News+of+Note

= = = Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Resource = If you have a child with a disability in school, you may be interested in this publication: //Developing Quality Individual Educational Plans, A Guide for Instructional Personnel and Families//. The booklet was produced by the Florida Department of Education as a resource.  It contains information to support the development of quality individual educational plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities. This booklet is intended to serve as a reference for all participants in the IEP process, including administrative and instructional personnel and families. The guide can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/jj78quuIEP.

Graduation Requirements Information
A three hour module can be found on the Florida Department of Education website which describes the various high school completion options available to public school students in Florida. Specific emphasis is placed on options for students with disabilities. The module also provides additional resources for those who are interested in further information. http://pdportal.florida-ese.org/

You will need to create an account. Your email address and a password are the only requirements.

If you have any questions, or need assistance with Inclusion services, please contact ashley.lundy@fdlrsgateway.com More information about transition, graduation requirements and diploma options can be found.

Inclusion Works!
A parent of a student with disabilities recently shared about her experience with inclusion in a local school system: “I want to take a moment to give a shout out to Suwannee County Public Schools. Especially the people who have dedicated their lives to teaching/ nurturing/ navigating the special needs kids. I have twins affected with autism. One profoundly, one moderately. Particularly for my son who is moderately affected, who despite his disabilities will... [|See More] FAQs from Families | Florida Inclusion Network 1. As a parent of a child without a disability, will including students with disabilities have a negative impact on my child’s education? It sometimes seems… FLORIDAINCLUSIONNETWORK.COM


 * Inclusion Education: What Educators and Families Need to Know ** The word “inclusion” is not new in education. It has been the topic of interest in the offices, classrooms and hallways of our local school systems for years. While it may not be part of your nightly family conversation at the dinner table, most people do have somewhat of an understanding of its meaning. As the parent of a child with disabilities, it is important that you are aware of the educational benefits of inclusive education and play an active part in your child’s education.

So what does “inclusion” really mean? Inclusion means…

 * === students with disabilities are in general education classrooms and settings with their same age peers without disabilities ===
 * instruction, supports, and services follow the student to the general education setting rather than the student going to a separate classroom
 * students with disabilities are full members of the school community and have the chance to participate fully in school activities
 * education is based on the needs of each individual student, not on his/her disability


 * ** What are the benefits of inclusive education? ** Research studies show that children with mild to significant disabilities in inclusive settings:
 * gain social and communication skills
 * increase participation and increase academic achievement
 * develop positive behaviors
 * take part in more school activities
 * have more academic objectives in their IEPs

If you have questions or would like more information on inclusion education, please visit [|__www.floridainclusionnetwork.com__] or email your local Inclusion Facilitator, Ashley Lundy, ashley.lundy@fdlrsgateway.com.

Apple today has launched a new page on the App Store dedicated to showcasing apps that take advantage of the Accessibility features on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Apple says that the section is meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Accessibility featured page on the App Store is further broken down into sections for Vision, Hearing, Speech, Learning and Literacy, and Physical and Motor Skill.

**Parenting Special Needs Magazine** - available now The current issue is available [|here]. In addition to the online magazine, Parenting Special Needs has some other great resources. Check out the PSN Downloads link [|here]. This link contains many forms that you might find useful. These include a //Getting to Know My Child Form// for Camp, a //Medication Form//, an //ESE Parent/Teacher Progress Report// form as well as other helpful forms. You can download any of these forms for free. Check the site out! [|PSN Downloads]

**Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST) General Self-Help Resource Guide** The Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST, Inc.), through support from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, has completed a comprehensive 16-page general self-help resource guide. Click here for the [|guide]. As with many other FAAST self-help resource guides, this guide is available on the FAAST website. This guide is created to provide assistive service information and easy to find resources to help individuals with disabilities access assistive services and technology when they travel. This self-help resource guide provides general information on assistive services available to access rental car services, other vehicles and lodging accommodations in regard to auxiliary aids and services through the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. This guide provides hyperlinks to informative websites; frequently asked questions (FAQs); factsheets; federal and state laws, regulations, and rules; and many other relevant and helpful resources. This self-help resource guide is not a substitute for legal advice.