PUT-Mississippi Calendar of Events

Parents United Together Mississippi Calendar of Events Parent, Advocacy and Disability Support Group and Informational Meetings Mississippi State Agencies Meetings Disability Awareness Items Mississippi Parent Support groups and Listserves
APRIL 2009 Calendar of Events Parent Support Group Meetings Parent Training Meetings State Agency Meetings and Trainings Public School District Being Monitored for Special Education Services and Parent Focus Group Meetings being held during site visits ____________________________________________________________________________ Functional Communication Training This one-day workshop is designed for anyone working with individuals who are non-verbal. Through your hands-on participation, you will discover how dual sensory loss and other disabilities such as autism present significant challenges to language acquisition that, in turn, severely impacts relationships, learning, working and living life. You will leave with strategies for increasing communication expression, literacy and organizing your students’ or child’s day. You will learn how communication and behavior are intimately woven, and be able to more readily recognize communication attempts. Lastly, you will leave the workshop with tools, materials and resources useful for improving your relationship with students and children, their educational programs, and expressive communication. Specific locations of these learning events will be disclosed after your registration is received. April 2, 2008: NATCHEZ-- April 7, 2008: HATTIESBURG April 8, 2008: GAUTIER Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For questions, please call Toni Hollingsworth at 228.249.9668 or e-mail her at toni.Hollingsworth@usm.edu These workshops/seminars are geared to meeting the needs of families, educators, early interventionists, administrators, and related service providers serving children and young adults found to be exhibiting characteristics of autism spectrum disorder or are non-verbal communicators. April 2, 2009 World Autism Awareness Day For more ideas, visit the World Autism Awareness Day website April 2, 2009 Mississippi Parent Information and Training Center Online Autism Series Training Events: Session 1: Solving the Puzzle: An Overview of Autism Pam Dollar will discuss the diagnostic criteria for autism, possible causes, sensory challenges faced by people with autism spectrum disorders and a summary of treatments and interventions 8:00 –9:30 p.m. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/144536442 April 4, 2009 The Mustard Seed Spring Fling http://www.mustardseedinc.org/ 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m Mustard Seed Campus April 4, 2009 Last day for public comments on the Mississippi IDEA Part B Application for FFY2009 As required by Federal law, we have posted the Mississippi Part B Application for FFY2009. You can find the application on the front of the Office of Special Education web page under Recent Postings, http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/special_education/ The application will remain posted until May 4, 2009. Public comment will be accepted concerning the application through April 4, 2009. All Public Comment should be sent to Ellen Davis Burnham using one of the following methods: Email: eburnham@mde.k12.ms.us, Mail: PO Box 771, Suite 315, Jackson, MS 39205 or Fax: 601-359-2198 April 6, 2009 Assistive Technology and Transition with Joey Wallace, Ph.D., E.D., New Well Foundation The Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center announces their 2009 Webinar Series entitled Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities. PEATC and the VCU RRTC invite you to participate in these webinars. This is a FREE opportunity for students, families, educators, adult service providers and others interested in Transition. FREE, but registration is required. To register, please link to: http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?sess=8ee7992460bb0064160079671f724c0a&news_id=66 Webcasts on Transition All scheduled for 1:00 Central and 2:00PM EST April 6, 2009 DisabilityInfo.gov Assistive & Adaptive Technology Update: Assistive Technology & Transition: Evaluation, Identification & Acquisition This webinar, to be held on at will discuss assistive technology as the great equalizer for people with disabilities in accessing pathways to community living, employment and post secondary education. For students with disabilities and families, however, it may not be clear who has responsibility for providing these technologies once a student is no longer protected by IDEA mandated services. 1:00 p.m. This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=109. April 7-8, 2009 Neshoba County School District Office of Special Education Site Visit-SLD Parent Focus Group Meeting April 7, 2009 Neshoba Central Elementary School Auditorium, 1002 St. Francis Drive, Philadelphia, MS 39350 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. April 8, 2009 Mississippi State Board of Health meeting 10:00 Mississippi State Department of Health Osborne Building, Alton B. Cobb Auditorium 570 East Woodrow Wilson Jackson This meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact Jenny Robinson, 601-576-7634. April 9, 2009 The Braille Bill Advisory Committee 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Mississippi School for the Blind , which is located at 1252 Eastover Drive , Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, contact Ms. Susan Davis, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771 , Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771 ; fax: 601-359-1829; email: