March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!

Here are, a video, a blog and a few sites to check out for National Developmental Disability Awareness Month:

Video:
Writing Characters with Disabilities, from Alexis Krasilovsky, a lecture by Lara Ameen 

Blog:
Fangirl Life on Wheels - A blog on the intersection between online fandom, television, film and disability studies

Sites:
The Arc. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
National Disability Institute
National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

A litte human interest - Tony's Firehouse

Okay, a little human interest story to end the week ----- we are just going to forget this is Friday the 13th!

This story appeals to me as my father was both a paid and volunteer fireman and both of my sons have spent time on the volunteer department in our town and their station happens to have a special needs man who hangs out at their firehouse and, yes, they watch out for him, not quite to the extent as the firemen in the story, but, it goes to show what kind of guys firemen are no matter where they are.

This is a story about Tony Tumminello who at the age of 13, in 1953, became friends with the firemen at Fire Station One in Lansing Mich.  I am not surprised about this story, it just reinforces everything good about those "pas tout la" fireman I know and grew up around. 

And yes, the Cajun translation of the quoted words apply (and it is better than what Dad's Mom, Gram to me, use to say in French about Dad on the fire department especially after he took the quick way to basement --- the floor collapsed under him and another firemen), after all those guys run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out ---- and we love them for it ---- Thanks to firemen everywhere!

Check out the story and video at http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/07/10/for-fire-station-home/15982/

Spread the Word to End the Word!

Today is the day to pledge!  According to the R-Word.org site, "It is time we Spread the Word to End the Word (tm) and build awareness for society to stop and think about its' use of the R-word.  That R-word is something hurtful and painful -- "retard" or "retarded."  Most people don't think of this word as hate speech, but that's exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends.The R-word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.  Visit www.r-word.org to make your pledge today."

While it only takes a few minutes to pledge, it takes a lifetime to truly practice your pledge, I hope you choose to do both!

New Resources on Transition!

Inclusion Lesson Plan Book for the 21st Century by Tony Karten, 2010. This practical planning book was written to help classroom teachers plan practical and effective strategies for inclusion. It includes practical lesson plan formats and organizational templates. Forms include weekly and quarterly planning forms and forms for assessment, record-keeping, RTI, accommodations and modifications. 371.9046 KAR

Brigance Transition Skills Inventory by Albert Brigance, 2010. This assessment was compiled from the Brigance Diagnostic Life Skills Inventory and the Brigance Life Skills Inventory. This assessment helps educators easily assess independent living, employment, and additional post-secondary skills to support transition planning for middle and high-school students. T 670

Essentials of Transition Planning by Paul Wehman, 2011. This professional book is a comprehensive guide to the basics of transition planning with young people with disabilities. Topics include individual and community planning, the transition curriculum, transition IEPs, interagency collaboration and college planning. Reproducible checklists are included. 371.9473 WEH

Check out our newest materials!

The SERC Library has just posted our latest lists of new acquisitions on our website. Follow this link to browse our new materials in handy alphabetical and topical lists. You can then go to Iluminar to find more details on the items and to reserve them. And here's a tip: you can always see our newest materials as soon as they hit the catalog by scrolling down on the front page of Iluminar, where you'll see links to searches for New Books and New Tests. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:

Fasten your seatbelt: A crash course on Down syndrome for brothers and sisters. By Brian G. Skotko and Susan P. Levine, 2009. (YP 616.858842 SKO)




Think college!: Postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disabilities. By Meg Grigal and Debra Hart, 2010. (371.90474 GRI)




Freedom from meltdowns: Dr. Thompson’s solutions for children with autism. By Travis Thompson, 2009. (FAM 618.928588 THO)





Launching RTI comprehension instruction with shared reading: 40 model lessons for intermediate readers. By Nancy N. Boyles, 2009. (IM 372.47 BOY)

Thicker than water: Essays by adult siblings of people with disabilities FAM 362.4043 MEY

This book is a collection of 36 essays written by adult siblings of people with disabilities. Their essays describe how their lives have been shaped by their relationships with their siblings. This wonderful book can enlighten siblings, parents, caregivers and communities.

Early literacy skills builder (ELSB). By Diane Browder, Susan Gibbs, Lynn Ahlgrim-Delzell, Ginerva Courtade, and Angel Lee, 2007. (IM 372.4145 BRO)

Have you met Moe the frog? This cute puppet with corresponding stories and activities make this program student-friendly. The ELSB language-rich literacy curriculum was developed for students ages 5 to 10 with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. It uses systematic instruction to teach both print and phonemic awareness to students with cognitive disabilities, autism, developmental delays, multiple disabilities and mild disabilities who are English learners. The ELSB is a multi-year program with seven distinct levels and ongoing assessments.

Teaching math to people with Down syndrome and other hands-on learners by DeAnna Horstmeier. (IM 510.71 HOR)

Come take a look at this wonderful kit! The 400 page guide is full of lesson plans and practical suggestions and was developed to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages in the area of math instruction. Each kit also includes a CD-ROM and a set of manipulatives. The SERC Library has the kits for both the Basic and the Advanced Survival Skills.

Award-Winnning Films At The SERC Library

With the winter break approaching and cold, wintery weather ahead, why not drop by and check out a few good movies to wile away the time and educate the mind. Here is just a small sampling of some of the wonderful movies at the SERC Library.

Accidental Hero - Room 408: 2001 winner of "Best Documentary" of the Ashland Independent Film Festival & 2002 Gold Eagle Award - CINE, this powerful film tells the story of an extaordinary public high school teacher who is changing lives by introducing his students to a little known academic sport called "forensics". This documentary has important messages about the tremendous potential that young people from diverse backgrounds can realize when they are given the support of good teachers and ample educational tools.

King Gimp: Winner of the 1999-2000 Academy Award for Short Documentary, this film follows Dan Keplinger (who has cerebral palsy) for 13 years as he moves from a special education school to the mainstream. Unable to communicate easily with words, Dan's emotional life explodes on to canvas when he discovers art.

Autism Is A World: Nominated for an Academy Award, this is a personal look at autism through the eyes of a young woman, Sue Rubin. It offers a rare and compelling voyage into Sue's mind, her daily world, and her struggles with autism. With the help of a new assistive technology technique, a letterboard, Sue was able to connect with the world. Now a junior in college with a top IQ, she is a tireless disability-rights activist.

Educating Peter: Down Syndrome In The Inclusive Classroom: Filmed over the course of the third grade year, this 1992 Academy Award-winning documentary vividly captures the achievements & frustrations of Peter (a child with Down syndrome) as he makes a place for himself among his peers.

Snowbound? Not to worry. The SERC Library has a generous 3-week loan period.

Everyday Solutions for Life Conference

The Lifespan Autism Network Foundation will be putting on a conference called Everyday Solutions for Life on November 14th in Southington, Connecticut. Featuring sessions on how schools can assist parents in navigating the special education process, an overview and demonstration of Assistive Technology, and tips for important stress reduction techniques, this is one conference you don't want to miss! Visit their website for registration information and additional details.