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 A THANK YOU TO ALL THE PANELIST ( 2009-10 TRAININGS)


NATIONAL AND REGIONAL EXPERTS
WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR TRAININGS:


Aaron Ross,                    Self-Advocate
Andy Devos,                   Director of Member Services at CBH
Ann Robbins,PhD           Neuro-Psychologist
Ana Cordero                   Visions for Equality
Bruce Hulnick                 Executive Director – The Arc of
                                           Philadelphia                       
Cecelia Thompson         The Philadelphia Arc and
                                       Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force
Celia Litman                   CMK / Parent Advocate
Chaya Hertzberg, OD    Developmental Optometrist
Christine Horowitz          School District of Philadelphia
Cindy Schneider             Acting Antics  
Connie Mohn                  Chester County Arc / Parent Advocate
David S. Mandell, ScD   Associate Professor of Psychiatry
                                           and Pediatrics Penn Medicine
                                        Assoc. Director, Center for Autism Research
                                        The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Donald Litman, Esq        The Litman Law Office
Donna Bouclier               Director - The Arc of Philadelphia
Dr. Paul Spangler            MRS
Elizabeth Kimball            PA Bureau of Autism Services,
                                       Office of Developmental Programs
Emma Lewis                   Student, Sibling Rights
Gabriella LaBella            Disability Rights Network
Genevieve Chaney, Ph.D Community Behavioral Health,
                                        City of Philadelphia
Graciella Slavensky Poe  Arcadia University                 
James R. Roebuck,Jr.     State Representative,
                                        188th Legislative District, Phila. County
Jane Cordero                  School District of Philadelphia
Janet Scotland Esq.        Educational Law Center
Jennifer Lowman Esq.   Education Law Center   
Jerry Kelly                       Adapting Aspergers  
JoAnne A. Eggleston      Parent Coordinator
                                        Office Of Specialized Instructional Services
                                        School District of Philadelphia
Jody Seligson, OT           Director, Totally Sense-Sensational
Ken Oaks                        President of the Arc Board
Lynn Medley M.S., CCC-SLP Medley and Mesaric Therapy Associates
Maria Chaves                  Member Services, Community Behavioral Health
Marianne Roach              MRS, City of Philadelphia
Mark Spiller                     Einstein Hospital, Ancillary Hospital Services Program
Matthew Maureillo           Network for Behavioral Change
Matthew Sands               Director of East Coast Operations, Lovaas Institute 
Maude La Roux, OT        A Total Approach
Michael Basch, Esq.       Fine Caplan & Black RPC
Michael Connolly, Esq.    Connolly Jacobson & John, LLP
Mimi Rose, Esq.              School District of Philadelphia Attorney  
Pat Roberts, CEO,          Academy in Manayunk
Robert Gidding, Esq       Gidding Law Office
Rose Higby                      Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Sharon Gaskins               Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Education
Steve Kossor                    Network of Behavioral Change
Symme Trachtenberg MSW,  Director, Community Education
                                        Children's Seashore House
                                        Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
                                        Clinical Associate in Pediatrics
                                        U. of Penn. School of Medicine
                                        U. of Penn. School of Social Work
TrudyFulmer, BCEA       Master Teacher and Instructor
Wilma Dorman, OT         Director, OTR


A picture of our Executive Director taken 12/11/09. 
This was taken by Adam, a rising star in the field of photography -  at the Quaker School at Horsham, PA. 




The Comprehensive Special Education Advocacy Training (CSEAT)
12 part training series (63 hours of direct instruction) 
Leading to a Board Certified Education Advocate Designation

IS SPONSORED BY 

THE ARC OF PHILADELPHIA
 
The National Special Education Advocacy Institute - NSEAI, 

The National Center for Autism Resources and Education - nCARE,

Chester County IU,

The Arc of Chester County,

Disability Rights Network, Education Law Center,

The Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force,

Congreso

Robert Gidding, Esq.

The School District of Philadelphia’s Office of  Family,
   Community Engagement and Faith Based Partnerships

The Philadelphia Compact-
  Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and MRS

Social Work PRN

Parent Education Network
_________________________

The training is being endorsed by:
 
The Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Education,

Dr. Dan Gottleib,

A Total Approach,

Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY),
 
Education Works
_________________________

We thank the School District of Philadelphia Office of Specialized Instructional Services in supporting  the CSEAT program

This is a Comprehensive Special Education Advocacy Training Program being offered to the Greater Philadelphia Area. It promotes collaboration, cross training (educational, clinical, legal and behavioral).  It is a national standard of excellence in education advocacy.  It promotes the development of legally and educationally sufficient IEPs that promote improved student outcomes.  National, international and regional panels of leading experts in Special Education will be available for Q & A at seminars.