sdavis@mde.k12.ms.us ; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408. April 9, 2009 Mississippi Developmental Disabilities Council http://www.cdd.ms.gov Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act Oxford Chamber of Commerce Building 10;00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m Oxford (Source: DDC Director) April 14-15, 2009 Lowndes County School District Office of Special Education Site Visit-SLD Parent Focus Group Meeting April 14, 2009 Lowndes County School District Central Office Meeting Room, 1053 Highway 45 South, Columbus, MS 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. April 14, 2009 Families of Children with Special Needs Support Group Meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month 6:00 p.m. Delta Regional Medical Pavilion Greenville For more information call Joyce parker at 662-822-1846 or Polly Anderson at 662-334-4552 April 14, 2009 The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce the "Empowering People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Technology Solution" workshop. PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IS WELCOMED TO COME. This workshop is being offered in two individual locations. Sessions are being offered on the dates and locations as noted below. Time: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Location: MS e-Center at Jackson State University, 1230 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204 This workshop is designed to expose parents and school district personnel to assistive technology (AT) devices that can improve communication skills of students with Autism. Opportunities will allow participants to have "hands-on" usage of assistive technology devices. Parents and districts will be provided information on how to obtain AT devices at little or no cost. Each of the five (5) break-out sessions will target specific areas that detail the importance of fostering both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This workshop is a collaborative venture between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi Department of Education. CEUs (.6) will be offered for this workshop. You may contact Valecia Davis at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at vdavis@mde.k12.ms.us or Dorothy Young at Dorothy.Young@mdrs.state.ms.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Evelyn Sanford at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at esanford@mde.k12.ms.us April 15, 2009 The Special Education Advisory Panel 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Marriott, which is located at 200 East Amite Street, Jackson, Mississippi. The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; fax: 601-359-1829; email: atell@mde.k12.ms.us; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408. For more information, contact Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498. April 16 and 17, 2009 Mississippi Department of Education/State Board of Education MS Department of Education fourth floor Boardroom Central High School Building Jackson The meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday and at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. For more information, contact the Office of the State Superintendent at (601) 359-1750 or http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/ Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act April 16, 2009 Mississippi Department of Mental Health Board http://www.dmh.state.ms.us Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act 9:30 a.m. Information not available on location April 16, 2009 The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce the "Empowering People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Technology Solution" workshop. PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IS WELCOMED TO COME. This workshop is being offered in two individual locations. Sessions are being offered on the dates and locations as noted below. Time: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Location: Delta State University (Jobe Hall), 1000 Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733 This workshop is designed to expose parents and school district personnel to assistive technology (AT) devices that can improve communication skills of students with Autism. Opportunities will allow participants to have "hands-on" usage of assistive technology devices. Parents and districts will be provided information on how to obtain AT devices at little or no cost. Each of the five (5) break-out sessions will target specific areas that detail the importance of fostering both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This workshop is a collaborative venture between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi Department of Education. CEUs (.6) will be offered for this workshop. You may contact Valecia Davis at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at vdavis@mde.k12.ms.us or Dorothy Young at Dorothy.Young@mdrs.state.ms.