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September 2008 Calendar of Events
To include events in next month's Calendar please contact us:
Jayne Kleinman, 203-631-4800 or JayneKleinman@ct-dac.org
Stan Kosloski, 860-614-8351 or StanKosloski@ct-dac.org
Website: http://www.ct-dac.org/contactus.htm
Please let us know if you need this calendar in an alternative format!
Ongoing Events
The next event in the series "Life Threatening Public Policy", offered by the Council on Developmental Disabilities, will be held on Friday, September 19, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. It is entitled "The Culture of Death" and will be held at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University. To register for the event, call 860-418-6157, or toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail ed.preneta@ct.gov. There is no cost to attend. See additional workshops in the series in the Calendar below (Oct. 24 and Nov. 14).
You may also find a very comprehensive listing of upcoming events and announcements relevant to children with disabilities and families in Fairfield County by going to www.spednet.org.
September Events
Monday, September 8, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, "Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: What Parents Need to Know" - presented by the CT Parent Advocacy Center at the United Methodist Church, 68 Danbury Road, New Milford. The event is sponsored by the Greater New Milford Area Parent Support/Resource Group, the CT Family Support Network/NW Region & the New Milford Youth Agency. For more information contact Alice Buttwell, NW Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, at alicemmbb@aol.com or 860-350-6025.
Monday and Tuesday, September 8 and 9, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm each day - Connecticut Medical Home Initiative Conference: "Building and Sustaining a Medical Home Model of Care for Connecticut: Challenges, Solutions, Surprises and Successes" at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel. The conference seeks to strengthen, expand and sustain a state model of care coordination for children and youth with special health care needs through family partnerships, education, multidisciplinary collaboration, resource and policy development, and advocacy. For more information contact Renae Vitale, LCSW, at 203-709-5716, 1-866-517-4388 or rvitale@stmh.org.
Tuesday, September 9, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, Supportive Housing Training at the Time Expo Museum, 175 Union Street, Waterbury (click here for the registration form) - two additional trainings will be held in the Norwich and Fairfield areas (See September 23 below and watch for the third training) - any questions call 1-800-215-3021 or 860-882-0236 or email keepthepromise@namict.org. You can also find information at www.ctkeepthepromise.org.
Tuesday, September 9, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (twelve weekly sessions) - a Family to Family Education Program sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI/CT) will present twelve weekly sessions offering support and education to family members of individuals with mental illness - the event is being held at Waterbury Youth Services, 95 North Main Street in Waterbury. For information and registration contact Debbie at 203-757-7569.
Wednesday, September 10, 1:00 - 4 pm - State Independent Living Council meeting - Center for Disability Rights in West Haven - for more information contact Debbie Melaragno at 860-523-0126, or e-mail deb.ctsilc@gmail.com.
September 12, 13, & 14 (Fri. - Sun.) - the Brain Injury Association of Connecticut (BIAC) will hold its Personal Enrichment Retreat at the Conri Lodge in Ashford. Call 860-721-8111 for more information.
Sunday, September 14th, 2 pm and 7:30 pm A Midsummer Night's Dream - Audio Descriptive Event - the Hartford Stage Company is offering this audio descriptive performance of this Shakespeare play at its Hartford theater. For more information contact Jenima Manson at 860-520-7244 or JManson@hartfordstage.com
Tuesday September 16, 9:30 am, Children with Special Health Care Needs and Disabilities, Parent Resource and Support Group - will meet in the Sweet Harmony Café and Bakery, 158 Broad Street, Middletown. Any questions - contact Tesha Imperti, South Central Regional Coordinator, CT Family Support Network, at 203-710-3041 or Teshaimp@comcast.net.
Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 am -12:00 pm, "Siblings of Children with Special Care Needs Need Support Too!" - will meet at Central Park, Indoor Kids' Play Place, 74 Central Avenue (side entrance of Salvation Army),Waterbury. Jessi Zeigler, Outreach Manager of Newtown Youth & Family Services will talk about Sibshops, a support group for children who have a sibling with special care needs. The event is co-sponsored by the CT Family Support Network - NW Region & the CT Lifespan Respite Coalition. For more information contact Alice B. Buttwell at 860-350-6025, 203-709-3850, or alicemmbb@aol.com, or Joy Liebeskind at 203-272-9058, 203-641-0679 or SJSJL@cox.net.
