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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
SPIN is co-sponsored by the
Disability & Communication Access Board and the Special Education
Section of the Department of Education. Services include a phone
line for information referral and support, a quarterly newsletter,
an annual conference and community workshops. SPIN is guided
by an Advisory Committee made up of parents, teachers and people
with disabilities.
SPIN
919 Ala Moana Blvd., # 101
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
PHONE
586-8126
Neighbor Islands dial the following exchange then 6-8126: Kauai
-274-3141; Hawai'i-974-4000; Maui-984-2400; Molokai & Lanai
- 1-800-468-4644
FAX
586-8129
E-MAIL
accesshi@aloha.net
WEB
www.spinhawaii.org
IDEA
BILL PASSES THE US SENATE
On May 13th, the Senate voted
95 to 3 to pass S. 1248, a bill to change the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Added to the bill at the last
minute were amendments to:
* allow schools to collect fees if a parent files a frivolous
or groundless due process claim;
* make it easier for schools to serve homeless, foster and military
students with disabilities who are in the process of moving;
and
* allow 15 states to try reducing special education paperwork
through special projects that excuse them from certain reporting
requirements.
The bill now goes to Conference Committee to try to work through
major differences with the House version, HR 1350, and come up
with one final bill. For updates, call SPIN or visit www.dredf.org
TOOLS
FOR LIFE -A 21st Century Look at Assistive Technology
The Tools for Life Expo and
Conference on July 9th and 10th is the place to learn and experience
the latest in Assistive Technology to maximize independence.
Held at the Blaisdell Exhibition Center in Honolulu it will include:
· Over 60 workshops
· National and local experts on assistive technology,
products, and services
· Federal disability law seminars
· Workshops on community resources
· A hands-on computer lab
· Exhibitors from the mainland and Hawaii presenting technology,
products, and services for people with disabilities.
Registration is required to attend the workshops, and is free
for all but the updates on the Amercians with Disabilities Act
(ADA)by federal experts. That series of workshops will cost $25.
Call SPIN or DCAB (586-8121) for more information or view the
on-line program at www.assistguide.com/toolsforlife/
PBS
- BUILDING ON STUDENT'S NEEDS
At the April SPIN Conference,
Kelly Knudsen, a school psychologist from Kauai, gave
helpful ideas on how to help kids whose behavior is getting in
the way of learning or getting along with others. Using the prinicples
of Positive Behavior Support (PBS) she talked about how
parents and teachers can figure out the function of a troubling
behavior, then design strategies to teach the student a more
acceptable means to get what they want and need.
Often a key piece of the solution
is understanding how we (parents and teachers) must change
our own behavior or change the environment where the behavior
occurs in order to help our children be successful.
Kelly reminded folks that a
good behavior plan always has the following:
identifies the function(s)
of the behavior
provides strategies to reduce
the effect of fast triggers (what sets off the behavior)
provides strategies to reduce
the effect of slow triggers (what contributes to the behavior)
teaches a good replacement
behavior
provides positive consequences
for appropriate behavior
provides consequences to reduce
inappropriate behavior
provides a way to measure success
or failure of the plan.
EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS
| |
Attention
Seeking
|
Limit
Seeking
|
Motivation
Lacking
|
| Function
of Behavior |
LOTS of attention
(will do anything for
attention)
|
Limits to their behavior
(people have often given in
to demands)
|
Avoid
failure (often have low self-esteem) |
| Inappropriate
Behaviors |
Interrupts
Makes noises, etc.
