What's in a Name
I realized the other day that it has now been 5 years since my husband and I first moved forward with the idea of opening a clinic for children and families. About that same time when we began trying to think of what we would name it. The process of making that decision ranks as second only to agreeing on names for our four children! Let's just say there were many ideas bounced around, and many lists were created and tossed. It is a difficult thing to capture both purpose and personality in a name that resonates with people. As we wrestled with this, there were two words that continued to grab us - connections and horizons. We were driving in the car one day, and the name "Connections Center...
What is FAPE, and How Do I Help My Child With a...
Do you have a child with a disability who receives special educationservices? Does your child with a learning disability still struggleacademically, even with the services? This article will explain what FAPE is and how you can help your child receive it. FAPE stands for a "Free Appropriate Public Education." Below are twodifferent definitions for FAPE: 1. The definition of Free Appropriate Public Education under IDEA isspecial education and related services that are provided at publicexpense, meet state standards, are appropriate, and are provided inconformity with an IEP. IDEA can be downloaded at 2. The United States Supreme Court several years ago issued a legaldefinition of FAPE. It is defined...
Charlotte Mason was a great intellectual who had an extremely elevated opinion about children. Nobody can yet assimilate Charlotte Masons thoughts, techniques and values into a concrete nutshell. Miss Masons thoughts were so extensive and in-depth; it required six huge volumes to include all her inscriptions on the subject matter of education only. Speaking of which, there is an extremely to the point general idea of a handful of Charlotte Masons most well-known thoughts. The Charlotte Mason Method of Teaching: Miss Charlotte Mason came up with ideas like Twaddle, Living books, Whole books, Narration, Short lessons, Keeping a Journal, Copy work, Dictation as different methods of teaching. The...
Online Education: Wave of the Future
Getting an online education college degree is the wave of the future! The increase in adults going back to school has jumped from 28% in 1970 to 39% in 2006. In 2001, 92 million (46%) adults participated in educational ventures. (Statistics may be found at eLearners.com) But, the largest group of online education participants is the one earning online college degrees. Here is a summary of the levels of degrees, types of degrees, and majors, as well as "10 Predictions for Online Education in 2007." Four Levels of Online Education College Degrees: Associate Degrees. Bachelor's Degrees. Master's Degrees. Doctoral Degrees. Types of Online Education College Degrees & Majors: Arts...
Most of the premium organizations including government organizations, defense services and many of the autonomous institutions offer disability insurance for the benefit of their officers and staff members. Though, a person can also get himself secured by signing a personal insurance policy. Let's have a sneak peek into the various aspects of disability insurance. First things first, what is disability? It is a medical condition of your body/health that prevents you from discharging your official duties for a period of time. Apart from physical disability, a number of disorders including mental disorders are also listed in the insurance policy/handouts. Now, some basic conditions govern the...
The Stochastic - a Momentum Indicator for...
If you want to time your trading signals with great accuracy then you need momentum indicators and if you are looking for one of the best look no further than the stochastic. It is an essential indicator for all traders serious about making bigger profits so let's look at it. Why is it such a vital indicator? Quite simply, it gives you advance warning of shifts in price momentum near important turning points allowing you enter the market with great accuracy for bigger profits. An Introduction George Lane, who developed the stochastic indicator, concluded that in an up-trend, prices tend to close near their high, and in a down-trend, prices tend to close near their lows. The further the price closed...
There are many different branches of law, so there are various legal careers dealing with different aspects of the law. Potential legal career could include being lawyers or attorneys to becoming police officers, court staff, legal support and administrative staff in private law firms or public administration. Therefore getting a distance learning law degree will open a up a wide range of career opportunities in the legal industry. As societies progress, the legal systems and laws will become much more complex and intricate. Competition for careers within the legal industry will also be very competitive. That is why it is crucial for those looking to enter into the legal profession or those looking...