Wednesday, September 17, 6:00 7:30 pm - "Identity Theft and Scams" presentation for the Deaf Support Group - to be held at the Otis Library, 261 Main Street in Norwich. Mark Loundsbury from the Norwich Police Department will conduct the workshop which addresses an important issue for people in the deaf community. All interested persons are welcome. For more information contact Brynn Hickey or Linda Fafard at 860-823-1898 (v), Videophone IP Address 75.149.135.141, AOL IM screen name DNEC Deaf, or email at bhickey@dnec.org or lfafard@dnec.org.
Wednesday, September 17, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, an Introduction to Assistive Technology Demonstration - to be held at the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County, 80 Ferry Blvd., Suite 210, in Stratford. Assistive Specialists from the NEAT Demonstration Center at DRCFC will be present. For more information or to RSVP contact Fran or Stephanie at the Disability Resource Center, 203-378-6977; TDD: 203-378-3248, fsinish@drcfc.org or smastrolillo@drcfc.org or go online to www.drcfc.org or www.neatmarketplace.org.
Wednesday, September 17, 9:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB), State Rehab Council meeting at 184 Windsor Ave., Windsor - for information call 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), http://www.ct.gov/besb/site/default.asp or e-mail BESB@po.state.ct.us.
Wednesday, September 17, 1:00 - 3:30 pm, meeting of the Connecticut State Rehabilitation Council - in the Waterbury Room of the BRS/DSS office, 249 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury - for more information contact Evelyn Oliver Knight at 860-424-4871, toll free 1-800-537-2549, 860-424-4839 (TTY), or e-mail evelyn.knight@ct.gov
Thursday, September 18 - the Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) Fall Conference, Hartford Marriott Hotel/Farmington. For more information contact CCPA at 860-257-7909 or by e-mail: tedelstein@ccpa-inc.org - the CCPA web site is www.ccpa-inc.org.
Friday, September 19, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, "Culture of Death" workshop at the Institute of Technology and Business Development, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain - sponsored by the Council on Developmental Disabilities - to register call 418-6157, toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail ed.preneta@ct.gov
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm - Fragile X Society Conference: "Hyperarousal, Sensory Integration, and Motor Planning Issues: Day to Day Strategies for Home, School, and Beyond" to be held at the UConn Health Center in Farmington. The event will include a discussion of the two core challenges of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) that can also be seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): hyperarousal and motor planning issues. Speakers include Tracy Murnan Stackhouse, MA, OTR, and Sarah Scharfenaker, MA, CCC-SLPF. For further information, contact Tammy or Andy Selinger at xfamily@aol.com or 860-233-1904. This conference is sponsored by Montanari Financial Partners, the National Fragile X Foundation and the A.J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
Tuesday, September 23, 4:30 - 6:30 pm - Kickoff Event for QuIC at the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden - - this statewide initiative is a new opportunity for consumers, youth and young adults, and family members to assess mental health services and voice their needs - it is funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as part of a federal Transformation Grant. For more information contact Kim O'Rielly, Southwest Regional Mental Health Board, One Park Street, Norwalk, CT, 203-840-1187, swrmhb@optonline.net.
Tuesday, September 23, 9:00 - 11:30 am. - Supportive Housing Training at the United Way of Southeastern CT - 283 Stoddards Wharf Road - Gales Ferry (click here for registration form) - see also September 9 - a third training date will be announced soon, and will be held at the First Church Congregational in Fairfield. If you have any questions call 1-800-215-3021 or 860-882-0236 or email keepthepromise@namict.org. You can also find this information at www.ctkeepthepromise.org.