|
Talks back
Is verbally abusive
Fighting
|
Makes excuses
Gives up early
Refuses to work
|
| Typical
Adult Reaction |
Ignoring
Getting annoyed
|
Anger
Giving in to behavior
|
Frustration |
| Student's
Reaction to Adult Reaction |
Stops,
but only temporarily |
If
limits not set, will keep pushing |
Still
refuses to work |
EXAMPLES OF PBS INTERVENTIONS
| |
Attention Seeking |
Limit Seeking |
Motivation Lacking |
| When
Giving Praise |
Praise in front of class
Give praise immediately
Use child's name a lot
|
Praise one-on-one (not in front
of class)
Keep praise low key
|
Praise one-on-one for small
amounts of work
Use graphs to show progress/success
|
| Positive
Consequences |
Time with teacher
Earn a privilege for class
|
Special privileges (not time
with you)
Contingency contracts
|
Praise immediately & often
in private
Give points; have them earn
rewards
|
| Negative
Consequences |
Take attention away
Ignore inappropriate behavior
|
Have
consequence pre-arranged & understood, then don't back down |
Administer one-to-one
Avoid humiliation
|
| Replacement
Behaviors |
Teach
appropriate ways to get attention |
Teach
how to handle limits and take direction |
Give small amounts of work
they can do well
Build up work slowly
|
CPASS
HAWAII OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR SYSTEMS CHANGE
CPASS (Community Personal Assistance
Services & Supports) is a federal grant from the Center for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to support states to develop
consumer directed services options, and to work with identified
community stakeholders towards state system change efforts. The
Center on Disability Studies is working in collaboration with
the Developmental Disabilities Division to explore ways to make
consumer direction effective in Hawaii.
To support this initiative, CPASS is offering trainings to individuals
receiving services from the Developmental Disabilities Division
(DDD) and their families to learn how to have more control over
their services.
CPASS is guided by a State Advisory Council made up of a majority
of self-advocates and their families. Currently CPASS is developing
capacity in three target sites, Molokai, East Hawaii, and Leeward
Oahu.
If you are interested in free training opportunities for self-advocates
and parents, meeting Dr. David Fray, Chief of the DDD, or in
becoming a member of the CPASS Site Community Council, contact
the following sites for CPASS Orientation and Informational Meetings
for:
Self-Advocates and Families
5/19 - Molokai Call Benny at 553-3200
5/20 - Leeward Oahu Call Carol at 692-7485
5/27 - East Hawaii Call Woody at 974-4282
Service Providers
5/19 - Molokai Call Benny at 553-3200
For more information on CPASS
contact Sandra Kofel, Project Coordinator, at (808) 956-5827
or e-mail sandra.kofel@cds.hawaii.edu.
Hawaii
Families As Allies Invites you to their 4th Annual Family/Youth
Conference
Vote 2004 for ADVOCACY -
"Educate to Advocate"
Saturday, June 19, 2004
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
UH Campus Center
You have the power; exercise
your right to choose. We've got the tools--now it's time to use
them. Guest Speakers, workshops displays and more!!
Keynote Address: Barbara Huff, Executive Director, Federation
of Families for Children's Mental Health, Alexandria, Virginia
For more information contact
HFAA at 487-8785 (Oahu), 1-866-361-8825 (toll free)
"ARTISTS
MEAN BUSINESS IN HAWAII"
VSA arts of Hawaii in partnership
with the University of Hawaii College of Education is sponsoring
the following summer art programs:
* Young Apprenticeship Summer Intensive (employment opportunities)
* Novice Artists Saturday Arts Classes
at the Artsplace (fee and schedule to be
announced)
* Artists Studio: Hawaii Artists Cooperative and Career Opportunities
Coalition "Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities"
The programs will run from July 1 - August 6, 2004 on the Big
Island, Lanai, and Oahu. If you would like more information on
these programs, visit www.vsarts.hawaii.edu
or contact Susan Miller at 455-6002 or for an Application Inquiry
and Consent Form.
UP
TO ALASKA, DA LAND OF WHITE STUFF
Sea of Dreams' Trading Places
program. returns from the frozen north with toes and fingers
still intact. The Trading Places program is a joint
venture between Hawaii Centers for Independent Living and the
Sea of Dreams Foundation. Participants were chosen from across
the State to share their culture with participants from Alaska.
Participants from Hawaii enjoyed winter sports and culture in
Alaska for 10 days and returned in March.
This is the first section of the Trading Places program. In August
we will reciprocate by hosting 10 individuals with disabilities
from Alaska to enjoy water sports and Hawaiian culture.
The program fosters adaptive recreational activities and pushed
the limits of our participants to venture into activities never
tried before such as, skiing, snowmobiling, ice hockey and dog
sledding. Succeeding in these ventures enhanced
self-esteem and an appreciation for other cultures. The experience
has brought about personal growth for all. In order to make the
August cultural exchange a success, we need your help in finding
groups that can be available to provide canoe rides; surfing
lessons, Hawaiian Crafts, hula lessons and storytelling. There
are 20 participants in the program and we anticipate an activity
to run for approximately 3-5 hours.