There are all kinds of college programs that are available today for those seeking higher education and degrees in a wide variety of fields. The problem often lies in finding the type of education that is appropriate for your specific needs. We all learn best through different methods and identifying your learning method is a great way to understand what learning environment will work best for you. The common learning environments for college level studies are the following: community colleges, universities, and online or distance learning opportunities. Community colleges tend to offer smaller classrooms with more discussion-oriented styles of learning and discourse. Universities tend to be more...
Asbestos Legislation Reaches U.S. Congress
In May 2008, a six-year long battle for many asbestosis mesothelioma victims ended, as a legislative bill was finally introduced to Congress. The legislation, known as H.R. 3339, issued a proposal to ban the use of all asbestos and increase federal funding for research of treatments to fight against asbestos-related illnesses or conditions. The bill was introduced on August 2, 2007 and was part of a six-year process for 54 co-sponsors of the bill, which will go on to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The purpose of the bill is to add amendments to the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) of the United States, which was passed in 1976. Although the TSCA was amended several times in the last few...
The ice is beginning to melt, and springtime is just around the corner. For those of us who either work in schools or have a child in school, this usually means the beginning of the busy season we know as spring IEP time. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, annual Individualized Education Plans (or IEPs) are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. As we begin to embark on this busy time of year, it is important for parents and educators alike to reflect on the past year and the progress that the child/student has made, and look toward the future. Parents of children with special needs sometimes feel that they are not an integral part of...
Children and Learning
How would you like a way to help your child to feel more successful at home, at school, with friends? How would you like to feel less stress in your life and have a better relationship with your child? What if your child knew simple, effective strategies that will enable him to learn easily and quickly? It has been my experience that virtually every young person that I have worked with has had the desire to do well, to be accepted by their peers, to feel pride from their parents, and to feel good about themselves. If they are not doing well in school or with learning, it is not because they lack the desire to learn. The number one problem that I find children and adolescents facing is that they don...
Fair Opportunity for Disabled Employees
There are certain forms of workplace discrimination that are not allowed in the United States under the Employment Law. The employer must be discriminating on the basis of a protected category in order for the discrimination to be considered illegal. Such forms of illegal discrimination protected under the area of Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws include age, gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and disability discrimination. This article will discuss on the latter: disability discrimination. The Federal Law which forbids employment discrimination against "qualified individuals with disabilities" in the private sector, and in state and local...
Discrimination in the workplace has been one of the leading employment issues a worker faces. Not only is it an illegal practice but also a condemned act in the community. Employment discrimination in the workplace may take place in various forms. It can be discrimination due to age, sexual preference, religious belief or race. However, recent studies show that another form of workplace discrimination is currently on the rise - weight discrimination. The Threat of Weight Discrimination In a study conducted by the International Journal of Obesity, weight discrimination, especially against women, is overwhelmingly increasing in U.S. society. It is almost as widespread as racial discrimination From 66...
Increase your Study Concentration by Creating a...
To study you need only your study materials and a place to use them -- and theoretically that could be anywhere. But the practicality of this is that people who have a good dedicated area for their studies have a greater chance of being able to complete their study sessions quicker because they can create an environment that works for them and allows them to focus. Some people are able to switch off to what's going on around them, but most people need to have as few distractions as possible. There are people who work well with music, some who study better with silence, and then others who can concentrate on their bookwork as they follow their favorite soap opera on TV! Each person needs to...
How To Get An Education Online
In order to go to college one must be able to overcome the obstacles of money and time. Money issues can be addressed through student loans, scholarships or grants. But dealing with the time issue can be more difficult, especially if a student has to work a lot of overtime on their job. Of course students who have jobs requiring no overtime might have more luck with their school scheduling, as long as they don't have young children. If they do they will not be able to take classes at night, since most daycares are not open late hours. For either situation the option is taking weekend classes, (which get full very quickly), switching to different hours on the job or getting their education online...
