read this paper. To read this paper got to:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/daltcp/reports/disabled.htm
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Recreation and Leisure
I found some very interesting artifacts for this section of my Blog. I wanted to provide several different types of artifacts that could be used for finding out how to access some recreation and leisure activities and others that can be specifically used for the activity themselves. I thought that it was very exciting to see the different options that are available on the web as well as in other areas of the community for leisure and recreation. I hope you enjoy.
The first artifact that I found is for art lovers. It is called SEE, HEAR, IMAGINE. This site takes you through the different pieces of an artist and provides a verbal description of the six painting that are presented so that the paintings are available for individuals with different needs. It is specifically designed to help individual with visual impairments enjoy the paintings of Hugo Simberg. Take a look and listen by clicking on the link below.
http://www.fng.fi/fng/html4/en/peda/project/simberg/main.htm
The second artifact is website called Wilderness Inquiry. It is a group that tries to make accessing the out doors available to everyone. I thought that this site would give parents and their children the opportunity to find activities that are available to them to make their dream vacations available to them. I thought that it was very exciting to find a group that made wilderness activities available to all. To find out more about the activities at Wilderness Inquiry click on the link below.
http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/
Finally I would like you to look at the Houston Texans Sports Camp. This is a camp for kids form the age of 6 to the age of 18. It is provided free of charge to kids with disabilities and is specifically designed for children with physical or developmental disabilities. It provides the kids with a first hand chance to participate in football. Take a look it sound like an awesome day.
http://www.nscd.org/programs/sportscamp_texans.htm
The first artifact that I found is for art lovers. It is called SEE, HEAR, IMAGINE. This site takes you through the different pieces of an artist and provides a verbal description of the six painting that are presented so that the paintings are available for individuals with different needs. It is specifically designed to help individual with visual impairments enjoy the paintings of Hugo Simberg. Take a look and listen by clicking on the link below.
http://www.fng.fi/fng/html4/en/peda/project/simberg/main.htm
The second artifact is website called Wilderness Inquiry. It is a group that tries to make accessing the out doors available to everyone. I thought that this site would give parents and their children the opportunity to find activities that are available to them to make their dream vacations available to them. I thought that it was very exciting to find a group that made wilderness activities available to all. To find out more about the activities at Wilderness Inquiry click on the link below.
http://www.wildernessinquiry.org/
Finally I would like you to look at the Houston Texans Sports Camp. This is a camp for kids form the age of 6 to the age of 18. It is provided free of charge to kids with disabilities and is specifically designed for children with physical or developmental disabilities. It provides the kids with a first hand chance to participate in football. Take a look it sound like an awesome day.
http://www.nscd.org/programs/sportscamp_texans.htm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Social Relationships
Social Relationships are a part of life and can be easily gained by some and can be very difficult for others. I have found three artifacts that could be beneficial for understanding the importance of building social relationships and how teachers and parents can help students benefit the most from those relationships. I have also presented a link to a Social Skills Training Program to help understand the skills that a student will need to maintain social relationships.
The first artifact that I would like for you to review is a Social Skills Training Program by Goldstein and Pollock. This is a series of lessons that should be taught to small groups of students in a six week period of time. Each lesson is about 30 minutes long and teaches skills like: ending conversations, apologizing and accepting compliments. To view this Program click on the following link.
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ebdstudy/strategy/socskils.htm
The second link will take you to information about how after school programs can be very beneficial for students and how it can provide them with a sense of “meaningful and authentic bonding". I found this article very interesting and hope you do as well. If well designed an afterschool program can be beneficial to both students and their parents and this article provides information about how they can benefit from these programs. Click on the following link to view this article:
http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/Special%20Needs%20IB34%20final.pdf
The final artifact that I would like you to view is called Tools for Teachers. To view this artifact use the link that follows this paragraph. This artifact provides informal assessments that will help teachers make appropriate decisions about the social skills that may be needed by students that they are working with. It also provides transition information and ideas that have worked for others. ENJOY!!
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ebdstudy/strategy/socskils.htm
The first artifact that I would like for you to review is a Social Skills Training Program by Goldstein and Pollock. This is a series of lessons that should be taught to small groups of students in a six week period of time. Each lesson is about 30 minutes long and teaches skills like: ending conversations, apologizing and accepting compliments. To view this Program click on the following link.
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ebdstudy/strategy/socskils.htm
The second link will take you to information about how after school programs can be very beneficial for students and how it can provide them with a sense of “meaningful and authentic bonding". I found this article very interesting and hope you do as well. If well designed an afterschool program can be beneficial to both students and their parents and this article provides information about how they can benefit from these programs. Click on the following link to view this article:
http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/Special%20Needs%20IB34%20final.pdf
The final artifact that I would like you to view is called Tools for Teachers. To view this artifact use the link that follows this paragraph. This artifact provides informal assessments that will help teachers make appropriate decisions about the social skills that may be needed by students that they are working with. It also provides transition information and ideas that have worked for others. ENJOY!!
