Professional Development

The Midwest Conference on Deaf Education


July 11-12, 2011 at Augustana College Madsen Center in Sioux Fall, SD.

http://www.augie.edu/academics/continuing-education-and-workshops/midwest-conference-deaf-education

Webinar Series

This email is to inform you of a webinar series which may interest you. If you are involved in the field of deafness you will be keenly aware of the change in the population of children who are deaf and hard of hearing due to the increase in the number of children with hearing loss and additional disorders such as: autism, cognitive delay, processing disorders, executive function disorders, learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral problems. Many professionals serving children who are deaf and hard of hearing are puzzled by the complexity of these problems and it is for them that we initiated this series.

This is an introductory series of four webinars which will lay the ground work for the continuing series which will deal with such disorders in depth. Attached to this email you will find a flyer giving you further details and the information on how to register at: http://icodaarts.org/

Goodbye to an Old Friend!

We are now announcing final end of repair dates for the SPrint™ Sound Processor. Repairs will cease on SPrint Sound Processors July 1, 2011.

Obsolescence update: As previously communicated, we have now begun the end of life process for both the ESprit® 3G and SPrint Sound Processors. As a reminder, we are no longer offering these sound processors for sale, and we are now confirming that we will cease repairs for the Sprint Sound Processor effective July 1, 2011.
Now is a great time to consider upgrading to new technology. Talk to your clinician, visit us online www.CochlearAmericas.com/Upgrades, or call the upgrade team at 800-587-6927 to discuss your options.


We continue to monitor the global parts availability for the Esprit 3G, and in the interim, will continue to service that sound processor until further notice.

Join the Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 zoom challenge today and receive a FREE t-shirt

"Restaurants are always challenging with the noise of ongoing conversations and dishes clattering. With zoom, I was able to understand server and not have her repeat herself when conversing." -Dave Q.


The Nucleus 5 Sound Processor features dual microphone zoom technology designed to "zoom in" on the person you are talking to and make it easier than ever to hear in noisy situations. Cochlear is recruiting 1,000 people who use the Nucleus 5 Sound Processor to try the Nucleus 5 zoom technology in noisy listening situations for four weeks. After this time, participants will share their experiences by completing a short survey. Once Cochlear receives the results from your survey, you will receive a free t-shirt as a token of our thanks! Learn more about how to access the zoom technology in your Nucleus 5 Sound Processor and register for the zoom challenge today by visiting the zoom challenge website.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

AUDITORY REHABILITATION PRESENTATION

The Koss Cochlear Implant Team will be bringing all three cochlear implant manufacturers together for another evening this spring. Each manufacturer will present their auditory rehabilitation materials that are available to educational professionals.

Look for more information to come.

Tuesday, May 24^th, 3-7 pm.  The location is the Educational Classroom Suite 220 at Children’s Corporate

9TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE FAMILY CONFERENCE

9TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE FAMILY CONFERENCE
For families of children who are hard of hearing, deaf,
deafblind, and deaf with additional disabilities

“FROM CATERPILLARS TO BUTTERFLIES”
MARCH 11-13, 2011
Madison Concourse Hotel

To register and for more information, families can go to: http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/wesp/out_famcon.cfm
The registration deadline is February 18, 2011 - no exceptions!

FINAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Friday, March 11, 2011
1:00 – 7:00 p.m. CONFERENCE REGISTRATION (Second Floor)
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ASL Cafe (Beginner and Intermediate Classes)
4:45 – 6:15 p.m. DINNER (Wisconsin Ballroom)
6:45 – 7:00 p.m. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Wisconsin Ballroom)
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. CONCERT BY RACHEL COLEMAN, SIGNING TIME! (Wisconsin Ballroom)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
6:30 – 7:45 a.m. BREAKFAST
7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Late Arrival Check-In (Second Floor)
7:30 – 8:00 a.m. CHILDCARE DROP-OFF (Schedule of assigned rooms in folder)
8:00 – 8:15 a.m. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wisconsin Ballroom
8:15 – 9:45 a.m. GETTING TO KNOW YOU DISCUSSION GROUPS
Kids Ages 0-6
Kids Ages 7-11
Kids 12-14
Kids 15-21
Dads Group Only - All Ages
Combined Vision and Hearing Loss Families Only
Spanish Speaking Families Only
Grandparents/Extended Family Only

