Event Calendar
Our calendar provides a central point for keeping track of all our programs, events, and meetings. Check back regularly to see what interesting seminars and activities are coming soon.
Please note that while we try to keep this calendar as accurate as possible, unexpected or short-notice changes, such as those due to weather or illness, may not be reflected here.
| 11 |
4th Maine Autism Resource Fair
( 8:00am - 5:00pm )
Free Autism Conference! Workshops and Exhibitors Available.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Vincent J. Carbone Presents: The Benefits of Including B.F. Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior Within Intensive Treatment Programs for Children with Autism Additional workshops: Special Education (the 3 r's - rights, responsibilities and results), Autism 101, Living with Asperger's Syndrome and Social Skills, Developing an IEP, Adults and Transition, Communication and Autism. Who should attend? Family members, educators, professionals, case managers, respite providers, physicians, paraprofessionals, therapists, foster parents, daycare providers, students and interested individuals. Event Location: Augusta Civic Center Augusta, ME For more information contact: Heidi Bowden 207-626-3042 www.maeproject.org/ asdresourcefair@aol.com One day event - October 11, 2008 |
| 14 |
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Career Center 66 Spruce St. Presque Isle, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - October 14, 2008 |
| 15 |
Candidates' Forum
( 12:00pm to 4:00pm )
Candidates' Forum for State House and Senate Races 2008:
Maine Disabilities Advocacy Committee (MEDAC) is hosting a candidates' forum. Candidates will be asked questions regarding disability related issues. This forum is open to the public. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask their own ASD and disability related questions. Event Location: St. Paul's Center Augusta, ME One day event - October 15, 2008
Making Nutrition Work for You: Autism, and ADHD
( 5:00pm to 7:00pm )
Dr. Christopher Maloney will be covering the latest research into nutrition, autism and ADHD as well as the overlap between diagnoses. His focus is on taking the research and making it work for parents to make their lives easier and simpler. Issues covered will include the range of allergic response, simple ways to spot vitamin deficiencies, and how to create change without a battle.
This workshop is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available. Event Location: Children's Center 1 Alden Ave. Augusta, ME For more information contact: Renee Randazzo 207-626-3497 www.childrenscenteraugusta.com/ rrandazzo@childrenscenteraugusta.com One day event - October 15, 2008 This event is sponsored by Children's Center. |
| 16 |
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Youth Alternative 50 Lydia Lane South Portland, ME 04073 For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - October 16, 2008
Transition Topics
( 6:00pm to 8:00pm )
FREE Transition Topics for parents - 3 Part Series in 3 locations. Are you the parent of a transition age (14 and up) or soon to be transition age youth receiving special education services? Does planning for your child's future as an adult confuse you? Worry you? Leave you with more questions than answers?
Topics and Descriptions: Transition from High School: Taking Flight Advocacy to Self-Advocacy: Moving On & Letting Go, Panel of Experts. Registration is required. Bangor, WINGS, Tuesdays: Sept.30, Oct.14 and Oct. 28 Portland, Youth Alternatives, Weds: Sept.24, Oct.8 and Oct.22 Camden, Camden Hills Regional High School, Thurs: Oct. 16, Oct.30, and Nov. 6 NOTE: See MPF website for workshops available by computer. Event Location: Camden Hills High School Camden, ME For more information contact: 1-800-870-7746 www.mpf.org/ psteeves@mpf.org One day event - October 16, 2008 This event is sponsored by Maine Parent Federation. |
| 20 |
Planning for Students with Autism
( 9:00am to 3:30pm )
Comprehensive Planning for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Incorporating the Hidden Curriculum and Other Essential Skills.
Outcomes: Describe charactoristics of students with AS, ASD, and relatied learning challenges and how they impact learning, Identify supports that can be used throughout the students day, be able to create a comprehensive plan for student programming, incorporate hidden curriculum and other essential skills. Presented by Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D. Event Location: Hilton Garden Inn Freeport, ME. For more information contact: Maine Support Network 1-866-291-004 www.mainesupportnetwork.org One day event - October 20, 2008 |
| 21 |
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Sunrise Opportunities 66 Hadley Lake Rd. Machias, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - October 21, 2008 |
| 23 |
Autism: Linking Early Indicators to Intervention
FIRST WORDS Project on red flags of ASD in infants and toddlers will be presented. Strategies for screening and early diagnosis to improve early intervention will be described. Participants will have an opportunity to view video vignettes of the specific red flags that identify youngs children with ASD. A framework for linking these early indicators to meaningful intervention outcomes will be the focus.