If you or your group can volunteer some time, please call our
office at 695-5877. You may also visit our website (seaofdreams.org)
to see more pictures and movies from this year's trip.
Submitted by Angie Zangerle
Sea of Dreams Foundation
HELPING
CHILDREN WITH FAS AND ARND
The Arc of Hilo is hosting
two trainings on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Alcohol-Related
Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) in either August or September,
2004 in Hilo. These trainings are being provided by the Arc of
the United States, with funding from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
The first day's training is aimed at helping families raising
children with FAS or ARND. The workshop is also helpful for professionals
who support these families. The second workshop, is a train the
trainer workshop. A nominal fee will be charged for each training
to cover the cost of lunch and handouts.
If you are interested in attending these trainings, please contact
Cindy to complete an Interest Survey at (808) 935-8536, ext.
22 or e-mail to crobinson@hiloarc.org.
A
CALL TO YOUNG ARTISTS WITH DYSLEXIA
The International Dyslexia
Association (HIDA) is sponsoring an art contest for students
with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities.
Students (7 to 15 years of age) are encouraged to design a picture
on 8 1/2 x 11 inch white paper using any medium that captures
the "Spirit of Aloha" by showing the uniqueness of
Hawai`i's special people and places.
Cash and certificate prizes will be awarded in two age groups.
Entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2004. The winner will
be contacted by July 30, 2004. The winner's artwork will become
the property of HIDA.
For more information contact HIDA at 538-7007 or e-mail to info@hibida.org.
SPIN
AWARDS
Rarely in SPIN's search for
outstanding parents to honor do we find a dynamic duo-a husband
and wife team involved equally in supporting not only the dreams
of their own children, but of other children and young adults
with disabilities and their families. This year we found two
sets of spouses to sing about at the 2004 SPIN Conference, "Take
a SPIN Through Hollywood".
PARENTS OF THE YEAR
Cherie and Richard Benevides live on the Big Island where they
have been foster and adoptive parents
for the past 29 years. They have a huge spot in their hearts
for children with special needs, and were honored in 1987 as
Foster Parents of the Year.
What makes Cherie and Richard's parenting and advocacy so impressive,
is that they typically have not one, but three or four IEPs cooking
at one time. As if this were not demanding enough, Cherie and
Richard made a conscious commitment years ago to speak up for
other families and to volunteer in their community.
They graduated from the Partners in Policymaking Leadership Academy
in 1993 to empower individuals with developmental disabilities
and family members with the knowledge and skills to become self-advocates
and leaders in their community. Cherie helped organize the Foster
Parent Association in Hilo 16 years ago, and serves as the Vice
Chair. She also helped organize and create the Food Bank and
serves on the Connections Public Charter School Board. Richard
is a member of the Cub Scout Board and the Po'ohala Family Support
Council with responsibilities to be the grassroots leader of
in advocating for family support. Together, they have been at
the forefront in advocating for appropriate education services
and supports for children with special needs.
Bob and Peggy Proffitt became systems change agents because
of their son, Karl. Their advocacy goes
back more than thirty years as active members of the Arc in Hawaii,
serving on a number of key
committees. Peggy was a member of the DD Council from 1988-1994
and served as its Chair the last two years of her term. She was
in the very first graduating class of Partners in Policymaking
and has since served as a "den mother" and role model
for all classes that followed. Peggy also chairs the Developmental
Disabilities Divisions's Waiver Policy Advisory Committee that
provides direction in the implementation of the Home and Community-Based
Services Waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities
or mental retardation.
Together, Bob and Peggy are members of the DOH, Community Personal
Assistance Services and Supports (CPASS) Governing Council to
provide guidance in facilitating consumer-directed services and
supports, and Case Management and Information Services Branch's
Human Rights Committeee. They have given their time, talent,
and treasures to others, that they are household names among
individuals with developmental disabilities and family members,
and are well respected in the community. The Proffitts are wonderful
examples of parent leadership, generous in their expertise and
experiences, choosing to stay positive and be part of the solution.
FAMILY CHOICE AWARD
Alan Gamble started off helping kids with emotional
and behavioral needs get the services they needed
through the Kalihi Palama Mental Health Center. After nine years
as a Social worker there, Alan moved up to Tripler to join the
Exceptional Family Member Program.