Wednesday, September 24, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Connecticut State Independent Living Council (SILC) Annual Meeting - New Park Office and Conference Center - 151 New Park Avenue - Hartford - for more information contact Debbie Melaragno at 860-523-0126, or e-mail deb.ctsilc@gmail.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm - "Positive Approaches to
Challenging Behaviors: Looking, Listening and Learning - A Lifespan Statewide Conference" - Crowne Plaza Hotel - 100 Berlin Road - Cromwell - the registration fee, due 9-10-08, is $55 per person, but family scholarships are available - for more information, to request accommodations, or to apply for a family scholarship, contact Angela Spino at the DD Council at 860-418-8709.
Thursday, September 25, 10:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Board meeting at 184 Windsor Ave. in Windsor - for more information call 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail BESB@po.state.ct.us.
October Events
Saturday, October 4, 2:00 pm - open captioned performance of Passion Play
at the University Theatre (Yale Rep) - audio described performance will be offered on Saturday, October 11 at 2:00 pm - contains strong language and nudity - Box Office: 203-432-1234 - Box Office TTY: 203-432-1521 - also check out the Yale Rep web site: www.yalerep.org.
Saturday, October 4, 10:00 am - The Annual Kristin Debonee 5k (3.1 miles) or 1 Mile Fun Walk "N" Roll will be held at Manchester Community College. Registration is from 9:30 - 10:00 am in the AST Building (Tower). The event, a fundraiser for Communitas, will be held rain or shine. The Walk "N" Roll is sponsored by Communitas and a number of Manchester Community College educational programs (Disability Specialist - Occupational Therapy Assistant - Sport & Exercise - Therapeutic Recreation Programs ─ Institute on Disability & Community Inclusion). For further information contact Joan Jakiela (860-512-2705) or e-mail: jjakiela@mcc.commnet.edu
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Saturday, October 4, 9:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Consumer Advisory Committee meeting at 184 Windsor Ave., Windsor - for more information call 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail BESB@po.state.ct.us.
Saturday, October 4, 4th Annual Brain Injury Association of Connecticut (BIAC) United Steel Walk for Thought at Great River Park, East Hartford - Registration is at 11:00 am, Walk begins at 12:30 am - call 860-721-8111 for more information.
Saturday October 4, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (see also Oct. 29, Nov. 17 and Dec. 4) - a meeting of WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County - Kathy Whitbread from St. Joseph's College will present on "Curriculum Modifications"; the event is co-sponsored with Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress and will be held at the Westport Library. Early dinner will be served, RSVP required. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.
Friday, October 10, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm - Latino Health Policy Summit: "A Structured Conversation about Latino Health Priorities among Connecticut's Leaders and Community" - University of Connecticut Greater Hartford Campus, West Hartford - for more information contact Allison Read at allisonr@hispanichealth.com.
October 15 - final date to apply for your 2008 Stimulus Payment - persons who qualify for the payment must file a 2007 tax return, even if you don't typically need to file one - to find an IRS office near you, go to IRS.gov and click on "Contact IRS," then "Contact Your Local IRS Office."
Thursday, October 16, 4:00 - 8:00 pm - Resource Fair sponsored by Allied Rehabilitation Centers - to be held at Clarion Inn & Suites (formerly Best Western) in East Windsor. Highlights include booths of resource information, seminars on important and timely topics, and professionals to answer your questions. A staffed Respite Room will be available. There is no charge for this event. For more information or to receive a brochure call: 860-741-3701 Ext. 200.
October 23 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - "How to Use Positive Behavior Support Plans: An Overview for Caregivers and Case Managers" - to be held at the Keeney Center - 200 Main Street Wethersfield - to register contact Julie Bouchard - (860) 418-6050 or by e-mail: julie.bouchard@ct.gov.
Friday, October 24, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, a workshop entitled "Protecting the Lives of Hospital Patients," at the Institute of Technology and Business Development, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain - sponsored by the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities - to register call 860-418-6157 or toll-free 1-800-653-1134.
Saturday, October 25, a conference entitled "Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficits through the Lifespan" at the Stamford Marriott Hotel - sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities - call 203-838-5010 for more information.