9:45 – 10:00 a.m. BREAK
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. ONE DEAF CHILD by Rachel Coleman
Keynote Presentation - Wisconsin Ballroom
11:30 a.m. – noon EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. LUNCH (Wisconsin Ballroom)
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. WORKSHOP SELECTIONS – SESSION I
ABCs of Audiology
The View – Parent Perspective thru Transitions
Auditory Learning
Real Life Skills for Real Life Success
Language & Literacy in the Secondary Setting
Highly Effective Strategies for Children with Multiple Impairments
What You Should Know About Your Child’s IEP (Presented in Spanish)
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. BREAK – EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION
2:30 – 3:45 p.m. WORKSHOP SELECTIONS – SESSION II
Love, Language & Lullabies
From Challenges to Charms: Kids Proud of Their Hearing Aids
Thru the Eyes of the Deaf Student: Learning to Read Using Visual Strategies
Teaching Your Kids about the Red Flags of Dating
Transition: From High School to Post-Secondary Schools with Resources
Available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Highly Effective Strategies for Children with Multiple Impairments (Part II)
What You Should Know About Your Child’s IEP – Part II
(Presented in Spanish)
3:45 – 4:15 p.m. BREAK – EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION
Madison Ballroom
4:15 – 5:30 p.m. WORKSHOP SELECTIONS – SESSION III
ABCs of Audiology
The View – Parent Perspective thru Transitions
Common Core Writing Standards
Real Life Skills for Real Life Success
Establishing a Dating Timeline
Highly Effective Strategies for Children with Multiple Impairments (Part III)
What You Should Know About Your Child’s IEP (Presented in Spanish)
5:30 – 5:45 p.m. CHILDCARE PICK-UP (Schedule of assigned rooms in folder)
ALL KIDS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 5:45 P.M.!
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. DINNER
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. FAMILY FUN TIME
Scrapbooking Activity , Beading Activity, Cartoonist

Sunday, March 13, 2011
(Daylight Savings Time – Set Your Clocks Ahead!)
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. BREAKFAst
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. CHILDCARE DROP-OFF (Schedule of assigned rooms in folder)
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. MY JOURNEY AND MY CROWN
Michelle Koplitz, Miss Deaf USA - Wisconsin Ballroom
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. BREAK
CHILD CARE PICK-UP (Schedule of assigned rooms in folder)
10:45 – 12:15 p.m. SIGN SONG DANCE TROUPE
Wisconsin Ballroom
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. LUNCH/FAREWELL/SLIDESHOW

Wisconsin Youth Conservation Corps, Inc

WisCorps Inclusive Crew - Now Hiring!

WisCorps is currently hiring Corps Members for its Inclusive
Crew Program. Through this program, youth with and without
disablities will work together to complete conservation
projects under the guidance of an experienced adult Crew Leader.


Application www.wiscorps.org/files/.../Inclusive%20Crew%20Application%202010.pdf

WESP-DHH 9th Annual Statewide Family Conference

WESP-DHH's 9th Annual Statewide Family Conference will be held March 11-13, 2011 at the Concourse Hotel & Governor's Club in Madison. They are proud to offer  an event specifically FOR families of children with hearing loss and is planned BY family members.

The theme is "From Caterpillars to Butterflies." Please check their site periodically because they will have updates regarding the keynote presenter, workshops, childcare activities and entertainment planned for all families!

http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/wesp/out_famcon.cfm

Our very own Educational Consultant, Karen Knopf, will be presenting Auditory Learning, during one of the break out sessions. A session designed to help parents realize how easy it is to incorporate auditory skills into their everyday activities.


Beginning and advanced level breakout sessions and discussion groups on practical topics are scheduled and tentatively include:

• ASL Café - Friday afternoon (THIS IS A CHANGE FROM LAST YEAR)
• Getting to Know You Discussion Groups
• ABCs of Audiology
• Love, Language and Lullabies
• From Challenges to Charms: Kids Proud of their Hearing Aids
• Auditory Learning
• Thru the Eyes of the Deaf Student: Learning to Read Using Visual Strategies
• Real Life Skills for Real Life Success
• Telecommunications Technology - Accessibility to Empower Independence for People Who are D/HH
• Teaching Your Children the Red Flags of Dating
• Establishing a Dating Timeline
• Language & Literacy in the Secondary Setting
• Transition: From High School to Post-Secondary Schools with Resources Available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• The View - Interactive Discuss with Parent Panel to Support Various Transitions
• Effective Strategies for Working with Children with Multiple Disabilities - with or without combined vision and hearing loss

This affordable conference offers families (including grandparents and extended family)….