Dealing With Adhd Secrets
Parents who still refuse to believe that ADHD is for real need to wake up. Studies have confirmed that not treating ADHD in children increased the chances of these kids leading anti-social lives, depression, taking illicit drugs, poor academic performance, and even unwanted pregnancies. This article strives to provide tips on the best practices to adopt in dealing with ADHD. What should I do if I suspect my child has ADHD? Talk to your doctor about it. If he is not trained in ADHD and other behavioural disorders (most doctors are not), ask him to recommend an expert who could do an evaluation and prescribe treatment. Generally, child psychiarists have the most training in this field. The doctor will...
In today's job market, a bachelor's degree often isn't enough to give you the edge over other job applicants. However, getting your MBA at a local college or university may be just too much for a full-time breadwinner with a home and family to care for. There are still ways to advance your education, though, and one of the most popular is getting your MBA through distance learning. Distance learning via internet is a relatively recent phenomenon. Usually, a student will enroll in an online university and take the all of the classes online. Sounds like a great deal, right? There are many pitfalls for the distance learner. Be sure to choose the right school. As with every other category of business...
Web Design Evaluation
Preece et al. define testing or evaluation as the process of 'systematically collecting data that informs us about what it is like for a particular user or group of users to use a product for a particular task in a certain type of environment'. (Preece et al. 2002:317) That is to say that it is a process where the interface is tested against the practices and needs of the user. (Faulkner 1998:109) Evaluation is important in design as it aims to 'eradicate any problems that may be present in a system'. (ibid. 1998:124) Evaluation and amendment of the design at various stages of development helps the designer to verify that the product is suitable for the users' needs, that they can use the product...
Boston Schools Work To Balance Inequalities In...
No parent wants their child to have to attend a school that is sub-standard. We all want our children to get the best education they possibly can. Even those who don't have kids in school today are interested in the success of the schools and often get involved in supporting their neighborhood schools. The reality is that not all kids get to attend the "top-notch" school. Some, many in fact, wind up in schools that are facing issues that make it hard for them to inspire students to do their best. Gangs, school violence, lack of funding, and uninspired teaching and administrative staff are all factors that can be associated with failing schools. While money isn't everything, it sure helps. Having...
New Testing Requirements for Children With...
Previously, the Virginia schools were required to test, under the No Child Left Behind Act, many of its children with disabilities in reading, math and science, regardless of their ability to do so. Unless they were severely disabled, the children had to take state-required tests for their grade level - whether or not they had the skills and understanding. Thus, many of these special students failed the tests. Testing grades were third, eighth and 11th on an annual basis. This caused several problems that were frustrating for both the Virginia schools educators and the children: • Their test scores were pulling down the school state rankings. Virginia schools are required to meet annual...
Disability Laws: Protecting the Rights of...
People with disability are protected by both state and federal laws. In the state of California, there are existing states and federal laws that help ensure protection of the rights of people with disabilities. This article will discuss some of these laws so that people will be aware, not only those that are disabled, but also the citizens. Disability laws for: • Private and non-profit businesses The Federal and state law give disabled people the right to gain full and equal access to everyday activities usually done in establishments where the general public is invited, such as: • Enjoying a meal at a restaurant • Buying an item at the grocery store • Getting their car...
How to use Prior Written Notice to Help Get...
Are you the parent of a child with learning disabilities or autism? Have you been fighting for an educational service that your childneeds, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), or a Orton- Gillingham based reading program? This article will discuss how to useprior written notice (PWN), to help your child get needed educationalservices. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that PWNcontain 6 things: 1. Description of the action proposed or refused bythe agency. 2. An explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses totake action. Also a description of what tests or reports the agencyis using as a basis for the proposed or refused action. 3. Copies ofprocedural safeguards...
Are you a parent of a child with a disability who would like to writeletters to special education personnel, but do not know what toinclude? Would a short list of things to include be helpful? Thisarticle will address 6 specific items that should be included inletters to special education personnel, to make them effective. Letters should be one page if possible, and contain these things: Item 1: You should include your name in the letter as well as the nameof your child with a disability. If the special education person is anadministrator, they may not know you or your child.That's why it isimportant to include both in the letter. Item 2: You should include your child's birth date, if you are...
