Statewide Webinars

Special Guest Presenter: Leslie Alvarez, Staff Attorney at Disability Rights Texas, Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation

Leslie Alvarez, Disability Rights Texas, discusses the transition process from ECI to special education. Attendees will also get an overview of special education and what to expect from their local school once their child has been identified by the school. Helpful advocacy tips and special education rights will also be covered.

This webinar is a collaboration between Partners Resource Network and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

Resources from the Transition from Early Childhood Intervention to Special Education webinar:

• Recording of the webinar
• PowerPoint
• Texas Education Agency’s ECI Transition Flowchart 
• IDEA Manual

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, discusses the 87th Texas Legislature, which begins in January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature | January 26, 2021

This webinar will preview the session, including the public participation procedures considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and students will learn about key issues and how they can play an important role in the legislative process.

• PowerPoint for Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature
• Recording of the webinar: Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature

Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas, provides an overview of key parental rights in special education including and practical tips on how to protect their child’s interest. The presentation will include identification, evaluation, ARD procedures, placement and discipline protections.

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for the Parental Rights webinar
• Recording of the Parental Rights webinar

Knowledge is Power! What You Need to Know About Special Education

Multi-Agency Collaborative Webinar Series with Partners Resource Network, Disability Rights Texas, West Texas A&M University – Center for Learning Disabilities, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), and Region 10 ESC

Do you want to become an effective advocate for your child with a disability so that you can make a difference in his/her education? This webinar series can help! We’ve put together a multi-agency collaborative series to help you build your knowledge of: parental rights under IDEA, required contents of the IEP, monitoring progress towards IEP goals, effective communication skills, and options for resolving disputes.

You do not need to feel powerless or frustrated about any issues your child may be having in school. You DO have power as a parent and can be an effective advocate for your child

Mental Health is an important topic in todays’ atmosphere. 1 in 10 children and young people have issues with managing their mental health. The presentation by Dr. Malvika Behl focuses on the effects of having a learning disability on the mental health of children and young people. Also included are practical techniques that parents can use to help their children manage their feelings and emotions.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Resources from the Effects of Learning Difficulties on the Mental Health of Children webinar:

• PowerPoint for Effects of Learning Difficulties on the Mental Health of Children

Dr. Malvika Behl is an LPC-Associate (TX) and licensed School Counselor (OH). Dr. Behl is an Assistant Professor at West Texas A&M University and has been working closely with the Center for Learning Disability and the Parent Resource Network. She has been working with parents of children with disability through individual and group counseling session. She has experience in counseling adults and children.

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, gives a mid-session the 87th Texas Legislature, which began in January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Mid-Session Update on Special Education Issues before the 87th Texas Legislature webinar
• PowerPoint for the Mid-Session Update on Special Education Issues before the 87th Texas Legislature webinar

Presented by Dr. Justin Porter, State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Dr. Edward O’Neill, Director of Special Education Projects & Strategy, TEA

Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) are on-line accounts for eligible parents/caregivers of students with significant and complex disabilities that have been impacted by COVID-19 school closures. SSES on-line accounts can be used to obtain special educational resources and supplies and/or services such as additional speech therapy or other specific services.

Link to the recording coming soon!

Justin Porter Ed.D., Director Estatal de Educación Especial, analiza los Servicios de Educación Especial Suplementarios, incluyendo la elegibilidad y el proceso de la aplicación.

Los Servicios Suplementarios de Educación Especial (SSES) son cuentas en línea para padres / cuidadores elegibles de estudiantes con discapacidades significativas y complejas que han sido impactadas por el cierre de escuelas COVID-19. Las cuentas en línea de SSES se pueden usar para obtener recursos y suministros educativos especiales y / o servicios como terapia del habla adicional u otros servicios específicos.