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~ebdstudy/strategy/socskils.htm
Monday, March 16, 2009
Transportation
For this section of my blog I wanted to provide a variety of transportation options that are available in the Texas Panhandle for individuals with disabilities. I also wanted to present a study that shows information on transportation in the Panhandle Region. I think that the information that I found is very informative and is necessary for individuals who may need these types of services to be more independent. Transportation in rural areas can be difficult to find and the information in this blog can make it easier for individuals and their families to find access to services that are available in our area.
In Amarillo there is a transportation system that can be contacted to help individuals with disabilities that cannot physically use accessible Fixed Route buses. This service is called SPEC-Trans. This service could be a great asset for a person who cannot gain access to the buses that are already out and may need special help to move about the city. It is important for parents and students to know that these services are available to them and the information that you can find at the link below will give you all the pertinent information that you will need to contact SPEC-Trans for more information.
http://www.ci.amarillo.tx.us/departments/transit/spectrans.htm
The second transportation service that can be accessed by individuals with special needs for transportation service is the Panhandle Transit system. This service is not limited to individuals with disabilities but is accessible. This service help getting from place to place easier and is a solution when there is a need to go from one town in the Texas Panhandle to another. It covers the 26 counties in this area and provides access to many important services that may not have been available to those with transportation needs previously. If you would like to find out more information about Panhandle Transit click on the link below to access their website.
http://www.panhandletransit.com/
The final artifact that I would like to present is a research study of transportation service in the Texas Panhandle. This study provides important information about the services that can be found in this area, who is served by these services and where these services will take individual in need of transportation services. I thought that it would be interesting for people to see what these services provides say about their transportation services and I also wanted to show the different individuals who can be served. If you would like to access this studies information use the link below.
http://www.panhandlertag.com/Regional%20Coordination%20Plan%202007/Appendix%20E%20Panhandle%20Transportation%20Coordinantion%20Survey.pdf
In Amarillo there is a transportation system that can be contacted to help individuals with disabilities that cannot physically use accessible Fixed Route buses. This service is called SPEC-Trans. This service could be a great asset for a person who cannot gain access to the buses that are already out and may need special help to move about the city. It is important for parents and students to know that these services are available to them and the information that you can find at the link below will give you all the pertinent information that you will need to contact SPEC-Trans for more information.
http://www.ci.amarillo.tx.us/departments/transit/spectrans.htm
The second transportation service that can be accessed by individuals with special needs for transportation service is the Panhandle Transit system. This service is not limited to individuals with disabilities but is accessible. This service help getting from place to place easier and is a solution when there is a need to go from one town in the Texas Panhandle to another. It covers the 26 counties in this area and provides access to many important services that may not have been available to those with transportation needs previously. If you would like to find out more information about Panhandle Transit click on the link below to access their website.
http://www.panhandletransit.com/
The final artifact that I would like to present is a research study of transportation service in the Texas Panhandle. This study provides important information about the services that can be found in this area, who is served by these services and where these services will take individual in need of transportation services. I thought that it would be interesting for people to see what these services provides say about their transportation services and I also wanted to show the different individuals who can be served. If you would like to access this studies information use the link below.
http://www.panhandlertag.com/Regional%20Coordination%20Plan%202007/Appendix%20E%20Panhandle%20Transportation%20Coordinantion%20Survey.pdf
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Independent Living Information
Becoming an independent adult is a part of life that can be achieved easily for some and for other it may be more difficult. There can be hurdles that must be overcome and assistance may be needed to reach that goal. I have found several artifacts that I think will be beneficial for individuals in search of information about living independently. I hope the information that I am providing will help in your search of independent living materials.
The first artifact that I would like to present is a video of a college level independent living class. This class helps to educate and equip students with disabilities with skills that they will need to live independently. The students attend other classes at the university and live in residential apartments with other college students. I want to present this video because it shows a classroom setting at the university level that supports independent living. I thought this was a very exciting concept and hope it will show some of the skills that are taught for this transition to independent living. I think parents and students both would find this interesting and helpful because it will give them a view into the different types of education that are available in different college settings. To view this video click on the following link.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/transition-to-independent-living-class/3862047607
The second artifact that I am going to present is: The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia. There is some information that would only be for individuals in West Virginia but there is also some other information that is great for all. This website teaches information on fire safety, housing, personal growth, health, financial independence and there is also information on different laws that apply to adults with disabilities. I thought that this site would provide great training and information to both parents and students. I think that the information could be used to help with meeting personal goals of independence. To explore this website, click on the link below.
