Workshops & Conferences

Free Webinars available through the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. All you need is an Internet connection and a phone line to participate. They call you, so there is no long distance charge for you and many can be viewd at your conveince. Visit www.ocecd.org to learn more.

Family Information Network of Ohio is sponsoring a series of 8 free one hour educational webinars geared toward families involved in Help Me Grow under the umbrella title "Steps Toward Tomorrow." Topics include financial  tips and resources, advocacy skills, IFSPs, rights, improving services, emotions, transition and visioning. Click here for details and a schedule of dates. Additional Special Topic Webinars are also availble on encouraging language in young children, working with military families in HMG, everyday experiences and the brain, getting ready for preschool,  keeping children safe, and behavior management.Click here to visit FIN of Ohio's website for details.

Jan 2011-Dec 2011:  People First Generation 2 is a program run by and for Young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 18-25. It is a mix of trainings andgatherings at local “fun” destinations. Requires participants attend training sessions in order to attend community excursions, a $25 membership fee per year, plus personal spending money. Meets the First & Third Thursday of each month from 4:30 - 6:-00 PM in Toledo. Call The Arc of Lucas County at 419-882-0941, ext. 2 or e-mail jeanb@arclucas.org for details or to register.

Sept 21, 2011: Understanding Mental Health and Behavioral Health Conditions The Empowering Parents through Knowledge Series through Mercy is a free educational opportunity offered to parents of all school age children with special educational concerns. It is an opportunity to meet other parents struggling to help their children succeed and learn about laws and strategies that protect your child and ensure their success. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please call if you need assistance with transportation. All Meetings are held from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Family Care Center, 2213 Franklin, second floor, Healthy Connections Department For questions and more information call  David Brewer at 419-251-2455.

Sept 22, 2011:  How to Say “No” Without Saying “No”! his workshop will provide creative ways to say “No” that will improve compliance without the chaos.  6-8 PM  Double ARC 3827 Secor Road Toledo, OH (located at the corner of Secor & Monroe) Fee: $45. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance. Registration and payment are due one week prior to
workshop. Mail to Double ARC. Click here for more information.

Sept 27 2011: Thinking Ahead A Parents To-Do List for Future Planning Participants will discuss  health and life insurance for yourself and your child with Rob Peirce, Oswald Companies; Living will and power of attorney for you and your loved ones with Dean Horrigan, attorney; and Financial planning with Gary Wise, Special Care Planner, MassMutual Financial Group. Held at The Ability Center, 5605 Monroe St, Sylvania Ohio To Register: Contact Carol at Family Information Network (419)-254-4665 or  carolklavinger@unitedwaytoledo.org.

Sept 28, 2011: FASD: It’s About the Brain Introduces participants to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Participants will learn general strategies to support persons with FASD. Fee: $129 ($109/person for 3 or more from same organization). Will receive a certificate of attendance and CEUs. Registration and payment are due prior to workshop. 9 AM-3:30 PM  Double ARC 3827 Secor Road Toledo, OH Click here for more information.

October 2011:  Autism Sibshops These Sibshops are for 8 to 14 year old brothers and sisters of children who have autism spectrum disorder. It's a fast paced recreational based program that lets sibs meet each other and share their common joys and concerns of living with their siblings with autism while having fun! New fall session beigns on Octover. Contact Linell Weinberg at 419-578-278-66 or visit www.asno.org to register and for more information.

Oct 1, 2011: The Accessible Communities Education Series: Kathie Snow  presents  "Disability is Natural" Kathie discusses how  person who has been diagnosed or labeled with a “disability” has strengths, gifts, and talents, and when we focus on those—instead of the diagnosis—great outcomes are possible! Since the way we think drives the way we act, we must begin with a change in our attitudes and perceptions—and the words we use—about individuals with disabilities. She also believes the inclusion of people with disabilities can best be accomplished when they move from clienthood to citizenship. This can occur when individuals with disabilities and their families move away from dependence on special services and begin accessing the abundant supply of natural supports and generic services in their communities. The presentation includes a panel discussion addressing "Successful Partnerships and Solutions". Runs 9am-3pm at Park In Hotel. Toledo, OH. Contact Lisa Justice at 866-885-5733 or ljustice@abilitycenter.org for more information or visit the Ability Center of GreaterToledo website to register.

October 4, 2011: FASD in MY Classroom? This workshop provides basic information on
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and how it effects learning. .$45/each, $40/ ea. for three or more from the same school (bring supper optional) 2.0 contact hours Registration and payment are due prior to workshop Runs 5-7 PM Double ARC 3827 Secor Road Toledo, OH. Click here for more information.