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Evelyn Sanford at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at esanford@mde.k12.ms.us April 18, 2009 TEAAM WALK for AUTISM Winners Circle Park in Flowood. Registration starts at 9am. Event from 10am-12pm. For more information Contact: TEAAM OFFICE PO Box 37 Mize MS 39116 601-733-0090 Office 601-906-4893 Bridgette Cell April 20, 2009 Opportunities through Career Tech Ed with Domenic Giandomenico, Director, ICW, US Chamber of Commerce The Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center announces their 2009 Webinar Series entitled Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities. PEATC and the VCU RRTC invite you to participate in these webinars. This is a FREE opportunity for students, families, educators, adult service providers and others interested in Transition. FREE, but registration is required. To register, please link to: http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?sess=8ee7992460bb0064160079671f724c0a&news_id=66 Webcasts on Transition All scheduled for 1:00 Central and 2:00PM EST April 25, 2009 Ms Parents of Blind Children 1800 N. Gloster St Tupelo, Ms 2:00 p.m. For more information e-mail Pat Sartain at pdsartain@dishmail.net April 25, 2009 HoeDown in the Hollow Spreading Autism Awareness till the Cows Come Home!! Food Vendors, Arts & Craft Vendors, Bands, Games, Tennis Tournament, Free Throw Tournament, Mechanical bull, and fun, fun, fun. For more information Contact: TEAAM OFFICE PO Box 37 Mize MS 39116 601-733-0090 Office 601-906-4893 Bridgette Cell April 25, 2009 Hope Hollow 2nd Annual Boots and Bar-B-Q Fundraiser 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. For Tickets or information call 601-506-6293 April 28, 2009 Madison County School District: Parent Night Meetings: Partners in Transition Information regarding services under the Ms. Dept of Rehabilitation Services 6:30-8:00 Madison Middle School Sports programs on the coast are: The Dream Program, founder Troy Trigg, 228-327-5687. I believe they do sports programs year-round. The basketball season starts Jan.17th. This is in Ocean Springs, Ms. Jackson county. TOP Soccer: Allen Pilcher, President Diberville Youth Soccer Org. 228-860-3903 or dyso2003@yahoo.com This season ends Feb. 2nd, but interested parents can be put on the notification list for next season. Diberville, Ms. Harrison county. Parents Night Out Events in Jackson Metro Area Special Needs Night Out Programs in Jackson Area Sonbeams Growing into all that God wants me to be Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church Ridgeland For more information contact Martie Kwasny at 601-919-8605 or e-mail jmkwasny@bellsouth.net Friday Night Friends Broadmoor Baptist Church Madison For more information contact Rebecca Phelps at 601-506-..... or e-mail rebeccakphelps@comcast.net Parents Night Out and STARS Program Ridgecrest Baptist Church Madison For more information contact Beth Bennett at bbennett@rcbc.org Therapeutic Equestrian Activity Member 4-H TEAM is a member of the Mississippi Therapeutic Equine Association. Other members and their contact information are provided below to allow individuals across the state of Mississippi to find services in their immediate area. Rainbow Farms Location: Vicksburg, MS Services: therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, boarding and training, lessons for non-disabled, horse show opportunities Hours of Operation: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Contact: Leighann Nosser Website: www.rainbowfarmsridingcenter.com Email: Rainbowfarmsinc@aol.com Phone: 601-638-8372, 601-831-4758 North Mississippi Regional Center Therapeutic Riding Program Location: Oxford, MS Services: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy for individuals at North Mississippi Regional Center Classes run March-May and September-November Contact: Julie Chadwick Email: jchadwick@nmrc.state.ms.us Phone: 662-513-7892 Gold Star Advantage Therapy Farm Location: Tupelo, MS Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding Classes run year round Contact: Candace Nichols Email: mhmilesjr@aol.com Phone: 662-842-4080, 662-568-2079 RideABILITY Location: Florence, MS Services: Therapeutic Riding Classes offered: Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings Contact: Christy Henderson Email: Christy@rideabilityms.com Website: www.rideabilityms.com Phone: 601-750-6735 Freedom Reins Location: Brookhaven, MS Services: Therapeutic riding, Hippotherapy Classes offered: year round as weather permits Contact: Becky Green Email: freedomreins@bellsouth.net Phone: 601-757-2495 Hearts Desire Location: Sentatobia, MS Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding, academic experimental learning for at risk youth Classes offered: Year Round Contact: Karen Cates Email: heartsdesiretrc@bellsouth.net Phone: 662-288-5307 Gaits to Success Location: Kiln, MS Services: Therapeutic Riding Classes offered: Monday-Sunday Contact: Carolyn Rhodes Email: rhodesmc@juno.com Phone: 228-255-5368, 228-342-6881 R.I.D.E.S. Location: Caledonia, MS Services: Therapeutic ridding, Hippotherapy Classes offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday Contact: Patty Hudgins Email: patty@rides4him.org Phone: 662-574-2707 Aztec Farms Location: Crystal Springs, MS Services: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy Classes: Year round Contact: Lana Mapes Email: Aztecfarms@aol.com Phone: 601-308-0416 Trailblazen Therapy Location: Florence, MS Services: Therapeutic riding, hippotherapy Classes: Year round Contact: Rachelle Benton Email: benton862@windstream.net Phone: 601-845-0876 TEAM Location: Starkville, MS Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding Classes offered: Spring and fall Contact: Mary Riley Email: mriley@ext.msstate.edu Website: http://msucares.com/4h_Youth/4hteam/index.html Phone: 662-325-3350, 662-325-1695 Mandy Rogers Subscribe to the Parents United Together On Line disAbility News and events calendar www.parentsunitedtogether.com To produce great schools worthy of a great nation, we must also change our hearts and our minds. We must let go of the myths and perceptions about who can learn and who can't." ~ Rod Paige, Secretary, Department of Education A child miseducated is a child lost. ~ John F. Kennedy
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Parents United Together