Seminars may be taken individually or as a series leading to Board Certification as an Education Advocate - BCEA.

Location:
ARC of Philadelphia, 2350 W. Westmoreland St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 
Limited seating - We had beyond capacity enrollment last year

Contact:
Donna Bouclier -  donnas@arcpddc.org   215-229-4550  ext 112

Attendees:
Parents, Teachers, Education Consultants, Education Advocates, School Administrators, SE supervisors,
OT, S/L, School Psychologists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Lawyers, , Paralegals, School Counselors,
Principals, School Nurses

Continuing Education:
Teacher - Act 48 Credits, Lawyer - CLUs and Social Work CEUs are offered.

Cost:
$20 per parent/per seminar
$60 for students
$150 for professionals
$300 for lawyers
Discount to those who attend all 12 seminars.

Course Outline:
A comprehensive course outline is posted at: autismnationalresources.org
or Contact Faculty and Program Chair:  Marie Lewis, RN, PhD, BCEA
marieclewis.com, education-advocacy.org or marielewis@autismnationalresources.org

Dates: 
            8:30 Registration – 9:00AM – 3:30 PM Seminar  (bag lunch)

11/21/09                The Special Education Process – Rules of the Game          
12/5/09                  Basic to Advanced Advocacy Techniques
12/19/09                Proactive IEP Meeting Preparation          
1/9/10                    Evaluations 1 – Academic / Cognitive
1/23/10                  Evaluations 2 – Related Services
2/6/10                    Research Based Educational Programming and Interventions
2/20/10                  Transition Planning – Mapping Services and Outcomes
3/6/10                    Extended School Year - Intent and Advocacy Strategies &
                                   Mock IEP – What to say when I hear…
3/20/10                  Special Educational Issues
4/10/10                  Behaviors A-B-C    Z
4/24/10                  Autism Case Management –
                                   A Person Centered, Comprehensive Developmental Approach
5/1/10                    Advocacy Business Development 
               
 5/15/10- Snow/cancellation Day
Register as soon as possible - last years series reached beyond capacity.


Marie Lewis, RN, PhD, BCEA  -  the Executive Director of the National Center for Autism Resources and Education - nCARE, and the Clinical Director of the National Special Education Advocacy Institute- NSEAI was honored at the October 1, 2009 dinner, at the Chester County Arc.  She was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year for her outstanding service and support on behalf of individuals with disabilities.  Diane Carey, Executive Director of the Chester County Arc, Any Koegler, the President of the Board of Directors and Peter Berns, Director of the Arc of the United States presided.

Dr. Lewis was given a citation by Senator Andrew Dinniman and Senator Daylin Leach on behalf or the Senate of Pennsylvania.  The citation states that she stands as a role model worthy of emulation for her countless hours of volunteerism and for having developed the NSEAI education advocacy training program for parents and professionals.  

Dr. Lewis also received a Citation from Representatives Duane Milne and Keith McCall on behalf of the House of Representatives, for her exemplary record of service and contributions. It was noted that the success of the Commonwealth, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American Society depend, in great measure, upon the tenacity of individuals like Dr. Lewis who use their considerable talents, energies and resources to serve and assist others. It was noted that Dr. Lewis truly exemplifies the best qualities of the human experience, and her spirit of perserverance and compassion have greatly impacted the lives of others.

The many education advocates she has trained and clients she has served also join in congratulating her.


________________________________________________


SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLE AND SMOKE AT: 

12/4/08 - 7pm

CIGAR - CIGARS

252 Bethlehem Pike
Colmar / Lansdale, PA 18915
267-644-1550

SPONSORED BY:
Autism LTD
347 New Street Suite 200
Quakertown, PA 18951
(484)221-2099
celialitman@yahoo.com
litman@landgrouplaw.com
It’s mission is to raise public awareness, provide education, promote research, and enhance the quality of life of those affected along the autism spectrum.

nCARE
303 West Lancaster Ave., #247
Wayne, PA 19087
610-613-4931
autismnationalresources.org
Supports programs designed to encourage innovative approaches toward identifying the causes, prevention, treatment and cure of autism and related disorders.

