Welcome to 2020!  There is a wonderful opportunity for parent learning this month.  This week, we are hosting a parent training from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22.  The training will be located in the Board Room at the LWSD Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond) and will be led by our assistive technology specialists. They will provide parents with guidance and insights on how to support their student with school work utilizing assistive technology tools. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to specialservices@lwsd.org.

Dr. Shannon Hitch
Director – Special Services
 

If you are looking for support, further knowledge on how to help your student, or are new to the special services programs and want to learn more about what to expect at all ages, we have got an incredible resource for you. Informing Families, Building Trust is full of invaluable information that will lay out how to navigate through multiple systems, provide helpful resources for grandparents or siblings of children with special needs, as well as sharing some emergency preparedness tips. This website is definitely one to explore!

 

Video of Boy Seeing in Color for the First Time Raised Thousands of Dollars for Colorblind Students

For student Jonathan Jones, the periodic table just looked like rows of vague boxes. Jonathan is colorblind. He frequently asked for help differentiating between things written in red and black. That all changed when he was lent a pair of glasses that allowed him to see shades of color.   Jonathan’s reaction was caught on video and ultimately encouraged the start of a fundraiser to raise money for other students with colorblindness.  

Read the full article.

 

My Sister has Autism, and School Keeps Her Engaged. But How Will We Care for Her After Graduation?

Saba is a sophomore student who has autism and is nonverbal. School provides Saba with a schedule, activities to do, and lessons in life skills.  Her family has rallied to support her and prepare for life after Saba graduates. Her sister Huma said, “taking care of a family member with autism can be physically and emotionally demanding and expensive”. Foreseeing the need for more support after graduation, Saba’s family is taking steps now to add more members to their team. Their main goal: to help Saba become more independent.

Read the full article.

 

University of Washington’s DO-IT Scholars Program

DO-IT Scholars is a competitive program that prepares students with disabilities for college and careers. Through this program, students prepare for their transition to college – which includes exploring careers, independence, self-advocacy, and leadership.

Click here for more information.

 

If you, or someone you know, would like to read our Special Services Newsletter in a different language, this is now possible! 

• Follow the link for access to all of our newsletters here 
• Select the month and year that you would like to read (Ex: December 2018, November 2018, etc.)
• In the top left-hand corner of the web page, there is a small globe icon/drop down
• Click on the drop down and select the language that you would like to have the newsletter translated to  

Happy Reading!
 

Our monthly PTSA SNG meeting (see schedule below) is a great time to network with other parents, learn more about resources in our community, and learn more about strategies and supports for students with disabilities. We offer student care during these meetings, to assist you in being able to access this wonderful opportunity to meet with parents. Please RSVP each month, by emailing specialservices@lwsd.org. For our January meeting, please RSVP by/before January 15. In your email, please include your child’s name(s), age(s) and any significant behavior notes so we can ensure we have enough staff to cover all the students. Please use the email subject line: Childcare at PTSA meeting. We look forward to seeing you all there. 

 

Date: 1/21/2020
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: LWSD Resource Center – Board Room (1st Floor)
                 16250 NE 74th St
                 Redmond, WA 98052
Topic: On January 21 presenter Sarah Avery from University of Washington will be joining us to discuss the One Out of Five material, Disability Pride, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and allyship. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

*All meetings are 7:00-8:30pm

Networking Time: 6:30-7:00 – Parent networking and opportunity to meet Director of Special Services, Dr. Shannon Hitch and Associate Directors. 

• Tuesday, 1/21/2020
• Tuesday, 2/25/2020 (Resource Fair)
• Tuesday, 3/17/2020
• Tuesday, 4/21/2020
• Tuesday, 5/19/2020
• No Meeting in June 2020