A student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is one of the most critical components to educating a child with learning differences. The IEP should serve as the road map and guide for education decision making. Yet, IEPs are often misunderstood and missing vital pieces necessary for student success. During this session, Dr. Michelle Simmons from West Texas A& M University’s Center for Learning Disabilities provides a general overview of the components of an IEP, discuss relevant education policy as it relates to IEP development in Texas, and equip parents with valuable information to better understand their child’s IEP.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording for What Should be in My Child’s IEP? An Overview of the Required Components of an IEP 
• PowerPoint for What Should be in My Child’s IEP? An Overview of the Required Components of an IEP 

During this webinar, we discuss strategies for resolving conflicts with your child’s school including which school or district personnel you can contact for information to help resolve or address various issues. Keith Swink and Michelle Rosales from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will provide tips on special education dispute resolution processes, including what issues State Written Complaints can be used to resolve and what some of those resolutions might look like.

Resources, such as the PowerPoint and recording of the webinar, coming soon!

Únase a nosotros el mientras discutimos estrategias para resolver conflictos con la escuela de su hijo, incluyendo a qué escuela o personal del distrito puede comunicarse para obtener información que ayude a resolver o abordar varios problemas. Keith Swink y Michelle Rosales de la Agencia de Educación de Texas (TEA, por sus siglas en inglés) brindarán consejos sobre los procesos de resolución de disputas de educación especial, incluidos los problemas que se pueden usar para resolver las quejas escritas del estado y cómo podrían verse algunas de esas resoluciones.

ALL children have strengths and should be valued for who they are, regardless of their differences. Dr. Frank Goode of West Texas A&M University, discusses how strengths and interests can be identified through both the formal evaluation process and by informal means, and how to develop IEPs that build on individual strengths and interests, rather than focusing on weaknesses and needs.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the Your Child is Strong: Capitalizing on a Child’s Abilities webinar

Angel Crawford, de Disability Rights Texas, presentará la perspectiva general de los derechos claves de los padres en educación especial y dará consejos prácticos sobre cómo proteger los intereses de nuestros hijos.

La presentación incluirá la identificación, evaluación, procedimientos del ARD, ubicación y protecciones disciplinarias.

• PowerPoint
• Recursos para los Padres

Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) outlines the services and supports your child will receive. Once this program is set in motion, how do you monitor how well is it working and the progress your child is making? Gather tips and strategies that can help you have meaningful involvement in your child’s IEP implementation as you collaborate with your child’s school throughout the year.

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for IEP Implementation & Monitoring Tips for Parents

Dr. Brenda L. Barrio, University of North Texas, and Sandye Cox, Region 10 ESC, outline crucial skills necessary for post-secondary success for students with disabilities and share resources for both students and their families.

Links to PowerPoint and recording of the webinar will be posted soon.

La Dra. Brenda L. Barrio, Universidad del Norte de Texas, y Sandye Cox, Región 10 ESC, describen las habilidades cruciales necesarias para el éxito postsecundario de los estudiantes con discapacidades y comparten recursos para tanto los estudiantes como sus familias.

A Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) serves as the foundation to initiating student support services in an education setting. At times the process of requesting, and understanding an evaluation can be challenging for students and families, further complicated by developing a plan to support students based on evaluation data. During this webinar, Dr. Michelle Simmons from West Texas A&M University’s Center for Learning Disabilities will provide an overview of critical education policy as it relates to evaluation and ARD meeting processes in Texas, and equip parents with helpful tips to successfully collaborate with student support team meeting members during the evaluation and IEP development processes. Topics covering dyslexia assessment and intervention services will be specifically addressed.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Dr. Michelle Simmons is the Lanna Hatton Professor of Learning Disabilities, Director for the Center for Learning Disabilities, and an Assistant Professor of special education in the Department of Education at West Texas A&M University. At WTAMU, Dr. Simmons teaches undergraduate special educator preparation courses and graduate educational diagnostic courses.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the IEP Planning: Tips for a Positive Evaluation and Student Support Meeting Experience webinar

Learn how to survive a dyslexia diagnosis by listening to one family’s shared experience. As a parent with a struggling child, Puff Niegos dealt with the emotions of her son’s learning disability, learned to navigate a complex education system and developed ways to balance her son’s needs with the needs of her family. As a student with dyslexia, Matthew Niegos learned to overcome classroom obstacles using assistive technologies, discipline, communication and humor. Let this team share the tips and tricks they used to help a struggling family achieve academic success.