http://www.mtstcil.org/skills/index.html
The final artifact that I would like to show you is the Panhandle Independent Living Center website. This is one of the organizations in the Texas panhandle that helps individuals with disabilities participate in their community and it provides them with services to help them reach their goals. If you would like more information on the Panhandle Independent Living Center you can use the following link.
http://www.panhandleilc.com/
The first artifact that I would like to present is a video of a college level independent living class. This class helps to educate and equip students with disabilities with skills that they will need to live independently. The students attend other classes at the university and live in residential apartments with other college students. I want to present this video because it shows a classroom setting at the university level that supports independent living. I thought this was a very exciting concept and hope it will show some of the skills that are taught for this transition to independent living. I think parents and students both would find this interesting and helpful because it will give them a view into the different types of education that are available in different college settings. To view this video click on the following link.
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/transition-to-independent-living-class/3862047607
The second artifact that I am going to present is: The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia. There is some information that would only be for individuals in West Virginia but there is also some other information that is great for all. This website teaches information on fire safety, housing, personal growth, health, financial independence and there is also information on different laws that apply to adults with disabilities. I thought that this site would provide great training and information to both parents and students. I think that the information could be used to help with meeting personal goals of independence. To explore this website, click on the link below.
http://www.mtstcil.org/skills/index.html
The final artifact that I would like to show you is the Panhandle Independent Living Center website. This is one of the organizations in the Texas panhandle that helps individuals with disabilities participate in their community and it provides them with services to help them reach their goals. If you would like more information on the Panhandle Independent Living Center you can use the following link.
http://www.panhandleilc.com/
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Financial Aid for Future College Students
For this section of my blog I chose to find financial aid options that are available to students with disabilities when they are moving on to a postsecondary educational setting. I think it is important to know about the financial aid options that are available and I hope to provide students with disabilities and their parents with a variety of informational links to some of these items. I have found three artifacts that I think will give some very important financial aid options to parents and students both. I can’t imagine trying to search for the mountains of information about financial aid on my own and I hope that these artifacts will help point you in the right direction.
The first artifact that I found is from the University of Washington. It is called: College Funding Strategies for Students with Disabilities. This article goes over a wide range of items including federal student aid programs, SSI, PASS, State VR services and several others. It also gives you many links to other great resources that will help you with your financial aid needs. This will be great for both parents and students because it will provide them with a large number of resources to help them get prepared for the financial needs that college life presents. To access this artifact, click on the link below.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/financial-aid.html
The second artifact that I found is on the Financial Aid Finder website. It is called College Grants for Students with Disabilities. This page provides student and their parents with a wide range of promising grants for students with disabilities. They have a breakdown of grants by disability type (autism, blindness, etc…). Parents and students will be able to access specific grants and not have to try and sort them out; it has already been done in this publication. I think this will definitely provide easier access to financial aid for current and future college students with disabilities. Access to this artifact is at:
http://www.financialaidfinder.com/financial-aid/financial-aid-programs/major-aid-programs/grants-students-disabilities/
The final artifact that I found is on the DisabilityInfo.gov website. It is a list of the different financial aid options that are available to students with disabilities. This website also provides links for educators pursuing careers in the field of special education. I thought that the information that I found on this page was very informative and would be of great benefit for both students with disabilities and their parents in their extensive search for financial aid options. Click on the following link to see this artifact.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=84
The first artifact that I found is from the University of Washington. It is called: College Funding Strategies for Students with Disabilities. This article goes over a wide range of items including federal student aid programs, SSI, PASS, State VR services and several others. It also gives you many links to other great resources that will help you with your financial aid needs. This will be great for both parents and students because it will provide them with a large number of resources to help them get prepared for the financial needs that college life presents. To access this artifact, click on the link below.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics/financial-aid.html
The second artifact that I found is on the Financial Aid Finder website. It is called College Grants for Students with Disabilities. This page provides student and their parents with a wide range of promising grants for students with disabilities. They have a breakdown of grants by disability type (autism, blindness, etc…). Parents and students will be able to access specific grants and not have to try and sort them out; it has already been done in this publication. I think this will definitely provide easier access to financial aid for current and future college students with disabilities. Access to this artifact is at:
http://www.financialaidfinder.com/financial-aid/financial-aid-programs/major-aid-programs/grants-students-disabilities/
The final artifact that I found is on the DisabilityInfo.gov website. It is a list of the different financial aid options that are available to students with disabilities. This website also provides links for educators pursuing careers in the field of special education. I thought that the information that I found on this page was very informative and would be of great benefit for both students with disabilities and their parents in their extensive search for financial aid options. Click on the following link to see this artifact.
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=84
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