Mississippi Calendar of Events
Parent, Advocacy and Disability Support Group and Informational Meetings
Mississippi State Agencies Meetings
Disability Awareness Items
Mississippi Parent Support groups and Listserves

APRIL 2009 Calendar of Events
Parent Support Group Meetings
Parent Training Meetings
State Agency Meetings and Trainings
Public School District Being Monitored for Special Education Services and Parent Focus
Group Meetings being held during site visits
____________________________________________________________________________
Functional Communication Training
This one-day workshop is designed for anyone working with individuals who are non-verbal.
Through your hands-on participation, you will discover how dual sensory loss and other
disabilities such as autism present significant challenges to language acquisition that, in turn, severely impacts relationships, learning, working and living life. You will leave with strategies for increasing communication expression, literacy and organizing your students’ or child’s day. You will learn how communication and behavior are intimately woven, and be able to more readily recognize communication attempts. Lastly, you will leave the workshop with tools, materials and resources useful for improving your relationship with students and children, their educational programs, and expressive communication.
Specific locations of these learning events will be disclosed after your registration is received.
April 2, 2008: NATCHEZ--
April 7, 2008: HATTIESBURG
April 8, 2008: GAUTIER
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For questions, please call Toni Hollingsworth at 228.249.9668 or e-mail her at toni.Hollingsworth@usm.edu
These workshops/seminars are geared to meeting the needs of families, educators, early interventionists, administrators, and related service providers serving children and young adults found to be exhibiting characteristics of autism spectrum disorder or are non-verbal communicators.

April 2, 2009
World Autism Awareness Day
For more ideas, visit the World Autism Awareness Day website

April 2, 2009
Mississippi Parent Information and Training Center Online Autism Series Training Events:
Session 1: Solving the Puzzle: An Overview of Autism
Pam Dollar will discuss the diagnostic criteria for autism, possible causes, sensory challenges faced by people with autism spectrum disorders and a summary of treatments and interventions
8:00 –9:30 p.m.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/144536442

April 4, 2009
The Mustard Seed Spring Fling
http://www.mustardseedinc.org/
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Mustard Seed Campus