Oct 5, 2011: Advocating For Your Child and Understanding the IEP Process The Empowering Parents through Knowledge Series through Mercy is a free educational opportunity offered to parents of all school age children with special educational concerns. It is an opportunity to meet other parents struggling to help their children succeed and learn about laws and strategies that protect your child and ensure their success. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please call if you need assistance with transportation. All Meetings are held from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Family Care Center, 2213 Franklin, second floor, Healthy Connections Department For questions and more information call  David Brewer at 419-251-2455.

Oct 6, 2011: Spotlight on the Family Free Training by the LCBDD and LCESC presented by Sandy BricknerOhio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Participants will discuss commonalities of family needs. Including parenting techniques, keeping family balance and harmony,  how stress affectsthe family and what techniques can be used to work through difficult times. Held at the Family First Zone 1155 Larc Lane Toledo, OH from 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Free childcare provided. To register please contact Wendy Smenner at 419-471-0384 or lcesc_wsm@nwoca.org or Rolita Noble at 419-380-5172 or rnoble@lucasdd.com

Oct 8, 2011-Mar 3, 2012 Sibshops Sibshops are for 8 to 13 year old brothers and sisters of children who have special needs. It's a fast paced recreational based program that lets sibs meet each other and share their common joys and concerns of living with their siblings with a disability all while having fun!  The LCESC Sibshops are run by a team of people who have a professional and, in some cases, a personal understanding of the impact a child’s special needs can have on brothers and sisters. Gatherings will be held on Saturdays from 10:00am-1:00pm. There is a one-time $30 fee for this group and pre-registration is required. For more information and to register contact Wendy Smenner, Lucas County Parent Mentor  419-471-0384 or lcesc_wsm@nwoca.org. 

Oct 12, 2011-Nov 2011: ACT: Parenting Skills Group for Parents of Young Children Ages 0-8years

Offered through the Cullen Center at Promedica Toledo Children's Hospital. Learn the secrect of stress free parenting, how toprevent difficult behavior, how to control anger and respond to conflicts in positive ways, andd effectice discipline. Classes will begin once at least  8 parents have registered. Will be held at Center for Health Services Building 2150  Central Ave, Toledo, OH. Cost is $10 per group. ($80 for enitire session) Please register by Oct 4th. For more information call the Cullen center at 419-291-7919.

October 18, 2011: FASD: STRATEGIES FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS—PART 1 This workshop builds on the content of the FASD in MY Classroom workshop. Participants will learn how to develop effective strategies and supports for students with FASD. $59, $50/ ea. for three or more from the same school (bring supper optional) Registration and payment are due prior to workshop. Runs 4:30 -7:30 PM  Double ARC 3827 Secor Road Toledo, OH Click here for more information.

Oct 19, 2011: Collecting Data and Tracking Your Child’s Progress The Empowering Parents through Knowledge Series through Mercy is a free educational opportunity offered to parents of all school age children with special educational concerns. It is an opportunity to meet other parents struggling to help their children succeed and learn about laws and strategies that protect your child and ensure their success. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please call if you need assistance with transportation. All Meetings are held from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Family Care Center, 2213 Franklin, second floor, Healthy Connections Department For questions and more information call  David Brewer at 419-251-2455.

Oct 19 and  Oct 20, 2011: Autism from the Outside In and Inside Out Sean Barron, an individual with autism and his girlfriend, Barbara Proptopapa will discuss living with autism. Sean is the author of There's a Boy in Here and The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism. $10 for parents and $15 for professionals. Visit  www.asno.org to register. The 19th runs from 9:30am-Noon
And the 20th runs from  6:30-9PM at the Toledo Hospital Education Center
2142 North Cove Blvd. Toledo, OH.

Oct 19, 2011: It's About Family Join Wood Lane Superintendent Melanie Stretchbery for an informal get together and give your feedback about services for your loved ones; meet other families and discuss many interesting topics. 7 PM Way Library 101 East Indiana Ave. Perrysburg, OH.

Nov 2, 2011: Your Child – A Person: Family and Peer Relationships The Empowering Parents through Knowledge Series through Mercy is a free educational opportunity offered to parents of all school age children with special educational concerns. It is an opportunity to meet other parents struggling to help their children succeed and learn about laws and strategies that protect your child and ensure their success. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Please call if you need assistance with transportation. All Meetings are held from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Family Care Center, 2213 Franklin, second floor, Healthy Connections Department For questions and more information call  David Brewer at 419-251-2455.

