Sustaining Braille Proficiency
UMass Boston is proud to present our highly acclaimed web based curriculum "Sustaining Braille Proficiency". This independent, self-paced study is designed to address the on-going need of dedicated professionals to maintain skills with the Literary Braille Code.
This carefully designed, self-paced, independent study features the exciting new NERCVE Online Drill and Practice Brailler, which allows six-key braille entry through the computer's keyboard, with immediate feedback assuring accuracy. Cost $195 (20 PDPs or 2 CEUs).  To register: http://www.nercve.org/sbp/?page=SBPregistration.

October 26, 2009 - April 28, 2010

Is Your Teen Ready For Adult Life?

Where: Bergland, Hancock, Marquette, St. Johns, Detroit, Wayne, Saginaw, Lawrence, Traverse City, & Holland, MI (see attached flyer for corresponding dates/locations)

This training is for families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  5 CEs or .5 SBCEUs available ($15).  For more information, to request accommodations, or to register, call 1-800-359-3722 or visit: www.bridges4kids.org/f2f.

November 1 - 14, 2009

Getting Kids in Sync Online Seminar

November 6 - 8, 2009

Youth Drama Workshop

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

November 13 - 15, 2009

Matrix Theatre Company Presents: Samuel Beckett's "Happy Days"

Where: Matrix Theatre Company, Detroit, MI

Judith Snow will share her unique perspective on the play, and can speak to the ways society labels and interacts with people considered to be disabled. Judith is a social inventor and an advocate for inclusion whose work has helped thousands of people with disabilities find jobs, homes, new relationships and support systems. This event will be a rare opportunity not just for people interested in theatre, but for anyone who lives in a world where people are at risk of being marginalized because of anything that separates them from groups considered the majority. Touch Tours and Audio Description will be available at the 8pm performance. The Touch Tour begins an hour before the performance.  Braille and large-print programs are available. The theatre and its facilities are accessible; including seating, parking and bathroom, to insure the performances can be attended by all. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students (with ID) and seniors (65 or older). There are no discounts on Saturdays.

November 13 - 14, 2009

Hands-On Technology and Independent Living Skills Overnight Weekend

Where: Michigan Schools for the Deaf and Blind, Flint, MI

For transition age students (12 years and older) and their parents.  Parents and students will have an opportunity to socialize and interact with one another while acquiring valuable skills and resources that can be utilized at school and in the home.  All students/parents will participate in independent living skills activities including: hygiene, dressing, organizing/labeling, meal preparation, etc.  Parents will also have an opportunity to network with each other and have a group session with MDE-LIO school psychologist.  Contact Pat Love Sypho for more information at lovep@michigan.gov or (810) 760-2735, or visit www.cenmi.org/mde-lio.  To view the agenda for this event, click here.

November 13 - 15, 2009

2009 AER Regional Conference

Where: Cleveland, OH

Registration is now open for the 2009 AER Regional Conference, featuring COMA's O&M Conference Within a Conference.  For more information or to register, please visit http://www.aerbvi.org/regionalconf/.

November 16, 2009

Co-Teaching That Works: Effective Strategies for Working Together in Today's Inclusive Classrooms (Grades K-12)

Where: Grand Rapids, MI

This seminar, presented by Anne Beninghof, is specifically designed for General Education Teachers, Special Education Teachers, ELL Teachers, and other specialists who currently co-teach or who plan to co-teach as part of their school's inclusion practice.  Learn about organizing roles in a collaborative partnership, effectively teaching with another educator, teaching strategies for co-taught classrooms, building partnerships between general and special education teachers and other support providers, and more.  Registration is $199, or you can order an audiotape version of the seminar for $95 plus $9 shipping.  Register online at www.ber.org or by calling 1-800-735-3503.

November 18, 2009

Bully and Positive Behavior Reinforcement

Where: The Arc of Detroit, Detroit, MI

Both educational and active.  Session participants will be provided with specific means of identifying bullying behavior, intervention and prevention strategies for dealing with it, ideas for ways to implement programs and policies aimed at preventing these actions in the future.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105.  Additional trainings will be held in St. Johns (March 22, 2010), Marquette (April 16, 2010), and Indian River (April 19, 2010)--see below.