April 4, 2009
Last day for public comments on the Mississippi IDEA Part B Application for FFY2009
As required by Federal law, we have posted the Mississippi Part B Application for FFY2009. You can find the application on the front of the Office of Special Education web page under Recent Postings, http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/special_education/ The application will remain posted until May 4, 2009. Public comment will be accepted concerning the application through April 4, 2009. All Public Comment should be sent to Ellen Davis Burnham using one of the following methods:
Email: eburnham@mde.k12.ms.us, Mail: PO Box 771, Suite 315, Jackson, MS 39205 or
Fax: 601-359-2198

April 6, 2009
Assistive Technology and Transition with Joey Wallace, Ph.D., E.D., New Well Foundation
The Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center announces their 2009 Webinar Series entitled Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities. PEATC and the VCU RRTC invite you to participate in these webinars. This is a FREE opportunity for students, families, educators, adult service providers and others interested in Transition. FREE, but registration is required. To register, please link to:
http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?sess=8ee7992460bb0064160079671f724c0a&news_id=66
Webcasts on Transition
All scheduled for 1:00 Central and 2:00PM EST

April 6, 2009
DisabilityInfo.gov Assistive & Adaptive Technology Update: Assistive Technology & Transition: Evaluation, Identification & Acquisition
This webinar, to be held on at will discuss assistive technology as the great equalizer for people with disabilities in accessing pathways to community living, employment and post secondary education. For students with disabilities and families, however, it may not be clear who has responsibility for providing these technologies once a student is no longer protected by IDEA mandated services.
1:00 p.m.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=109.

April 7-8, 2009
Neshoba County School District Office of Special Education Site Visit-SLD
Parent Focus Group Meeting

April 7, 2009
Neshoba Central Elementary School Auditorium,
1002 St. Francis Drive, Philadelphia, MS 39350
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

April 8, 2009
Mississippi State Board of Health meeting
10:00
Mississippi State Department of Health
Osborne Building, Alton B. Cobb Auditorium
570 East Woodrow Wilson
Jackson
This meeting is open to the public. For more information, contact Jenny Robinson, 601-576-7634.

April 9, 2009
The Braille Bill Advisory Committee
9:30 a.m.
The meeting will be held at the Mississippi School for the Blind , which is located at 1252 Eastover Drive , Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, contact Ms. Susan Davis, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771 , Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771 ; fax: 601-359-1829; email: sdavis@mde.k12.ms.us ; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.

April 9, 2009
Mississippi Developmental Disabilities Council
http://www.cdd.ms.gov
Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act
Oxford Chamber of Commerce Building
10;00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m
Oxford
(Source: DDC Director)

April 14-15, 2009
Lowndes County School District Office of Special Education Site Visit-SLD
Parent Focus Group Meeting

April 14, 2009
Lowndes County School District Central Office Meeting Room, 1053 Highway 45 South, Columbus, MS
6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

April 14, 2009
Families of Children with Special Needs Support Group
Meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month
6:00 p.m.
Delta Regional Medical Pavilion
Greenville
For more information call Joyce parker at 662-822-1846 or Polly Anderson at 662-334-4552

April 14, 2009
The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce the "Empowering People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Technology Solution" workshop.
PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IS WELCOMED TO COME.
This workshop is being offered in two individual locations. Sessions are being offered on the dates and locations as noted below.
Time: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Location: MS e-Center at Jackson State University, 1230 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS 39204
This workshop is designed to expose parents and school district personnel to assistive technology (AT) devices that can improve communication skills of students with Autism. Opportunities will allow participants to have "hands-on" usage of assistive technology devices. Parents and districts will be provided information on how to obtain AT devices at little or no cost. Each of the five (5) break-out sessions will target specific areas that detail the importance of fostering both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This workshop is a collaborative venture between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi Department of Education. CEUs (.6) will be offered for this workshop. You may contact Valecia Davis at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at vdavis@mde.k12.ms.us or Dorothy Young at Dorothy.Young@mdrs.state.ms.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Evelyn Sanford at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at esanford@mde.k12.ms.us