Through time and effort Alan established good working relationships
with a host of community agencies and it has paid off many times
over for military families who are trying to make sense of the
confusing maze of services. For the last three years, Alan has
invited community agencies up to Tripler to learn more about
the kinds of supports they can offer to families.
Alan provides a phenomenal piece of that support to families.
He is the point person who sits and listens well to families
when their child is first referred to Tripler's Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry Study Group. He helps decipher terms and procedures,
helps communicate their children's needs to the Department of
Education and looks for family supports to shore up families
worn down by caregiving. He also runs family support groups in
the evening for families of children with Autism and Cerebral
Palsy.
Alan takes Social Work seriously. He has been a strong advocate
of top notch training for his peers, so that parents can count
on having professionals who have the skill and knowledge to make
a difference for their children.
A humble guy, Alan is calm, centered, caring and compassionate
about the work he does. A degree that he holds which most people
are not aware of is an M.C.S.-Masters in Common Sense. He displays
good sound judgment in supporting the families he works with.
PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
Waynette Cabral began her career at SECOH where she
worked hard for her consumers in all aspects, from adult day
health to supported employment.
An agent for change, Waynette went on to the Department of Health
to further advocate and support people with disabilities. She
joined the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities
as a planner and 17 years later she is their Executive Administrator.
Through her tireless efforts she has contributed to the closing
of Waimano, the creation of family support services (including
respite care), and the drafting and enacting of Hawaii's Self-Determination
Law, which till this day is the only piece of legislation like
it in our nation. She has been a constant supporter of early
intervention services and special education, and she brought
donated dental services to adults who have no dental care.
Years of tracking disability legislation and countless meetings
with policymakers has made Waynette very politically astute,
and she is a rare relationship builder who can advocate fiercely
for the folks and the programs she cares about in a way that
puts everyone at ease and advances partnership. One of the things
SPIN is most grateful for is Waynette's constant promotion of
leadership within the disability community.
Through the Po'ohala Council, Partners in Policymaking, and countless
other committees and councils, Waynette has encouraged, educated
and mentored parents and people with disabilities to develop
their advocacy skills and share them with others. All this talent
and she's a fun person, too!
Laurieann Seu is beloved and admired, not only by
her students and their families, but by her peers. She
has been a special education teacher for over 17 years-10 years
at Pohukaina School and 7 years at Kalani High School. Throughout
her career Laurieann has worn many hats as extraordinary teacher,
department chair, IEP Care Coordinator, and mentor while always
keeping the students needs and interests as her focus. Her passion
for her students and for teaching has expanded far beyond the
classroom-helping parents, facilitating numerous IEP meetings
and guiding fellow special education teachers and educational
assistants. With her plate overflowing, she manages to do the
work of ten people with a smile on her face. Her mantra is "How
can we do it?", and it is infectious to everyone she works
with.
Laurieann's vision for her students is to empower them to be
confident, as independent as they choose to be, compassionate
and happy. Last year Laurieann, along with Resource Teacher Caryn
Yoshino, devoted countless hours in developing a groundbreaking
stewardship program for eight students with developmental disabilities.
Of those eight students, four have completed internships with
the Waikiki Beach Marriott and Big City Diner and one student
is now bringing home a paycheck. The program was a partnership
between Kalani High School, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
and Kapiolani Community College.
For the students, parents and faculty at Kalani High School,
Laurieann has been a guardian angel, a fairy godmother, a shining
star, and everything else that makes our world a better place.
REMEMBER
THESE DATES:
Hawaii Families As Allies
6/7 & 8 Leadership Academy
West Hawaii - Kona Kaiwi Square, Call Sandie at 322-1530 or 987-6135
by 6/28
6/8 & 9 Honolulu, Call Jonni at 487-8785
6/19 Family & Youth Conference
"Vote 2004 for Advocacy--Educate to Advocate"
UH Campus Center. Call 487-87985.
7/9-10 Tools for Life - A 21st
Century Look at Assistive Technology and Services
Blaisdell Exhibition Center. Contact DCAB at 586-8121 or accesshi@aloha.net
8/4-8 Asian-Pacific Islander
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Perspectives in the 21st Century
Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel. For more info e-mail: dpr2k3@aloha.net
9/4 Sibshop: For Brothers or
Sisters of Children with Special Needs
Easter Seals Hawaii. For more info contact Nicole at 536-1015.
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