Nov 3, 2011: Taking The Sting Out of Behavior Free Training by the LCBDD and LCESC presented by Sandy BricknerOhio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Participants will learn how to eliminate inappropriate behaviors and teach children skills that allow them to self-monitor their actions. Will also discuss punishment, discipline and  techniques for working with challenging behaviors. Held at the Family First Zone 1155 Larc Lane Toledo, OH from 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Free childcare provided. To register please contact Wendy Smenner at 419-471-0384 or lcesc_wsm@nwoca.org or Rolita Noble at 419-380-5172 or rnoble@lucasdd.com.

Jan 5, 2012: Understanding AD/HD Free Training by the LCBDD and LCESC presented by Sandy BricknerOhio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Participants will gain an understanding of the history of AD/HD and some statistics on the prevalence of AD/HD in the general population. Discussion about who is qualified to diagnose AD/HD, how it affects children in school and life, and various techniques and accommodations to support children at home and at school will be presented. Held at the Family First Zone 1155 Larc Lane Toledo, OH from 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Free childcare provided. To register please contact Wendy Smenner at 419-471-0384 or lcesc_wsm@nwoca.org or Rolita Noble at 419-380-5172 or rnoble@lucasdd.com.

Jan 9, 2012- April 2, 2012: FASD Social Skills for Teens Training is for teens ages 13 – 17 (both teen and parent/guardian need to attend each session). The Social Skills for Teens Training focuses on parent-assisted social skills training with particular attention given to development of best friend relationships. During the sessions the teens will learn communication skills, including electronic communication, choosing friends, sportsmanship, handling bullying, rejection, rumors, and gossip. They will practice the skills through behavior rehearsal and coaching to reduce negative behaviors and promote positive social skills. Simultaneously, parents are taught about core deficits of FASD that keep teens from making friends. They are also given the companion information to their teen’s sessions so they can help their teen practice between sessions.Sessions run Mondays January 9 2012- April 2, 2012 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at  Mary Immaculate School building (on the campus of the Sisters of Notre Dame) Cost is $199 per child. Contact Double Arc at 419.479.3060 or  www.doublearc.org to register or for more information.

Feb 2, 2012: Autism Awareness Free Training by the LCBDD and LCESC presented by Sandy BricknerOhio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Participants learn about the types of Autism and developmental areas most commonly affected by autism. Discussion will address Individual Education Program (IEP) goals along with strategies and possible methodologies for educating children identified on the Autistic Spectrum. A comparison between services received through the Autism Scholarship Program and public school IEP programs also will be discussed. Held at the Family First Zone 1155 Larc Lane Toledo, OH from 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Free childcare provided. To register please contact Wendy Smenner at 419-471-0384 or lcesc_wsm@nwoca.org or Rolita Noble at 419-380-5172 or rnoble@lucasdd.com.

Feb 17, 2012:The Accessible Communities Education Series: Dr. Richard Villa presents  on "Restructuring for caring & Effective Education: The Inclusive School and "Differenting Instruction: Access to the General Education Curriculum for All"  Dr. Richard A. Villa is President of Bayridge Consortium, Inc., in San Marcos, California. His primary field of expertise is the development of administrative and instructional support systems for educating students within mainstream settings. This presentation is aimed at educators,  families, individuals with disabilities, advocates and the community. Runs 9am-3pm, Toledo, OH. Contact Lisa Justice at 866-885-5733 or ljustice@abilitycenter.org for more information or visit the Ability Center of GreaterToledo website to register.

April 18 & 19, 2012: The Accessible Communities Education Series: Jonathon Mooney  Jonathan Mooney is a dyslexic writer and activist who did not learn to read until he was 12 years old. He is a graduate of Brown University’s class of 2000 and holds an honors degree in English Literature. Jonathan is founder and President of Project Eye-To-Eye, a mentoring and advocacy non-profit organization for students with learning differences. He illustrates his ideas with his personal and professional experiences as a dyslexic and ADD student, and as founder and president of Project Eye-To-Eye. He weaves his experiences and forward-thinking philosophies with his broad academic knowledge of education, psychology, sociology and history of learning and disability.April 18th Johnathon will meet with ACT's Youth Leadership Group and their families on April 19th he will deliver a  presentation to youth with disabilities, families and teachers. The community is welcome to attend. Contact Lisa Justice at 866-885-5733 or ljustice@abilitycenter.org for more information or visit the Ability Center of GreaterToledo website to register.

Mid August, 2012: The Accessible Communities Education Series: Norman Kunc & Emma der Klift    Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift have spent the last 25 years working to ensure that people with disabilities are able to take their rightful place in schools, workplaces, and communities. Although they are well known advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humor and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change. Contact Lisa Justice at 866-885-5733 or ljustice@abilitycenter.org for more information or visit the Ability Center of GreaterToledo website to register.