Presented by Amy M. Wetherby, Ph.D.,CCC-SLP Event Location: Keeley the Katerer Banquet Ctr 175 Warren Ave. Portland, ME For more information contact: 207-797-3550 chammond@mrhassociates.com One day event - October 23, 2008 This event is sponsored by 2 day event 10/23/08 - 10/24/08.
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: DDC 225 Western Ave. Augusta, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - October 23, 2008 |
| 24 |
Adults and with Asperger Syndrome and H.F. Autism
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Adults with Asperger Syndrome & High-Functioning Autism
Presented by Valerie Gaus There are growing numbers of adults diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism, as recent awareness has led to late diagnosing for many. In addition, people who are being diagnosed as children are quickly growing up. Problems faced in daily living often leads these individuals to seek help from therapists. Anxiety, depression, social and occupational difficulties are among the most common reasons. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will be described with a rationale for using those approaches to help these adults improve the quality of their lives. Event Location: The Harraseeket Inn 162 Main St. Freeport, ME For more information contact: 207-846-8643 www.transdis.com transdis@verizon.net One day event - October 24, 2008
Autism & The Use of Symbol-Based Communication
( 8:00am to 5:00pm )
Presented by James Sorce, Meghan O'Brien, and Marie Duggan
The Presentation will describe the charactoristics of communication difficulties experienced by many individuals with moderate-severe autism spectrum disoders (including comprhension, expression, and social/pragmatic) Describe / demonstrate use of visuals to: Enhance the student's ability to comprehend the spoken language, instruction, requests, and for organization / planning. Event Location: University of Southern Maine Abromson Conference Center Portland, ME For more information contact: www.eastersealsme.org One day event - October 24, 2008 This event is sponsored by Easter Seals.
Signing on the Spectrum
( OCT. 24th - OCT.25th )
"Signing on the Spectrum: Meeting the Needs of Deaf Children with Autism"
The Learning Center for the Deaf has organized this conference focusing exclusively on deaf and hard of hearing children who have autism. The goal of this conference is to bring together professionals in the fields of deaf education and advocacy with experts in the field of autism, behavior and special education. Presentations include diagnosis and assesment of autism spectrum disorders in deaf children, literacy and assistive technology, and creating effective and meaningful home/school connections. Event Location: Natick/Framingham, MA For more information contact: Amy Collins www..tlcdeaf.org signingonthespectrum@tlcdeaf.org One day event - October 24, 2008 |
| 29 |
The World of Tantrums
( 5:00pm to 7:00pm )
The World of Tantrums: Why They Happen and What to Do
Presented by Mike Mitchell, LCSW, Crisis & Counseling, Inc. Parenting a child with behavioral health concerns typically comes with tantrums and emotional volatility that can overwhelm the best of us. This workshop talks about the various reasons behind many of the big blow-ups and practical ways to manage these situations. Whether it occurs in the home, grocery store, school, or much anticipated birthday party there are ways to understand the cycle of escalation to maximize your success with your child. This workshop is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available. Event Location: Children's Center 1 Alden Ave. Augusta, ME For more information contact: Renee Randazzo 207-626-3497 www.childrenscenteraugusta.com/ rrandazzo@childrenscenteraugusta.com One day event - October 29, 2008 This event is sponsored by Children's Center. |
| 30 |
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Mayo Regional Hospital 897 West Main ST. Dover Foxcroft, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - October 30, 2008 |
| 2 |
Playtime at the Children's Museum
( 10:00am - 12:00pm )
The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a private playtime. The Museum will be Free to families and is sponsored by The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.