April 15, 2009
The Special Education Advisory Panel
9:00 a.m.
The meeting will be held at the Marriott, which is located at 200 East Amite Street, Jackson, Mississippi. The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; fax: 601-359-1829; email: atell@mde.k12.ms.us; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408. For more information, contact Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

April 16 and 17, 2009
Mississippi Department of Education/State Board of Education
MS Department of Education fourth floor Boardroom
Central High School Building
Jackson
The meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday and at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. For more information, contact the Office of the State Superintendent at (601) 359-1750 or http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/
Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act

April 16, 2009
Mississippi Department of Mental Health Board
http://www.dmh.state.ms.us
Public Meeting under the Mississippi Open Meetings Act
9:30 a.m.
Information not available on location

April 16, 2009
The Office of Special Education is pleased to announce the "Empowering People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Technology Solution" workshop.
PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IS WELCOMED TO COME.
This workshop is being offered in two individual locations. Sessions are being offered on the dates and locations as noted below.
Time: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Location: Delta State University (Jobe Hall), 1000 Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733
This workshop is designed to expose parents and school district personnel to assistive technology (AT) devices that can improve communication skills of students with Autism. Opportunities will allow participants to have "hands-on" usage of assistive technology devices. Parents and districts will be provided information on how to obtain AT devices at little or no cost. Each of the five (5) break-out sessions will target specific areas that detail the importance of fostering both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This workshop is a collaborative venture between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi Department of Education. CEUs (.6) will be offered for this workshop. You may contact Valecia Davis at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at vdavis@mde.k12.ms.us or Dorothy Young at Dorothy.Young@mdrs.state.ms.us. For questions regarding registration, contact Evelyn Sanford at (601) 359-3498 or via e-mail at esanford@mde.k12.ms.us

April 18, 2009
TEAAM WALK for AUTISM
Winners Circle Park in
Flowood.
Registration starts at 9am. Event from 10am-12pm.
For more information Contact:
TEAAM OFFICE
PO Box 37
Mize MS 39116
601-733-0090 Office
601-906-4893 Bridgette Cell
April 20, 2009
Opportunities through Career Tech Ed with Domenic Giandomenico, Director, ICW, US Chamber of Commerce
The Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center announces their 2009 Webinar Series entitled Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities. PEATC and the VCU RRTC invite you to participate in these webinars. This is a FREE opportunity for students, families, educators, adult service providers and others interested in Transition. FREE, but registration is required. To register, please link to:
http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?sess=8ee7992460bb0064160079671f724c0a&news_id=66
Webcasts on Transition
All scheduled for 1:00 Central and 2:00PM EST

April 25, 2009
Ms Parents of Blind Children
1800 N. Gloster St
Tupelo, Ms
2:00 p.m.
For more information e-mail Pat Sartain at pdsartain@dishmail.net

April 25, 2009
HoeDown in the Hollow
Spreading Autism Awareness till the Cows Come Home!!
Food Vendors, Arts & Craft Vendors, Bands, Games, Tennis Tournament, Free Throw Tournament, Mechanical bull, and fun, fun, fun.
For more information Contact:
TEAAM OFFICE
PO Box 37
Mize MS 39116
601-733-0090 Office
601-906-4893 Bridgette Cell

April 25, 2009
Hope Hollow 2nd Annual Boots and Bar-B-Q Fundraiser
5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For Tickets or information call 601-506-6293

April 28, 2009
Madison County School District: Parent Night Meetings: Partners in Transition
Information regarding services under the Ms. Dept of Rehabilitation Services
6:30-8:00
Madison Middle School

Sports programs on the coast are:

The Dream Program, founder Troy Trigg, 228-327-5687. I believe they do sports programs year-round. The basketball season starts Jan.17th. This is in Ocean Springs, Ms. Jackson county.