November 18 - 21, 2009

TASH 2009
Where: Pittsburgh, PA

This year’s theme is "If not us, who?  If not now, when?"  This year’s conference will focus on how WE can act NOW to disseminate information, facilitate change, and empower those with significant disabilities to be active participants and create lives of their own. Topic areas include: advocacy/self advocacy, early intervention and preschool education, inclusive school practices (evidence-based, best practices, and systems reform), secondary school participation and post-school transition, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), teacher preparation, community living, quality living, home ownership, and housing issues, employment issues, community participation (spirituality,  consumerism, recreation, etc.), assistive and instructional technology, children in complex/difficult circumstances, friendship and peer relationships, positive behavior supports, parenting and family issues.  Scholarship application deadline: August 1, 2009.  Early registration rate deadline: September 1, 2009.  For more information, visit http://www.tash.org/2009tash/.

November 20, 2009

Is Your Child Ready for Adult Life?

Where: Marquette-Alger RESA, Marquette, MI

For families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and for the professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in St. Johns (November 30), Detroit (December 1), Wayne (March 4, 2010), Saginaw (March 26, 2010), Lawrence (April 12, 2010), Traverse City (April 26, 2010), and Holland (April 28, 2010)--see below.

November 21, 2009

Health Resource Support Parent Training

Where: Marquette-Alger RESA, Marquette, MI

Provides resources and information on health care and public health insurance to persons who serve as "Support Parents" to fellow parents of children with special needs.  Following the training, Support Parents will be able to provide families information and resources related to: Identifying types of public health care coverage available to children and families (MI Child, Healthy Kids); applying for benefits online; becoming aware of services available to children and families with hereditary disorders; accessing coverage for mental health services; being familiar with social security programs for young people including Medicare and Medicaid; and completing plans and checklists for their child's health care needs in case of an emergency.  For more information, call (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in St. Johns (March 6, 2010), Detroit (March 20, 2010), and Indian River (March 27, 2010)--See below.

November 21, 2009

Planning for a Child's Education Training

Where: Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Examines critical issues in organizing and delivering special education services for children who have a disability, special health care or mental health needs, including eligibility, evaluation and discipline; structure of an individualized education plan (IEP): PLAFF statement, goals and objectives, and support services; and dispute resolution.  For more information, contact (800) 552-4821.  Additional trainings will be held in Benton Harbor (February 20, 2010), Midland (February 27, 2010), Detroit (March 6, 2010), Marquette (March 13, 2010), St. Johns (March 27, 2010), Clinton Township (April 17, 2010), Cadillac (April 24, 2010), and Waterford (May 1, 2010)--see below.

November 24, 2009

Self-Determination Implementation Leadership Seminar

Where: Ramada Lansing Hotel & Conference Center, Lansing, MI

See attached brochure for agenda, additional information, and registration form.  Cost: $60 (includes light refreshments, lunch and training materials).  Register: online www.macmhb.org, by Fax: 517-374-1053, or by mail to: MACMHB, 426 S. Walnut, Lansing, MI 48933.

November 30, 2009

Is Your Child Ready for Adult Life?

Where: Clinton County RESA, St. Johns, MI

For families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and for the professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in Detroit (December 1), Wayne (March 4, 2010), Saginaw (March 26, 2010), Lawrence (April 12, 2010), Traverse City (April 26, 2010), and Holland (April 28, 2010)--see below.

December 1, 2009

Is Your Child Ready for Adult Life?

Where: The Arc of Detroit, Detroit, MI

For families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and for the professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in Wayne (March 4, 2010), Saginaw (March 26, 2010), Lawrence (April 12, 2010), Traverse City (April 26, 2010), and Holland (April 28, 2010)--see below.

December 4, 2009

The Holley Institute St. Nick Party

Where: The Country Club of Detroit

For more information, contact The Holley Institute at (313) 343-3165.

December 4, 2009

National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) Professional Development Series (Part 2) - Healthy, Physically Fit and Ready for Action: Addressing the Physical Education and Activity Needs of Individuals with Disabilities

School personnel at the intermediate, local, and public school academy levels, as well as parents, and organizations, can view the series during the 2009-10 school year via satellite or streaming media at no cost.  To receive access to the conference series you must complete the online request form.  SB-CEUs available.  For more details on each topic, including presenters, view the series brochure.