Event Location: Children's Museum of Maine 124 Free St. Portland, Me 04101 For more information contact: 828-1234x227 www.kitetails.com lauren@kitetails.com One day event - November 2, 2008 |
| 5 |
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Sweetser 17 Walnut St. Rockland, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - November 5, 2008 |
| 6 |
Introduction to Social Thinking
( 4:00pm to 7:00pm )
Introduction to Social Thinking: How to Improve Your Interactions with Different Social Thinkers
Presented by Therese Bernier Burns The participants will: Possess a deeper understanding of perspective taking, receive an introduction to the four levels of play, learn how to use the "I LAUGH" model to focus on specific needs, and be given an opportunity to explore the four levels of communication. Event Location: Bangor High School 885 Broadway Bangor, ME For more information contact: 1-866-291-0004 www.mainesupportnetwork.org One day event - November 6, 2008 |
| 7 |
Children with Autism and Special Needs
( Nov.7th, 8th, and 9th )
Redefining the Potential for Emotional and Social Functioning In Children with Autism and Special Needs
Featuring Panels on: New Research on Social and Emotional Gains and Changes in Brain Functioning in Children with ASD, New Insights into Identifying and treating Medical Conditions Associated with ASD, A Bioethical Approach to Overcoming Problems with Behavior Aggression in the Education of Children with ASD. Presentations by T.Berry Brazelton and Stanley Greenspan Event Location: Hilton McLean Tysons Corner Virginia, Washington DC Metro Area For more information contact: 301-656-2667 www.icdl.com One day event - November 7, 2008 This event is sponsored by 3 Day Conference. |
| 13 |
Making Nutrition Work for You: Autism, and ADHD
( 5:00pm to 7:00pm )
Dr. Christopher Maloney will be covering the latest research into nutrition, autism and ADHD as well as the overlap between diagnoses. His focus is on taking the research and making it work for parents to make their lives easier and simpler. Issues covered will include the range of allergic response, simple ways to spot vitamin deficiencies, and how to create change without a battle.
This workshop is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available. Event Location: Federated Church 13 Island Ave. Skowhegan, ME For more information contact: Renee Randazzo 207-626-3497 www.childrenscenteraugusta.com/ rrandazzo@childrenscenteraugusta.com One day event - November 13, 2008 This event is sponsored by Children's Center.
Provide Input for The Maine State Legislature
( 5:00pm-7:00pm )
Do you have a child receiving Special Education Services? The Maine State Legislature wants to know if information, training and advocacy resources are readily available to families, what is working well and what gaps may exist. This is an opportunity for you to provide input to the Legislature about what changes are needed in information, training and advocacy services in Maine. All comments and recommendations recieved will be included in a report to the Legislature in January, 2009 by The Maine Developemental Disabilities Council.
Event Location: Tri-County Mental Health 242 Penobscot St. Rumford, ME For more information contact: Kathleen Young 1-800-244-3990 www.maineddc.org kyoung@maineddc.org One day event - November 13, 2008 |
| 14 |
Response to Interventions Model
( 8:00am (registration) - 4:00pm )
Presented by John E. McCook, Ph.D.
With the reauthorization of IDEA, the US Department of Education is urging states to give up the Discrepancy Model and to use Response to Interventions (RTI). But how you implement an RTI Model is the question. The purpose of this one-day seminar is to provide vital information on best practices and implementation of an RTI Model. Event Location: Holiday Inn Portland West 81 Riverside St. Portland, ME For more information contact: 715-836-9900 www.meds-pdn. com One day event - November 14, 2008 |
| 15 |
American Academy of Pediatrics (Maine Chapter)
Cutting Edge Pediatrics: Practical Hard Core Medicine for the Maine Pediatrician
Conference includes: Hyperbilrubemia, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Bronchiolitis, Renal Issues, Pediatric Pharmacology, Autism Screening Tools, Celiac Disease, Integrated Medicine, Metabolic Emergencies and Exhibits. Event Location: Eastern Maine Medical Center Bangor, ME For more information contact: Aubrie 207-782-0856 agridleyentwood@aap.net One day event - November 15, 2008 |
| 18 |
Strategies and Supports in the Classroom
( 4:00pm to 7:00pm )
Presented by: Therese Bernier Burns