MTBE - Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether
Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is one of various additives used to oxygenate gasoline. These substances are blended with gasoline to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (MTBE also reduces other toxic chemical compounds in vehicle emissions). MTBE has been in use since 1979, primarily in response to the diminishing use of lead in gasoline. In 1990, with the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments (specifically Section 211), the use of oxygenated gas was required in areas with excessive levels of CO air pollution. These areas were primarily urban, meaning that huge numbers of individuals have been exposed to MTBE. The positive aspect of the blend of gasoline and MTBE (which is highly flammable) is...
Is Your Website Designed to Provide Access for...
Is your website accessible to people with disabilities? It seems like today, website owners are more concerned with mobile web design than they are with making their sites available to the millions of people around the world with disabilities. It makes sense from a business perspective to make your website as accessible as possible to everyone, but it is also becoming a legal matter and much for many businesses and organizations. The World Wide Web is classified as a form of Information and Communications Technology, or ICT. Laws and policies regarding ICT accessibility that are already in existence are being considered in terms of the Internet. In addition, more and more legislation addressing ICT...
If you are a person with a physical challenge, you might have experienced employment and financial limitations due to prejudice, discrimination or supervisors who fail to recognize your actual value to their organization. Although the idea of working from home may appeal to you, you are skeptical about the support structure offered by the companies promoting this type of business. Despite these doubts, you will find that the prospect of developing a lucrative home-based enterprise is both feasible and easily done. And though there are many "biz opps" out there, one in particular offers a support structure that is especially beneficial to those with disabilities - Coastal Vacations. With the support...
Orange County and Microsoft Technology Voucher...
What is Available Vouchers will be issued in two categories: 1) General Purpose Vouchers and 2) Software Vouchers. General Purpose Vouchers may be used to purchase specific hardware (listed below), any non-custom software for that hardware, evaluation tools, information technology (IT) services, and professional development services. IT and professional development services must be obtained from approved providers in Orange County schools. Software Vouchers may only be utilized to purchase specific categories of software (listed below) that are published or sold by any software provider. Both the General Purpose and Software Vouchers may be applied by Orange County schools in an amount no greater...
Springtime in Schools: Preparing for...
The ice is beginning to melt, and springtime is just around the corner. For those of us who either work in schools or have a child in school, this usually means the beginning of the busy season we know as spring IEP time. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, annual Individualized Education Plans (or IEPs) are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. As we begin to embark on this busy time of year, it is important for parents and educators alike to reflect on the past year and the progress that the child/student has made, and look toward the future. Parents of children with special needs sometimes feel that they are not an integral part...
The word "remediation" is very important in the work my colleagues and I do with families affected by autism and other neuro-developmental disabilities, but it is a word that is unfamiliar to many people. I thought I would take a moment this week to talk about what remediation means in general, and specifically in the realm of autism. Let's start with some basic dictionary definitions: Remediate (verb) - To remedy a problem Remedial (adjective) - Intended to correct or improve one's skill in a specific field; therapeutic, corrective, restorative Remediation (noun) - Use of remedial methods to improve skills; the act or process of correcting a deficiency Dr. Steven Gutstein's definition of...
Warning - you Must Avoid This Critical Mistake...
You'd Be Surprised at How Many Families Make This Mistake When it Comes to Financial Aid! "We were told we make too much money to qualify for financial aid. Should we bother applying?" Here's the answer, once and for all: YES!! Got it? Many families assume they make too much money to qualify for financial aid, but there are many factors that determine eligibility - not just income. In fact, according to a recent study, 53% of all eligible families never apply for aid! The main reason preventing them from applying is this misconceived notion that they make too much money. I've had single moms two steps above the poverty line approach me at the end of a workshop, concerned that their income was too...