December 7 - 9, 2009

2009 OSEP National Early Childhood Conference

December 11, 2009

2009 Metro Detroit VI Swap Meet

Where: Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) building, Clinton Township, MI

Presenter Matt Korolden, Co-director of Secondary Redesign and Transition with the Michigan Department of Education, will discuss what is happening with transition in the state, with an emphasis on how this applies to our students with visual impairments.  The afternoon will consist of our traditional swapping of ideas and materials.  Cost: $20.00, includes morning refreshments and lunch.  Registration deadline: December 2.  See attached flyer for more details, or contact Beth Morrison (586-412-2651 or emorrison@misd.net), Meri McGregor (586-412-2637 or mmcgregor@misd.net), or Amy Sarconi (586-412-2609 or asarconi@misd.net).

January 11 - 12, 2010

Project Resilience: Train-the-Trainer

Where: New Center Community Mental Health Services, Detroit, MI

is for individuals working with young people in faith based organizations, schools and youth groups in Wayne County, MI.  Participants will explore ways to give parents/caregivers, teachers, and others working with children the tools they need to make responsible decisions by focusing on positive traits and protective factors necessary for children to become healthy and productive adults.  For more information, call (313) 761-3780.  Additional sessions will be held on March 1-2, 2010, and May 3-4, 2010.

January 15 - 18, 2010

United States Association of Blind Athletes’ Third Annual Ski Festival

Where: Killington, VT

USABA, in conjunction with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, the Gibney Family Foundation and U.S. Paralympics, is proud to offer this recreational opportunity to individuals of all ages and abilities with visual impairments. Whether the participants are first-time skiers or competitive racers, the festival will be catered to each athlete’s ability.  Participants will stay at a local hotel and will have transportation provided to them for the daily events. The weekend will conclude with a banquet dinner held at the Killington Grand Hotel and will feature a key-note speaker of Paralympic stature. To apply or for more information, visit www.usaba.org.  For additional information, contact John Potts, USABA Sports Director, at jpotts@usaba.org, or Donna Stanley at VT Adaptive Ski & Sports, (802) 353-7584.

January 15 - 16, 2010

Challenge Mountain

Where: Petoskey, MI

This event is for DB Central families only.  Hotel check-in will be on January 15, and Challenge Mountain will be held on January 16.  Ten rooms are being held under "DB Central" at the Holiday Inn Express in Petoskey, Michigan.  Standard rooms are $94 plus tax.  Call 888-497-0105 to reserve your room for this event.

February 4 - 5, 2010

2010 Technology Blizzard, version 6.0

Where: TBA

This event is a triennial technology conference for students and their parents, other adults, professionals, and any interested people from the community.  The Technology Blizzard is also a vendor exhibit of technology products for people of all ages with visual impairments and other reading disabilities.  In addition to a vendor fair, sessions are presented throughout the day regarding the usage of products, accessibility issues, new products that may be helpful, and much more.

The 2010 dates have been set for Thursday, February 4th, from 3:30-7:30PM, and Friday, February 5th, during the school day.  The Wayne County location for the 2010 Technology Blizzard will be announced soon.  For more information, contact Mary Beth Kullen at 313-272-3900 or kullen@gdabvi.org.

February 5, 2010

Communication and Self Advocacy Training

Where: Clinton County RESA, St. Johns, MI

Covers basic communication methods and skills, types of information important for effective advocacy including the laws governing the process and options available for students.  Through a series of group exercises, attendees will learn strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust relationships and how to effectively advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105.  Additional trainings will be held in Detroit (February 24), Marquette (April 17), and Indian River (April 20)--see below for more information.