Focus will be on students with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: A better understanding of Asperger Syndrome and its characteristics, a better understanding of structural intervention strategies, strategies to help you recognize, respond to, and support students with Asperger's Syndrome, an introduction to the importance of the hidden curriculum - the social rules and expectations of behavior that we all know but were never directly taught and how a lack of these skills impacts individuals who experience difficulty in generalizing information from one situation to another. Event Location: University of Maine 181 Main St. Presque Isle, ME For more information contact: 207-685-3171 www.mainesupportnetwork.org office@mainesupportnetwork.org One day event - November 18, 2008 |
| 3 |
Developmental Music in the Home
( 5:00pm to 7:00pm )
Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Developmental Music in the Home
Presented by Ellen Bowman, MS, LCPC This workshop will explore the benefits of music in the lives of children from newborn through preschool, especially with special needs. Exposure to music promotes communication skills, teaches about feelings, can promote calmness, and can help with transitions in young children. This evening of exploration will begin with learning musical recipes and creating instruments from household materials, and will end with a musical celebration for you and your child. This workshop is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available. Event Location: Children's Center 1 Alden Ave. Augusta, ME For more information contact: Renee Randazzo 207-626-3497 www.childrenscenteraugusta.com/ rrandazzo@childrenscenteraugusta.com One day event - December 3, 2008 This event is sponsored by Children's Center. |
| 4 |
Feeding and Pre-Speech Issues
( December 4th and 5th )
The Mild and Moderately Involved Child
Presented by Suzanne Evans Morris Ph.D Course Description: An emphasis will be placed on the development of programs that will improve oral-motor skills for feeding, respiration, phonation, and sound play. Although many therpeutic techniques will be discussed and illustrated, this workshop focuses on the overall approach to therapy rather than the specific techniques used. 2 Day Conference Event Location: Keekey the Katerer 178 Warren Ave. Portland, ME For more information contact: 207-797-8255 chammpnd@mrhassociates.com One day event - December 4, 2008 This event is sponsored by Mark Hammond Association. |
| 6 |
"SHOWCASE YOUR ABILITIES" Craft Fair
( 9:00am to 4:00pm )
Many People with disabilities and their families enjoy crafting. They would like to showcase their abilities. Why not show off what YOU can do? That is what this craft fair is all about.
Come and shop for the holidays. Food will be available to purchase for lunch and snacks. There will also be an area for children's activities and crafting! For more information on crafter tables, please visit the ASM website home page or call for an application. Event Location: Gardiner Middle School Gardiner, ME For more information contact: Susan 1-800-273-5200 www.asmonline.org inffo@asmonline.org One day event - December 6, 2008 |
| 7 |
Playtime at the Children's Museum
( 10:00am - 12:00pm )
The Children's Museum of Maine invites all families of children with autism to a private playtime. The Museum will be Free to families and is sponsored by The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.
Event Location: Children's Museum of Maine 124 Free St. Portland, Me 04101 For more information contact: 828-1234x227 www.kitetails.com lauren@kitetails.com One day event - December 7, 2008 |
| 11 |
Positive Parenting Tips
( 5:00pm to 7:00pm )
Presented by Ruth Lessard, Community Educator, KVCAP
This two-hour workshop will be oriented for the age groups birth through twelve and will help you identify your parenting style, understand the ages and stages of your child s development, learn discipline methods that work, how to establish routines, and how to become a calmer parent. This workshop is FREE. Dinner, childcare, and mileage reimbursement will be available. Event Location: Federated Church 13 Island Ave. Skowhegan, ME For more information contact: Renee Randazzo 207-626-3497 www.childrenscenteraugusta.com/ rrandazzo@childrenscenteraugusta.com One day event - December 11, 2008 This event is sponsored by Children's Center.
Section 504 in Maine: A Closer Look
( 8:00am )
Presented by Richard L. O'Meara and Nicole L. Bradick
The purpose of this seminar is to answer questions for those working in a k-12 setting such as: What are the "child find" obligations under section 504? How do they compare with those under IDEA? How are discipline and behavioral issues handled differently with a Secion 504 studen vs. a special education student student under IDEA and ADA? What are the eligibility criteria under Section 504? What is the school district's obligation to identify and evaluate students? Are you over identifying? Event Location: Wyndham Portland Airport Hotel 363 Maine Mall Rd. South Portland, ME 04106 For more information contact: 715-836-9770 www.meds-pdn.com One day event - December 11, 2008 |