• Well-supervised and fun-filled children’s activities while parents are in workshops
• Opportunities to meet other families around the state
• Opportunities to meet and learn from Hard of Hearing and Deaf adult role models
• Silent Auction to raise money for scholarships
• Workshops which are accessible to Deaf, Hmong and Spanish-speaking families.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial Scholarships for families are available through Wisconsin Families for Hands & Voices, http://www.handsandvoiceswi.org/. All families with children who are hard of hearing, deaf, have combined vision and hearing loss, or are deaf with additional disabilities are encouraged to attend!

Tips to offer the mainstream classroom teacher when working with a child with a cochlear implant

Strategies are taken from the Cochlear Workshop: What Children Cochlear Implants Need at School
By Donna L. Sorkin, M.A. and Jessica Melton, Au.D.


Share Hearing Loss Basics

*Show the child's audiogram and explain it

*Help them understand the benefits and limitations of personal hearing technology

* Show the child's technology and let them handle it

*Explain why the FM is important

*Determine who is in charge of troubleshooting and develop a plan for how that will work

Ensure Proper Classroom Seating

*Close to front but visually accessible to entire room

*Seat away from noise generators (HVAC fans, hall doors)

If unilateral CI, seat so CI ear away is opposite noise sources (HVAC fans, projectors) and towards center of room

*NO Aquariums!
Don't assume the front tow is the best seat for the child. After taking the noise generators into consideration, talk to the child about the best seat for them to access speech. It is not always the front!


Speak so he can understand

*Always face forward when talking

*Stay within the child's vision

*Closer is better

*Don't "bounce" around

*Speak clearly, naturally and directly to the child

*Make sure she's looking at you when you begin speaking (have lead ins to cue the child)

*Ensure volume is appropriate

*Speak just a little slower-too slow is not natural and will make understanding harder

*View HOPE Online on Clear Speech

What if (s)he doesn't understand?

*Don't ask her directly "Did you understand that?"

*Learn to recognize "the look" that means he didn't get it

*Repeat once, then paraphrase

*Explain things a different way

*Encourage him to ask

*Use a signal or "secret sign" so she can tell you she missed something (this way the child doesn't have to raise his hand to have information always repeated, it is just between you and him)

*Write difficult (key) words on the blackboard


Other Communication Strategies

*Provide key new words/concepts to parents or team members in advance

*Use concrete materials or natural gestures to illustrate points

*Write assignments and direction on the board

*Point to the speaker

*Repeat Classmates' questions through the FM

*If you think she might have missed a comment, rephrase or restate what another child has contributed

CI Picnic

August 7th 11-2:30

Please join us for our annual Cochlear Implant Picnic!

There will be food, games, face painting, and fun!

Encourage Children to read and write over the summer

Be a reader and writer yourself. When you spend time reading books during your free time or even reading directions for how to put together the grill this summer, you demonstrate for your child that reading is both fun and useful.

Set aside a consistent time each day for reading. Depending on your family's schedule reading time might be in the morning, afternoon, or before bed. Whatever time you choose, stick to it, but also remember that flexibiliy around trips and special family events is OK.

Read aloud to your reader. As school-aged children become better readers, parents often stop reading aloud to them. However, by reading more difficult books aloud to your reader, you help him learn new vocabulary words, concepts and ways of telling stories or presenting informaiton. You also enjoy the closeness of sharing a book with your child.

Connect read-aloud choices to summer activities. Read your child books about camping, such as Webster and Arnold Go Camping, before or after a camping trip. When you read and discuss books about things your child has experienced, you help her learn important vocabulary and extend her understanding of experiences.

Take books along on outings. Pack books in your beach bag or picnic basket, and bring a stack on long car rides. You and your child can enjoy books together anywhere you go this summer.

Encourage your child to write this summer. From writing postcards to friends and relatives to keeping a journal while on a trip, summer presents unique ways for your child to write about his own experiences. Have your child pack a disposable camera on vacations or day trips and ehp him create a book about his experiences.