Matthew Niegos is dyslexic. Nevertheless, he is a graduate of Rhodes College and SMU’s Dedman School of Law. As the in-house attorney for the Western Group of Companies, he continues to use learning techniques and assistive technologies to manage his disability.

Puff Niegos is a mother of two children. She is a CPA and an Academic Language Therapist. Inspired by her son’s struggles, Puff and her family founded the West Texas A&M University Center for Learning Disabilities. The center continues to be a free resource for students, parents and educators in the Texas Panhandle.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the It’s a Family Affair – Tips, Tricks and Survival Strategies webinar

This engaging session will provide information and strategies for parents to communicate their perspectives, preferences, and concerns before, during, and after the ARD meeting.

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Shauntā L. Singer, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, Texas A&M University

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Being an Active Member of the Team! webinar 

Special guest presenter: Erin Kaszynski, M.Ed., LPC, of North Texas Behavioral Health Authority and Region 10 ESC Consultant

Resilience means that in the face of adversity or challenges we can still thrive. As parents, helping our children learn skills that build resilience can help them get better at overcoming obstacles as well as learn how to handle stress and adjust to change. In this webinar, our presenter, Erin Kaszynski, M.Ed., LPC, will share practical tips to help you support resiliency development in your child while creating awareness about how you react and respond.

This webinar was a collaboration between Partners Resource Network, Region 10 ESC, and SPEDTex.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording for 10 Tips for Fostering Resiliency in Anxious Children coming soon

Parents will learn more about deciding when to “disagree” at an ARD meeting and about their options for resolving disputes or concerns about their child’s education. The presenter will provide a practical comparison of facilitated ARDs, TEA complaints, mediation, due process, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Complaints, district level grievances, and professional ethics complaints.

Presented by Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Should I File a Complaint? If so, Which Kind? webinar

Los padres aprenderán más sobre cuándo estar en desacuerdo en una reunión de ARD y sobre sus opciones para resolver disputas o problemas sobre la educación de sus hijos. La presentadora comparará de manera práctica las reuniones de ARD facilitadas, las quejas a la TEA, la mediación, el debido proceso, las quejas a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR), las quejas a nivel del distrito y las quejas de ética profesional.

Invitada especial Angel Crawford, de Disability Rights Texas

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, reviews the 87th Texas Legislature, which ran from January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Review of the 87th Texas Legislature webinar

The return to face-to-face school can be scary and uncertain.  Join us on August 17 at 12:15 p.m. CT as Dr. Wes Dotson discusses simple tips for using routines and schedules to help ease the transition back to the classroom. The focus will be on establishing predictability and structure through things a family can control. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion throughout.

Guest Presenter: Dr. Wes Dotson, Associate Professor, Department of Special Education & Director of Applied Behavioral Intervention Services, Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri

If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

About our presenter: Dr. Wes Dotson is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Department in the College of Education and the Director of Applied Behavioral Intervention Services at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. After earning his Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology in 2010 from the University of Kansas, he spent ten years at Texas Tech University and the Burkhart Center for Autism before coming to Columbia. He has been a BCBA since 2008. He has spent over 19 years in special education and clinical practice, working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities of all ages across school, clinic, home, community, and residential treatment settings. 

Layne Pethick shares effective brain booster activities and practices that parents can do at home to build their children’s brains so they can be ready for the challenges ahead. These brain activities and practices are research-based to develop the areas of the brain needed for social-emotional competencies, behavior regulation, and academic success. The information and ideas that will be shared are great for children of all ages and adults too!

This webinar is a collaborative project of the School, Family, and Community Engagement Initiative with SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center.

