Tools, Networking & Inspiration for
Parents and Professionals
Committed to Inclusive Education
Opportunities for Children
(birth – 21) with Disabilities

April 17, 2010
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ambridge Event Center
1333 NE MLK Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97232

Keynote Speakers
Joy Zabala, Ph.D.
Director of Technical Assistance for CAST www.cast.org

Terri Couwenhoven, M.S.
Clinic Coordinator – DS Clinic of Wisconsin www.chw.org

Karen Gaffney
Self Advocate
www.karengaffneyfoundation.com

More than 20 dynamic sessions to choose from. Online registration and session
abstracts will be available soon at www.nwdsa.org

A parent-driven best practices initiative in partnership with PSU and other professionals  

Taking the lead in this endeavor is the Northwest Down Syndrome Association, a parent-driven volunteer organization on a mission to create and nurture loving and inclusive communities celebrating every person with Down syndrome. All Born “In” was founded by the board of the NWDSA in the spring of 2006. It is planned each year in partnership with Portland State University. PSU professors Ruth Falco and Paula Stanovich and MESD have been instrumental in the development and planning of the conference since the beginning. The conference is supported by NWDSA, Multnomah DD, MPAC, MESD and many others.

This is an exciting day for parents, caregivers and professionals working to create inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities – in neighborhoods, schools, and the community at large. Come celebrate and learn how educators can design instruction to maximize the learning of all students. Share the experience and expertise necessary to be successful advocates for all children, and explore ways to open the eyes of the wider community to the fact that our children are All Born “In”.

For more information contact
Angela Frome at 503-238-0522

2010 All Born “In” conference flyer

Filed under Uncategorized

Disability is Natural and Other Revolutionary Common Sense

Kathie Snow is a parent, author of Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities, and a national speaker who challenges conventional wisdom, and promotes new attitudes, new actions, and common sense in the disability arena.

Whether you are a parent or professional, Kathie will provide a thought-provoking and exhilarating experience! There will be a daytime (4 hour) presentation and an evening (2 hour) presentation to accommodate all schedules!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2010
UNITED WAY COMMUNITY CENTER
619 SW 11TH AVEUNE, PORTLAND, OR 97205

Registration is required
Please email christy@factoregon.org or call (503) 708-3986 with questions or to complete registration.
Parent stipends available!!
Interpretación al español disponible si lo solicitan.

10:00am-3:00pm
(includes light lunch)
Registration Fees:
Professionals: $25
Parents: $10

6:30pm-8:30pm
(includes refreshments)
Registration Fees:
Professionals: $10
Parents: $5

download flyer: Kathie Snow Flyer

Filed under Uncategorized

Is your child entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2010? Do you have questions and concerns about your child’s transition? Would you like to be better prepared on how to advocate for an inclusive educational setting? The NWDSA is here to provide tips and tools to help you be an empowered partner in the process. Hear from parents who have been down this path and learn how to best negotiate the system and what is involved in deciding your child’s placement. Michael Bailey, author of Special Education, A Parent’s Guide for Children’s success and Angela Jarvis-Holland, Executive Director of NWDSA and Co-founder of the All Born “In” cross-disability inclusion conference will be available to answer your questions and share stories and ideas.

Wednesday, January 27th
5:30 – 7:30 PM
NWDSA Resourcefulness Center
6826 NE Glisan St.
Portland OR 97213

RSVP 503-238-0522 or ajarvis-holland@nwdsa.org

download flyer – k transition drop in flyer

Filed under Uncategorized

Save The Date!!!

2010 Cross-Disability Inclusion Conference
April 17, 2010
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ambridge Event Center
1333 NE MLK Blvd
Portland, Oregon 97232

Tools, Networking & Inspiration for Parents and Professionals.

Over 20 sessions to choose from.

For more information contact
Angela Jarvis-Holland 503-238-0522

2010 Keynote Speakers:
Joy Zabala, Ph.D.
Teachers and parents want students to succeed, but a one-size-fits-all approach to education simply does not work. How can educators respond to individual differences? CAST’s solution is called Universal Design for Learning. UDL involves creating flexible methods and materials that accommodate learner differences. Dr. Zabala is the Director of Technical Assistance for CAST, located in Wakefield, MA. Visit www.cast.org for more info.
Terri Couwenhoven, M.S.
Terri is the coordinator and health educator at the Down Syndrome Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She is a certified sexuality educator and author of Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality. She specializes in developing programs and resources that address healthy sexuality and relationship issues for people with developmental disabilities. See www.chw.org for more info.

download flyer – one page save the date

Filed under Uncategorized

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, but the geese are flying south and the holidays will soon be upon us! Come celebrate with the NWDSA at the ever-popular Inflatable Kingdom Holiday Social. There will be fun for all ages, so bring your energy and your jumping socks! Babies will have a play area and there is a pool table and air hockey for the older crowd. Don’t forget there will be pizza, popcorn, refreshments and sweet treats.

Socials are a wonderful opportunity to connect and celebrate as a community. We look forward to reconnecting with folks that we only get to see once or twice a year. Mark you calendar and get ready for a hopping good time.
Sunday, December 13th from 2-4pm

Inflatable Kingdom – 6830 SW Bonita Road
Portland OR 97224
For directions visit www.inflatablekingdom.com

Please R.S.V.P. by December 8th to Angela Frome
afrome@nwdsa.org or call (503) 238-0522

If you are interested in volunteering on the Social Committee, please contact Angela Frome. We would love to have your energy!

Filed under Uncategorized