Milwaukee Walk4Hearing May 16

The Walk4Hearing™, produced by the Hearing Loss Association of America® (HLAA), is the largest walk of its kind in the country. The HLAA Walk4Hearing is held in cities nationwide with at least 5,000 people walking and raising money for programs and services for people with hearing loss and their families. Proceeds are shared between the national organization and local HLAA affiliates or Walk4Hearing Alliance Groups to benefit national and local programs. Since 2006, more than $2 million has been raised.

HLAA launched the Walk4Hearing™ to:
*increase awareness among the general public about hearing loss and the 36 million Americans who have hearing loss
*minimize the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technology by educating people about hearing loss
*raise funds to expand services and programs for people with hearing loss and their families at the national and local levels
empower the HLAA state organizations and chapters to work with community leaders to organize walks for fundraising and local outreach

Walk Details
Date:
Sunday, May 16, 2010

Location:
Veterans Park
1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr.
Milwaukee, WI
Directions

Schedule:
9am - Registration/Check-in
10am - Walk begins
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)

Walk Chairs:
Jean Szabo / Caroline Ludka

Milwaukee Walk4Hearing information page:
http://hlaa.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1670&pg=entry

This Blog is for You

We decided as a team at Children's to offer a blog to provide information for families. What are topics or discussions you are interested in having on the blog? What information can we provide for you? Help us make this blog inviting and informative for you and other families in the area.

How to prepare for your IEP

What is an IEP? Who develops the IEP and when?

An “Individualized Education Program” (IEP) means a written evaluation plan for a child with a disability that outlines the special education and related services to be received. The team developing the IEP is comprised of the parents, school professionals, and the student when appropriate. This is done at a meeting, which is scheduled at a mutually agreeable time. The written document is a record of the IEP Team meeting.

How To Prepare For An IEP Meeting

• Come prepared. Before the meeting write down your ideas, questions, and concerns.
  
• Speak with your child’s teacher(s) about any assessments he or she has used to determine your child’s progress, and discuss the results.
  
• Ask for a draft copy of the IEP before the meeting. This will allow you time to go over it in depth and to make notes. If the draft does not address you areas of concern, contact the teacher. Remember that you are a member of the IEP Team and your input will be considered.
  
• If you have questions to be resolved or issues of concern for individual staff members, please try to address them before the meeting. You should have an ongoing dialogue with your child’s teacher and open communication all year long so that issues can be resolved as they arise and not result in a long and potentially difficult meeting.
  
• Consider making an appointment with the teacher to observe your child in the classroom.
  

At The IEP Meeting

• Initial IEP -- If you feel that the proposed IEP accurately describes your child’s strengths and needs, and you feel that the proposed placement can meet those needs, sign the document indicating that providing consent for initial Special Education services, and services can start immediately.
  
• With the staff, discuss how much progress has been made on goals from the last IEP, which goals will need to be continued, and which will need to be modified. You may want to see specific examples of how progress has been measured on the current IEP.
  
• Remember that your signature is required for initial special education services, but not for continuing services.
  
• If you have not seen the IEP draft in advance and you need more time to consider it, let the staff know that you would like to take it home with you and return it within the next few days. Be sure to get back to the staff within a reasonable amount of time (1-2 days) because staff members need to follow-up on unsigned IEPs.
  
• Discuss your concerns with other people if you need to, and then try again to resolve your differences with the school staff.
  
• If you cannot reach agreement and you are beginning to feel upset, frustrated, or uncomfortable, calmly ask to end the meeting and reconvene at another time. Agree on a date to reconvene before the meeting ends. Prior to the next meeting, provide the team members with your concerns so that they can be addressed in a positive manner.

Resource: www.fwps.org

Why A Blog?

As a team, we realize the importance of family to family connections. We also realize, in our busy lives, it is difficult to make one more commitment to our weekly calendar for a support group or cochlear implant meeting. With this blog, we hope to support you in your home, on your own time, just as we would with our face to face meetings. This blog is an opportunity for you to ask questions to our implant team and to other families regarding your child's implant. We hope to also provide you a variety of resources available on the internet. Please look around and share with us sites or articles you may have found helpful, and we would be happy to include these resources as well.