Guest Presenter: Layne Pethick Ph.D., Behavior Consultant and Autism Specialist, Region 10 ESC

Durante este seminario web, Layne Pethick compartirá actividades y prácticas efectivas para estimular el cerebro que los padres pueden hacer en casa para desarrollar el cerebro de sus hijos para que puedan estar preparados para los desafíos que se avecinan. Estas actividades y prácticas cerebrales se basan en la investigación para desarrollar las áreas del cerebro necesarias para las competencias socioemocionales, la regulación del comportamiento y el éxito académico. ¡La información y las ideas que se compartirán son excelentes para niños de todas las edades y también para adultos!

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10

Presentadores invitados especiales: Layne Pethick Ph.D., Consultora de Comportamiento y Especialista en Autismo, Región 10 ESC

Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) can be a very important part of your child’s education. Join us on September 14 at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Lisa Lightner, A Day in Your Shoes, shares information on what AT/AAC is, how to know if your child qualifies for it in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and how to ask for it from the IEP Team.

Special guest presenter: Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

About our presenter: Lisa Lightner has been advocating for marginalized families since 2010. Her award-winning blog, ADayInOurShoes.com, has been read by millions of parents across the globe and offers insightful and practical tips for advocating for your child’s IEP and getting your team to yes. Due to the pandemic and lack of in-person IEP meetings, Lightner has launched an online advocacy training program for parents called Don’t IEP Alone Academy. Lisa lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband, two sons and two dogs.

Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency, discusses parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.

This webinar is a collaborative project of the School, Family, and Community Engagement Initiative with SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center.

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Special Education Updates with Dr. Justin Porter webinar

Justin Porter Ed.D., Director Estatal de Educación Especial, de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, se unirá a nosotros en un seminario web a nivel estatal para discutir las preguntas e inquietudes de los padres relacionadas con el nuevo año escolar y la educación especial.

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10

Diana Nadeau, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE), takes a deep dive into the root of conflict to bring better support to those concerned with the transition into in-person schooling after a difficult year of distance learning and social isolation. Getting to the root of conflict allows us the spaciousness we need to experience more compassion and collaboration even during difficult conversations.

Guest Presenter: Diana Nadeau, Dispute Resolution and Training Specialist at CADRE, Professional Mediator, and Family Support Specialist

Social Skills are a crucial part of everyone’s lives. Join us on October 19 at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Brandi Timmons, MEd, discusses the importance of teaching social skills, what to focus on when teaching social skills to your child, and specific strategies for teaching social skills.

Guest Presenter: Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Educational Consultant

This interactive presentation will feature ways technology solutions can be used to foster, facilitate, and further support the transition process for educators, families, and the individuals we are seeking to serve in efforts to navigate the challenges of the transition process. Participants will receive tips, strategies, and tools to apply to their daily needs.

Guest Presenter: Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., Department of Special Education, University of Kansas

About our presenter: Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Smith’s research interest focuses on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. Sean has authored over 100 books and articles, given hundreds of scholarly presentations both nationally and internationally, and serves on various boards for journals, organizations, and parent groups focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, presenters from the Texas Education Agency discussed updates to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders.

Acompáñanos este jueves 18 de noviembre de 2021 a discutir con invitados especiales de la Agencia de Educación de Texas los cambios más recientes al Manual sobre la Dislexia: Procedimientos sobre la Dislexia y Desórdenes Relacionados.

Special Guest Presenter: Brad Thompson, The HALI Project

What do you see for your child after high school is over?  Brad Thompson, The HALI Project, discusses the importance of dreaming big dreams for your child, setting tangible goals, and building a team to help your child reach their highest potential.