TOP Soccer: Allen Pilcher, President Diberville Youth Soccer Org. 228-860-3903 or dyso2003@yahoo.com This season ends Feb. 2nd, but interested parents can be put on the notification list for next season. Diberville, Ms. Harrison county.

Parents Night Out Events in Jackson Metro Area
Special Needs Night Out Programs in Jackson Area
Sonbeams
Growing into all that God wants me to be
Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church
Ridgeland
For more information contact Martie Kwasny at 601-919-8605 or e-mail jmkwasny@bellsouth.net

Friday Night Friends
Broadmoor Baptist Church
Madison
For more information contact Rebecca Phelps at 601-506-..... or e-mail rebeccakphelps@comcast.net

Parents Night Out and STARS Program
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Madison
For more information contact Beth Bennett at bbennett@rcbc.org

Therapeutic Equestrian Activity Member
4-H TEAM is a member of the Mississippi Therapeutic Equine Association. Other members and their contact information are provided below to allow individuals across the state of Mississippi to find services in their immediate area.

Rainbow Farms
Location: Vicksburg, MS
Services: therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, boarding and training, lessons for non-disabled, horse show opportunities
Hours of Operation: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Leighann Nosser
Website: www.rainbowfarmsridingcenter.com
Email: Rainbowfarmsinc@aol.com
Phone: 601-638-8372, 601-831-4758

North Mississippi Regional Center Therapeutic Riding Program
Location: Oxford, MS
Services: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy for individuals at North Mississippi Regional Center
Classes run March-May and September-November
Contact: Julie Chadwick
Email: jchadwick@nmrc.state.ms.us
Phone: 662-513-7892

Gold Star Advantage Therapy Farm
Location: Tupelo, MS
Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding
Classes run year round
Contact: Candace Nichols
Email: mhmilesjr@aol.com
Phone: 662-842-4080, 662-568-2079

RideABILITY
Location: Florence, MS
Services: Therapeutic Riding
Classes offered: Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings
Contact: Christy Henderson
Email: Christy@rideabilityms.com
Website: www.rideabilityms.com
Phone: 601-750-6735

Freedom Reins
Location: Brookhaven, MS
Services: Therapeutic riding, Hippotherapy
Classes offered: year round as weather permits
Contact: Becky Green
Email: freedomreins@bellsouth.net
Phone: 601-757-2495

Hearts Desire
Location: Sentatobia, MS
Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding, academic experimental learning for at risk youth
Classes offered: Year Round
Contact: Karen Cates
Email: heartsdesiretrc@bellsouth.net
Phone: 662-288-5307

Gaits to Success
Location: Kiln, MS
Services: Therapeutic Riding
Classes offered: Monday-Sunday
Contact: Carolyn Rhodes
Email: rhodesmc@juno.com
Phone: 228-255-5368, 228-342-6881

R.I.D.E.S.
Location: Caledonia, MS
Services: Therapeutic ridding, Hippotherapy
Classes offered: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Contact: Patty Hudgins
Email: patty@rides4him.org
Phone: 662-574-2707

Aztec Farms
Location: Crystal Springs, MS
Services: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy
Classes: Year round
Contact: Lana Mapes
Email: Aztecfarms@aol.com
Phone: 601-308-0416

Trailblazen Therapy
Location: Florence, MS
Services: Therapeutic riding, hippotherapy
Classes: Year round
Contact: Rachelle Benton
Email: benton862@windstream.net
Phone: 601-845-0876

TEAM
Location: Starkville, MS
Services: Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding
Classes offered: Spring and fall
Contact: Mary Riley
Email: mriley@ext.msstate.edu
Website: http://msucares.com/4h_Youth/4hteam/index.html
Phone: 662-325-3350, 662-325-1695

Mandy Rogers
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To produce great schools worthy of a great nation, we must also change our hearts and our minds. We must let go of the myths and perceptions about who can learn and who can't."
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~ John F. Kennedy

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