February 6, 2010
Michigan Regional Braille Challenge
Where: Grand Rapids, MI
This competition is for students grades 1-12 (separated into five age specific categories). Braille Speed & Accuracy, Chart and Graph Reading, Reading Comprehension, Proofreading, and Braille Spelling skills will be evaluated.  Students can win cash prizes, learn useful tips, and become eligible for the National Competition on June 25 and 26, 2010, in Los Angeles, California.  Transportation reimbursement up to $30 available to those who qualify.  For registration materials, contact Charis Austin at 616-458-1187 or 800-466-8084 ext. 328, or by email at  caaustin@abvimichigan.org. Completed registrations must be received by December 15, 2009.

February 9, 2010

Helping Families and Young Adults Protect Their Rights

Where: Clinton County RESA, St. Johns, MI

For anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of the complaint process including timelines and what someone could expect during the process for Children's Special Health Care Services, Community Mental Health Services, Medicaid, and Special Education Services.  Sessions will cover information relative to what makes someone eligible and how to gain access to each system.  Participants will be provided with resources for groups and organizations available to assist in protecting a client's rights.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional sessions will be held in Indian River (March 10), Marquette (March 12), Wayne (March 17), and Lawrence (April 13)--see below.

February 20, 2010

Planning for a Child's Education Training

Where: Mercy Center, Benton Harbor, MI

Examines critical issues in organizing and delivering special education services for children who have a disability, special health care or mental health needs, including eligibility, evaluation and discipline; structure of an individualized education plan (IEP): PLAFF statement, goals and objectives, and support services; and dispute resolution.  For more information, contact (800) 552-4821.  Additional trainings will be held in Midland (February 27), Detroit (March 6), Marquette (March 13), St. Johns (March 27), Clinton Township (April 17), Cadillac (April 24), and Waterford (May 1)--see below.

February 24, 2010

Communication and Self Advocacy Training

Where: The Arc of Detroit, Detroit, MI

Covers basic communication methods and skills, types of information important for effective advocacy including the laws governing the process and options available for students.  Through a series of group exercises, attendees will learn strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust relationships and how to effectively advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105.  Additional trainings will be held in Marquette (April 17), and Indian River (April 20)--see below for more information.

February 25 - 27, 2010

Teaching Artist Institute

Where: Roscommon, MI

Each session is $75 or the entire institute is $150.  Registration fee includes meals and accommodations.  For more information, visit www.vsami.org or email Jessice Guzman at jessica@vsami.org or (313) 832-3303.

February 25, 2010 - Session 1: Arts & Inclusive Learning

Focus on designing and delivering arts learning experiences that reach students of all abilities.  Gain understanding of the foundations of inclusive education and arts-based learning, discuss theories and methods for teaching in inclusive environments, and engage in hands-on techniques that ensure progress for all students. 

February 26, 2010 - Session 2A: Winning Partnerships: Schools & Communities

Focus on the benefits of partnering and ways to create successful partners among schools, educators, artists, and community organizations.  Learn approaches to problem solving, explore the benefits of partnering programs, and how to build successful collaborations.

February 26, 2010 - Session 2B: Winning Partnerships: Schools & Communities

Put collaboration into practice by working with artists and educators to develop arts curricula that meets learners' artistic, behavioral, and social needs.  Learn how to integrate the arts into the academic curricula of English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

February 27, 2010 - Session 3: Keeping What Works & Learning From the Past

Examine the practices and benefits of documenting student learning in inclusive classrooms and evaluating program success.  Explore different methods of evaluation and consider the use of evaluation data in planning for success.

February 27, 2010

Planning for a Child's Education Training

Where: The Arc of Midland, Midland, MI

Examines critical issues in organizing and delivering special education services for children who have a disability, special health care or mental health needs, including eligibility, evaluation and discipline; structure of an individualized education plan (IEP): PLAFF statement, goals and objectives, and support services; and dispute resolution.  For more information, contact (800) 552-4821.  Additional trainings will be held in Detroit (March 6), Marquette (March 13), St. Johns (March 27), Clinton Township (April 17), Cadillac (April 24), and Waterford (May 1)--see below.

March 1 - 2, 2010

2010 National EHDI Conference

Where: Chicago, IL

Is Your Child Ready for Adult Life?

Where: Wayne RESA, Wayne, MI

For families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and for the professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in Saginaw (March 26), Lawrence (April 12), Traverse City (April 26), and Holland (April 28)--see below.