• PowerPoint for Life After the Yellow Bus
• Recording of Life After the Yellow Bus

Partners Resource Network and Region 10 collaborated on a series of Facebook Lives to share quick at-home learning tips to support parents as they help their children with disabilities transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Facebook Live series focused not just on academic issues, but emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Wednesday, March 25 – Tips for setting routines and managing behavior – Layne Pethick, Ph.D., Behavior Consultant and Autism Specialist, and Katrina Mathis, M. Ed., Behavior Management Consultant

Resources from the Facebook Live:

• Recording

Partners Resource Network and Region 10 collaborated on a series of Facebook Lives to share quick at-home learning tips to support parents as they help their children with disabilities transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Facebook Live series focused not just on academic issues, but emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Thursday, March 26 – Addressing Social and Mental Health during COVID-19 – Keya Saleh, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)

Resources from the Facebook Live:

• Recording

Partners Resource Network and Region 10 collaborated on a series of Facebook Lives to share quick at-home learning tips to support parents as they help their children with disabilities transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Facebook Live series focused not just on academic issues, but emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Thursday, March 31 – Tips on Facilitating Choice-making and Working on Communication Skills – Pam Sepulvado, Speech-Language Pathologist, Region 10 ESC

Resources from the Facebook Live:

• Recording

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Steven Aleman, Disability Rights Texas, discussed the special education rights of students with disabilities during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, special education law, and what is important for parents to know during this unsettling time.

Resources from this webinar:

• PowerPoint from the Protecting Special Education Rights of Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak webinar
• Recording

Partners Resource Network and Region 10 collaborated on a series of Facebook Lives to share quick at-home learning tips to support parents as they help their children with disabilities transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Facebook Live series focused not just on academic issues, but emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Thursday, April 2 – School-Based Occupational and Physical Therapy: Practical Home Activities – Lien Vo, Occupational Therapist, Region 10 ESC, and Dr. Lois Goodin, Physical Therapist, Region 10 ESC

Resources from the Facebook Live:

• Recording

Mónica Santiago BBA, MEd, y Angel Crawford, de Disability Rights Texas, en la que discutirá los derechos de los estudiantes con discapacidades durante la pandemia del Coronavirus (COVID-19), la ley de educación especial, y lo que es importante que los padres sepan durante este tiempo sin precedentes.

Guest Presenter: Nina Zuna, Ph.D., Associate Director, Texas Center for Disability Studies, The University of Texas at Austin

Nina Zuna Ph.D. provides (a) an overview of state and federal transition policies according to IDEA; (b) examples on developing post-secondary goals and IEP goals; (c) information/resources on career exploration activities for your child; and (d) a resource document for parents to learn even more about supporting their child through the transition planning process.

About Our Presenter
Dr. Zuna has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families in a variety of roles including, professor, researcher, certified special education teacher, and in-home/in-school behavioral skills trainer. Her research and community service interests include family quality of life, individual and family supports across the lifespan, community inclusion, and transition from high school to postsecondary education and/or the workforce.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of Transition Planning: Paving the Way for Your Child’s Future Success

On April 22, 2020, Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency (TEA), discussed parent questions related to special education and the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

Watch the recording of Special Education in Texas and the COVID-19 Outbreak with Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency

COVID-19 and the quarantine has added additional stress to the lives of individuals in the country. In an environment where the house has become a school and playground for children and an office for the adults, it is important for us to focus on ourselves and work on self-care. The presentation focused on processing the stress during quarantine and the importance of focusing on self-care.

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Malvika Behl, West Texas A&M University

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for Self-Care during the COVID-19 Quarantine
• Recording of the webinar

If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Dr. Malvika Behl, West Texas A&M University, discusses managing negative emotions during social distancing.  Social distancing has been hard on everyone, specifically parents. Anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue are a mental health issue that parents might go through. The presentation will review ways in which parents can help manage their anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue and ways in which they can get past it. Have your pen and paper ready because there will be a hands-on activity that will help with long term ways to manage our negative emotions.

Resources for the webinar:

• Powerpoint for Managing Negative Emotions during Social Distancing
• Coping Strategies Challenge
• Recording of Managing Negative Emotions during Social Distancing

Nancy Disterlic, M.A.T., LDT, CALT, Regional Dyslexia Consultant, Region 10 ESC, discusses ways parents can support their child as they navigate the obstacles of dyslexia, supported by the research of David Sousa and his series “How the Brain Learns”, as well as Sally Shaywitz’s brain imaging research.