Monday, October 27, 9:00 am 3:00 pm, "Nonprofit Advocacy: Rules and Strategies for Effective Lobbying", sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits and the CT Association for Human Services (CAHS) - will be held at 90 Brainard Road in Hartford. The Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) will discuss IRS rules concerning 501(c)3s and lobbying, as well as the importance of nonprofit participation in legislative advocacy and strategies for effective lobbying. CT Association of Nonprofits and CAHS lobbyists will also share their insights into the local political scene and what can be expected during the 2009 State Legislative Session. For more information contact Maggie Adair, 860-951-2212, x 239, madair@cahs.org, www.cahs.org.
Tuesday, October 28, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm "The Promise of Partnerships: Combining Resources for Success," Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell. Learn about ways you or your organization/agency can be involved in the activities of the UConn A. J. Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD). Individuals with disabilities and families are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Gabriela Freye-Calish at freye@nso2.uchc.edu of call 1-800-679-1502. This event is sponsored by the Consumer Advisory Council of the UCEDD.
Thursday October 29, 7-9 pm (see also Oct. 4, Nov. 17 and Dec. 4) - a meeting of WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County - Dr. Michael Weiss from Giant Steps and private practice will present on "Social Skills and Making Friendships"; the event is co-sponsored with the Westport SEPTA, and will be held at Coleytown Middle School, on North Avenue in Westport. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.
October 28 - 30, "Aging is Changing!" - a conference that will give you access to greater New England's aging network - sponsored by the Senior Resources Agency on Aging - to be held at Waters Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook - for more information contact Lisa Reynolds, 860-887-3561, ext. 123 or go to www.seniorresourcesec.org/news/conference.html.
Thursday, October 30, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, ADA Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) Annual Meeting, Luncheon & Awards Presentation, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell. The cost to attend is $35/person and for table sponsors the cost is $350. Join the ADA Coalition of Connecticut as they honor state residents who have helped further the cause of the ADA. Contact Project Director Lisa Caron by e-mail at adacoalition@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 860-297-4383 for more information.
November Events
Sunday, November 2 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, "Resurrection", an Audio Descriptive Event - the Hartford Stage Company is offering an audio descriptive performance of this play at its theater in Hartford. For more information contact Jenima Manson at 860-520-7244 or JManson@hartfordstage.com.
Thursday, November 6, 10:00 am - 1:00 p m- a workshop on "The Raymond Settlement: Impacting the Rights of Department of Social Services Clients with Disabilities," For more information contact Maureen Brown at Legal Assistance Resource Center of CT: mbrown@larcc.org or call 860-278-5688, ext. 205.
Saturday, November 8 - 2:00 pm - "Happy Now?" American Premiere - Open captioned performance - to be performed at Yale Repertory Theatre -
Audio Described Performance to be offered on Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm - contains strong language - Box Office: 203-432-1234 - Box Office TTY: 203-432-1521 - also check out the Yale Rep web site: www.yalerep.org
Saturday, November 8 - 2:00 pm - "Rough Crossing" - Open Captioned Performance at the University Theatre (Yale Rep) - Audio Described Performance: Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 pm - Box Office: 203-432-1234 - Box Office TTY: 203-432-1521 - also check out the Yale Rep web site: www.yalerep.org.
Thursday November 13 and Thursday, November 20, Essentials of Legislative Advocacy, Legislative Office Building, Hartford. This annual training is led by Attorney Jan VanTassel and former State Representative and DMHAS legislative Liaison Doreen DelBianco. Discussed are the "essentials" of the legislative process and how to influence elected officials. These are the two basic goals of this training: 1) to make you comfortable with the people and the process and 2) to help you figure out how you can help. Upon request, these trainings are also available to 15 or more persons in a condensed version. Please contact Cheri Bragg, Coordinator, if you are interested in holding a training at your office or clubhouse at 860-882-0236 or 1-800-215-3021 or go to http://www.ctkeepthepromi...g/eventsandtraining.html.