March 20, 2010

Health Resource Support Parent Training

Where: The Arc of Detroit, Detroit, MI

Provides resources and information on health care and public health insurance to persons who serve as "Support Parents" to fellow parents of children with special needs.  Following the training, Support Parents will be able to provide families information and resources related to: Identifying types of public health care coverage available to children and families (MI Child, Healthy Kids); applying for benefits online; becoming aware of services available to children and families with hereditary disorders; accessing coverage for mental health services; being familiar with social security programs for young people including Medicare and Medicaid; and completing plans and checklists for their child's health care needs in case of an emergency.  For more information, call (800) 359-3722.  An additional training will be held in Indian River (March 27, 2010)--See below.

April 12, 2010

Is Your Child Ready for Adult Life?

Where: Van Bursen ISD, Lawrence, MI

For families of teens with special health care needs, receiving mental health services or who have a disability, and for the professionals who serve them.  Information and practical suggestions will be shared for helping your teen prepare for the transition from high school to employment or higher education; from home to independent living; and from child to adult community services.  For more information, contact (800) 359-3722.  Additional trainings will be held in Traverse City (April 26) and Holland (April 28)--see below.

April 17, 2010

Communication and Self Advocacy Training

Where: Marquette-Alger RESA, Marquette, MI

Covers basic communication methods and skills, types of information important for effective advocacy including the laws governing the process and options available for students.  Through a series of group exercises, attendees will learn strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust relationships and how to effectively advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105.  An additional training will be held in Indian River (April 20)--see below for more information.

April 19, 2010

Bully and Positive Behavior Reinforcement

Where: Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle, Indian River, MI

Both educational and active.  Session participants will be provided with specific means of identifying bullying behavior, intervention and prevention strategies for dealing with it, ideas for ways to implement programs and policies aimed at preventing these actions in the future.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105.

April 20, 2010

Communication and Self Advocacy Training

Where: Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ESD, Indian River, MI

Covers basic communication methods and skills, types of information important for effective advocacy including the laws governing the process and options available for students.  Through a series of group exercises, attendees will learn strategies for resolving conflicts and building trust relationships and how to effectively advocate on behalf of children with disabilities.  For more information, contact (800) 221-9105. 

April 21 - 24, 2010

CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) Convention & Expo

Where: Nashville, TN

CEC invites you to join us April 21-24 for the CEC 2010 Convention & Expo -- the largest professional gathering of the special education community. This event offers you an unparalleled experience with more than 800 sessions to help you learn the latest in evidence-based practices; explore innovative technologies, products, and services; and network with others working with children and youth with exceptionalities and their families.  For more information and to register, visit

http://www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ProfessionalDevelopment/ConventionExpo/.

June 20 - 26, 2010

Deaf-Blind Explorers

Where: Disney World, SeaWorld, & Discovery Cove, Orlando, FL

This event is for DeafBlind adults ONLY.  Take a break and join the Deaf-Blind Explorers on a trip to the Magical World of Orlando, Florida. On the first night gather for a Meet and Greet cocktail party in Epcot at Disney World, followed by lots of adventure and hands on activities during the week.  Activity options include swimming with the dolphins at Discovery Cove, enjoying all the Theme Parks at Disney World, and touching and feeding the stingrays in their special pool at SeaWorld.  Price is $1133.67-$1502.71 per DBP, $451.48-$721.79 per SSP.  Deposit of 35% of trip package required by February 15, 2010.  For more details and a copy of registration form contact Lynn Jansen at DeafBlindTravel@aol.com or 513-242-4171.

June 27 - July 2, 2010

Art/Drama Week

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

July 4 - 9, 2010

Family Week I

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

July 11 - 16, 2010

Family Week II

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

July 18 - 23, 2010

Deaf Family Week

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

July 25 - 30, 2010

Christian Youth Leadership Week

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

July 28 - 31, 2011

CHARGE Syndrome Foundation Conference

Where: Orlando, FL

Save the date for the next CHARGE Syndrome Foundation Conference!

August 1 - 6, 2010

Catholic Family Week

Where: Holley Family Village - DeSales, MI

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.

For more info, call the Holley Family Village at (313) 343-3165 or (517) 592-2289.