Nancy will discuss the brains’ functionality of processing information as it stores, utilizes and retrieves information while offering strategies for teaching metacognition and self-esteem that develop independence and confidence for students with dyslexia.

Partners Resource Network and Region 10 have collaborated on a series of Facebook Lives to share quick at-home learning tips to support parents as they help their children with disabilities transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Facebook Live series will focus not just on academic issues, but emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Resources for the session:

• PowerPoint handout for Dyslexia: Home Strategies to Develop Reading Independence and Confidence
• Recording

Screen time is a touchy subject even in the best situations and with these unprecedented times, everyone is having to spend more time in front of a screen.

With everything from school, to family interactions, to parties taking place online, access to screens has increased in many households, making it even harder to know how to put boundaries on your child’s screen time. There are really no right answers when it comes to managing screen time during COVID-19, but we will look at some tips that might help you set expectations, support your child, and maybe most important of all, give yourself some grace.

Special Guest Presenter: Layne Pethick, Ph.D., Behavior Consultant and Autism Specialist, Region 10 ESC

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint from Screen Time, The Brain, and COVID-19
• Recording of the webinar

On June 10, 2020, Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency (TEA), discussed parent questions related to new TEA guidance: Considerations for Extended School Year and Compensatory Services for Students with Disabilities During and After Texas School Closures Due to COVID-19.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the ESY & Compensatory Services webinar
• TEA’s Compensatory Services & COVID-19 School Closures
• Servicios compensatorios y cierre de escuelas COVID-19

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the idea of the new school year? Rosa Torres, Disability Rights Texas, discusses educational options available to parents and what special education services may look like with each option.

¿Se siente agobiado con la idea de un nuevo año escolar? Rosa Torres, de Disability Rights Texas, (nos explicará) las opciones educativas disponibles para los padres y cómo serán los servicios de educación especial de acuerdo a cada opción.

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for the Educational Options and Special Education Considerations webinar
• Recording in English
• Recording in Spanish

This webinar will help students and families find resources and highlight tips for a successful transition.

Resources from the Let’s Talk Transition! webinar:

• PowerPoint for the Let’s Talk Transition!
• Recording

About Our Presenter
Prior to joining Region 10 as a Transition Consultant in 2013, Sandye taught English/Reading at the high school level in general education and special education areas, was an inclusion teacher, campus coordinator, and department head. In addition, she spent several years as a program specialist supporting students, teachers, and administrators for all special education programs (behavior, developmental, resource) at the elementary and secondary levels. This is Sandye’s 28th year in education.

Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency, discusses parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and the COVID-19 outbreak.

This webinar discusses ways parents can and should be notified of an upcoming ARD meeting, when parents should receive a copy of their child’s IEP and how to request one when the school is closed, tips on what to do if you disagree with ARD Committee recommendations, and tips on how to address concerns about an ARD meeting held without the parent.

Back to School Series in collaboration with SPEDTex

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the webinar
• PowerPoint (English)
• PowerPoint (Spanish)

Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas, discusses how to navigate special education during the pandemic. This presentation will include information on school closures, virtual learning, contingency plans, and compensatory services.

Resources from the How to Access Special Education Resources during a Pandemic webinar

• PowerPoint for How to Access Special Education Resources during a Pandemic
• Recording of How to Access Special Education Resources during a Pandemic

Angel Crawford, Disability Rights Texas, discusses if and how COVID-19 and virtual learning affect the special education processes from initial evaluation to transition services. Topics to be covered include requesting an evaluation, how services are provided in-person vs. virtually, and how to help your child be successful by participating in the development of your child’s IEP to include transition planning.

This webinar is a collaboration between Partners Resource Network and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

Resources for this webinar:

• PowerPoint for Special Education and COVID-19: What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same
• Recording of Special Education and COVID-19: What Has Changed and What Has Stayed the Same

Dr. Shauntā L. Singer presents an engaging session that will provide information and strategies for strengthening communication between members of teams who support students with disabilities. Topics such as requesting services, resolving conflicts or disputes, advocating for students’ needs, and having crucial conversations will be discussed.