FEATURING:
• Cigar Aficionados meet Cynthia Fuente-Suarez,
Chairman of the JC Newman Cigar Company and of the famed Arturo Fuente Cigar Co.
Cigar enthusiasts - it's not every day that a cigar smoker can share a world class cigar with it’s
creators. Please come and join us.

•The Hot Club of Philadelphia, an amazing acoustic jazz quartet will play away
the night.

Country Creek Winery- a family owned winery - will provide their fabulous
wines.

Dan Marino signed photograph for auction!

PROCEEDS WILL SUPPORT:
Videotaped social skills training with peer inclusion in the community,

Transformation of a golf cart into a NASCAR - Jeff Gordon – Cart
   for use during social skill trainings, and

Purchase of 2 Go-Carts for use at a local indoor / outdoor go-cart racing track so
   that children with Autism and their typical peers/ friends can ride together for free.

Send Donations to: Champion for Autism Fund c/o Donald S. Litman, Esquire
Bucks Professional Center 347 New Street Suite 200 Quakertown, PA 18951 (484)221-2099





Special Education Advocacy - National Board Certification Program
October  2008  through May 2009

An 12 part, training program, leading to National Special Education Advocacy Certification, is being co-sponsored by the Arc of Chester County, PA and the Chester County Intermediate Unit. It is limited to the first 120 applicants.

This is the first comprehensive Special Education Advocacy Training Program to be offered to the Greater Philadelphia Area. It is being supported by many Greater Philadelphia regional organizations including:

•  Chester County Right To Education Task Force
•  Delaware County Right to Education Task Force
•  Montgomery County Right to Education Task Force
•  ASCEND - The Asperger Syndrome Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
•  Chester County Autism Support Group
•  The ARC of Chester County
•  The Chester County Intermediate Unit
•  nCARE - National Center for Autism Resources and Education
•  NSEAI - National Special Education Advocacy Institute

The ongoing OVER capacity turn out for the trainings shows the great need for such education in our communities. This program is being attended by Parents, Teachers, School Administrators, Lawyers, Clinicians, Professional Advocates and Educational Consultants.

The National Center for Autism Resources and Education acknowledges the Arc of Chester County's commitment, generosity and service to it's community and neighbors.  We especially want to acknowledge Connie Mohn, the ARC's advocate and Diane Carey, their Executive Director for their amazing commitment to building better lives for those with developmental disabilities. Marie Lewis, R.N., Ph.D. is the instructor for this program and volunteered her time and services.

Training Schedule:

1)  Special Education Process -  History and Introduction            9/27/08

2)  Basic through Advance Advocacy Techniques                      10/18/08

3)  Proactive IEP Meeting Preparation                                          11/8/08

4) Evaluations – Part I  (Academic)                                              12/6/08

5)  Evaluations -  Part 2 – (Related Services)                              1/10/09

6) Research Based Programming and Interventions                    1/31/09

7)  Transition Planning and Implementation                                 2/21/09

8)  Mock IEP - When You Hear … What do I say?                       3/14/09

9)  Unique Special Education Issues                                            3/28/09

10)  Behaviors and Interventions                                                  4/18/09

11) Autism Case Assessment and Management                          5/16/09

Contact Connie Mohn at cmohn@arcofchestercounty.org for more information on Greater Philadelphia Training or Marie Lewis, PhD at marielewis@autismnationalresources.org for information on the National Special Education Advocacy Certification Program.

_____________________________________________



Marie Lewis, R.N., Ph.D. is appointed as the new Director of the National Center for Autism Resources and Education (nCARE)and the National Special Education Advocacy Institute (NSEAI).  She comes to the center with an impressive background in Special Education Advocacy.  Dr. Lewis is a Neuro- Developmental Disability Case Manager, Education Consultant & Behavior Specialist. She is a nationally recognized expert and speaker in the areas of Autism, Transitional Planning, Advocacy,and Inclusion. As an educational consultant she provided services to parents and lawyers in preparation for IEP meetings, and due process hearings. For over ten years Dr. Lewis has trained education advocates and lectured nationally for disability groups, school districts, parent support groups and continuing medical and legal education programs. She has testified before the U.S. Department of Education and has served as a consultant to special educational law programs in multiple states. Dr. Lewis is on the advisory board and board of several national and regional disability related organizations. She has journeyed the special education maze personally, with a son who has autism and a medically challenged daughter.