Friday, November 14, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, a workshop entitled "Understanding Vital Organ Donation," at the Institute of Technology and Business Development at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain - sponsored by the Council on Developmental Disabilities - to register call 418-6157, or toll free 1-800-653-1134, or e-mail ed.preneta@ct.gov.
Saturday, November 15, Statewide Forum on Careers in the Arts for People with Disabilities at the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at St. Joseph College, West Hartford - sponsored by the Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT), in partnership with Young Audiences Arts for Learning Connecticut (YAC), the state's VSA arts affiliate. For more information contact Susan Docker at susan.docker@ct.gov.
Monday November 17, 6-9 pm (see also Oct. 4, Oct. 29, and Dec. 4). WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County: Gala Awards Ceremony for 2008 with keynote speaker, Attorney David Shaw, providing an update of the PJ Case and Inclusion in the State of CT; the event will be held at the Westport Library. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.
Wednesday, November 19, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, a meeting of the Connecticut State Rehabilitation Council - location to be arranged - contact Evelyn Oliver Knight at 860-424-4871, toll free 1-800-537-2549, 860-424-4839 (TTY), or e-mail Evelyn.knight@ct.gov.
Wednesday, November 19, 1:00- 4:00 pm - Connecticut State Independent Living Council (SILC) meeting - contact Debbie Melaragno at 860-523-0126, or e-mail her at deb.ctsilc@gmail.com for site location.
Thursday, November 20, 8:15-3:30, Infant Mental Health Annual Conference Woodbridge Country Club in Woodbridge. The conference will feature a presentation by Dr. Serena Wieder, Director of DIR/Floortime Institute. For more information contact Margaret C Holmberg: margaret.holmberg@ct.metrocast.net.
December Events
Wednesday, December 3 and December 10, Essentials of Legislative Leadership Training for people with mental disabilities, sponsored by the Keep the Promise (KTP) Coalition . Upon request, the trainings are also available to 15 or more persons in a condensed version. Please contact Cheri Bragg, KTP Coordinator, at 860-882-0236 or 1-800-215-3021 if you are interested in holding a training at your office or clubhouse, or go to www.ctkeepthepromise.org/eventsandtraining.html.
Thursday, December 4, 6:00 - 9:00 pm (see also Oct. 4, Oct. 29 and Nov. 17) - a meeting of WE BELONG: Inclusion in Fairfield County - Dr. Linda Rammler of Rammler and Wood Consultants will present on Positive Behavior Supports - the event is co-sponsored with CT Down Syndrome Congress and will be held at the Westport Library. Dinner will be served, and a RSVP is required. For more information contact Eva Greenwald at evagreenwald@sbcglobal.net.
Wednesday, December 10, 9:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) State Rehab Council, 184 Windsor Ave., Windsor - for more information call 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail BESB@po.state.ct.us.
Thursday, December 11, CCPA 39th Annual Meeting. For more information contact the Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) at 860-257-7909, or tedelstein@ccpa-inc.org - the CCPA web site is www.ccpa-inc.org.
Thursday, December 18, 10:30 am, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) Board meeting at 184 Windsor Ave. in Windsor - for information contact 860-602-4000, 860-602-4221 (TDD), or e-mail BESB@po.state.ct.us.
January 2009 Events
January 14, 2009, Learning Disabilities Association of Connecticut Inc.(LDA) Annual Conference. (Snow date Jan. 15) - Holiday Inn Hotel, Waterbury -Wayne Steedman, attorney from Wrightslaw, will speak on IDEA and NCLB - for more information contact LDA of CT - web site www.ldact.org - phone: 860-560-1711
For three years the Calendar was supported by a grant that the Disability Advocacy Collaborative received from the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. In addition, in-kind support is being provided by the UCONN Center on Disabilities, and Communitas, Inc. serves as the project's fiscal agent. To all three we extend our deep appreciation.
DISCLAIMER: Inclusion of an event, article or legislative initiative does not imply endorsement by CDAC, nor can CDAC guarantee that all information provided is accurate or current.