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for Enhancing Communication to Support OUR Learners
• Recording of Enhancing Communication to Support OUR Learners webinar

Have you heard of TSLAT? Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) offers an abundance of resources for parents of students with autism. Learn more about their resources for interventions, communication, transition, online courses, video gallery, and more.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the Autism Resources for Parents webinar

Special Guest Presenter: Steven Aleman, Disability Rights Texas

The 86th Legislative Session begins in January, 2019 and runs until May, 2019. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities. This presentation outlines the special education issues likely to be considered, how those interested can track topics, and which Texas lawmakers will be in key leadership roles concerning public education

• PowerPoint for Preview of Special Education Issues Before Texas Legislature
• Texas Legislature Online https://capitol.texas.gov/
  State website on details of bills filed, schedule of hearings, key legislative dates
• Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities http://www.tcdd.texas.gov/
  State agency that advocates on behalf of people with developmental disabilities
• Texas Tribune http://www.texastribune.org/
  Public interest news source on legislative issues, players, developments
• Disability Rights Texas https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/

Part of the collaborative webinar series with the Texas Education Agency

• Recording of the Special Education Statewide Leadership Networks webinar
• Q&A document in English for the Special Education Statewide Leadership Networks webinar
• PowerPoint in English for the Special Education Statewide Leadership Networks webinar

• Redes de Liderazgo del Estado
• PowerPoint Redes de Liderazgo del Estado
• Documento de preguntas y respuestas Redes de Liderazgo del Estado

Special Guest Presenter: Brandi Timmons, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Too often expectations for children with special needs are not set high enough. When a high level of expectations is set, kids tend to strive to meet those expectations. Our kids want to be successful. It’s up to us to provide the environment for them to succeed.

• Recording of Create a Climate of High Expectations in Your Child’s Program
• PowerPoint for Create a Climate of High Expectations in Your Child’s Program

Special Guest Presenter: Deanna Clemens, Ed.S., LSSP, BCBA, Technical Assistance Team Manager, Division of Special Education, Texas Education Agency 

Resources from the Student’s Rights Under the IDEA: Behavioral Incidents and Discipline collabroative webinar:

• Recording of Student’s Rights Under the IDEA: Behavioral Incidents and Discipline webinar
• PowerPoint for the Student’s Rights Under the IDEA: Behavioral Incidents and Discipline webinar
• Q&A document coming soon

About the presenter: Deanna Clemens serves as a manager of the Technical Assistance Team within the division of special education at the Texas Education Agency. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, A Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Deanna received her Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. She practiced for several years as K-12 School Psychologist in Pennsylvania. Since relocating to Texas in 2009, Deanna has held public school positions as Adaptive Behavior and Autism Program Specialist, Coordinator of Special Services, and Special Education Coordinator for Behavior Services. She joined TEA in August of 2017 and served as a program specialist for child find and evaluation and low incidence disabilities on the technical assistance team before becoming a team manager. 

Speak up and embrace a leadership role at your child’s next ARD meeting! Join us for our next statewide webinar as we discuss practical tips for effective communication, peaceful conflict resolution, and negotiation strategies that you can use to advocate for appropriate services for your child. We will also discuss options you can use to address disagreements and resolve conflict while protecting the parent-school relationship.

• Recording of Speak Up! Empowerment through Effective Communication
• PowerPoint for Speak Up! Empowerment through Effective Communication
• IDEA 300.322 – https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.322
• IDEA 300.324 – https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/d/300.324/a
• Playing a Role in the IEP Process from Understood.org –https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/ieps/playing-a-role-in-the-iep-process
• IDEA Manual – https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/publication/idea-manual-2018-edition/
• Good Communication: Who Do You Call? – http://prntexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Good-Communication-Who-Do-You-Call.pdf
• ARD You Ready? Facebook Live Series – topics include the IEP team, communication skills, defining educational need, and an overview of ESY. https://www.facebook.com/PRNTexas/videos/2440033526024303/
• Negotiation Skills for Parents from Disability Rights Ohio – https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/assets/documents/negotiation_skills_for_parents.pdf?pdf=Negotiation_Skills_for_Parents%E2%80%9D%20target=%E2%80%9D_blank
• Special Education Dispute Resolution Processes on the TEA website – https://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Dispute_Resolution/Special_Education_Dispute_Resolution_Processes/
• Special Education Complaints Process on the TEA website – https://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Dispute_Resolution/Special_Education_Complaints_Process/
• Mediation – https://www.texasprojectfirst.org/node/47
• Due Process – https://www.texasprojectfirst.org/node/49

Part of our collaborative webinar series with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Presenters for the Progress Monitoring webinar:

• Cherry C. Lee, M.Ed., LDT, CALT, Educational Diagnostician, Program Specialist, Texas Education Agency Division of Special Education
• Daniela Licona, Program Specialist, Texas Education Agency Division of Special Education

Resources:

• Recording of Progress Monitoring
• Progress Monitoring PowerPoint in English
• Q&A Document in English for the Progress Monitoring webinar

• https://youtu.be/d2sJW97-UuE
• Monitoreo de Progreso PowerPoint
• Documento de preguntas y respuestas Monitoreo de Progreso

During this webinar, Colleen Elbe, Disability Rights Texas, provided parents with information on Guardianship in Texas, Alternatives to Guardianship, as well as Supported Decision Making Agreements. Colleen discussed the purpose, process, benefits and drawbacks of each option. Resources were provided to direct parents to sample forms and additional information.

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of Alternatives to Guardianship
• PowerPoint

Collaborative webinar with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

ESY is an individualized instructional program for eligible students with disabilities that is provided beyond the regular school year. The need for ESY services must be determined on an individual basis by the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee. The individualized education program (IEP) developed for ESY must include goals and objectives.

Presenter for the Extended School Year (ESY) webinar:  Dawne Vanderhule, Texas Education Agency (TEA) Child Find, Evaluation and ARD Support Coordinator

Resources from the Extended School Year (ESY) webinar:

• PowerPoint
• Q&A document
• Closed Caption transcript

About our presenter: Dawne Vanderhule is the TEA Child Find, Evaluation and ARD Support Coordinator.  She has 31+ years as an educator, and has previously worked as a Director of Special Education Services, Educational Diagnostician, Special education teacher, and TEA certified speech therapist.

Special Guest Presenter: Aracely Olmeda MS, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

Life after high school can have a many uncertainties on what option is best. On May 14, Aracely Olmeda shared her transition story, from becoming empowered to lead her own ARDs to making person-centered decisions. Aracely also discussed various options and resources available for youth with disabilities who are transitioning from high school into adult life, including postsecondary options in Texas.

Resources from the webinar:

• Watch the recording of the Life After High School webinar
• PowerPoint
• Closed Caption transcript

Links shared during the webinar:

JAN – Job Accommodation Network
https://askjan.org/

Searching careers on https://www.onetonline.org/

Career Interest Inventory
https://www.mynextmove.org/

Research apprenticeships and job trends in your area
https://www.thecareerindex.com/

Skills worksheets from TWC 
https://lmci.state.tx.us/explore/TSC/k12.asp

WRP Workforce Recruitment Program
https://wrp.gov/AboutPre.do#Students

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability 
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/

Think College
https://thinkcollege.net/

Post Secondary Access and Training in Human Services (PATHS)
http://paths.tamu.edu/

lifePATH® at LSC-Tomball
http://www.lonestar.edu/lifePATH.htm

Vast Academy Houston Community College
https://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/departments/hcc-vast-academy/

Project Case Texas Tech 
https://www.depts.ttu.edu/burkhartcenter/case/

On July 17, Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas provided an update on the 86th Legislative Session. Watch the recording of the webinar to learn which special education issues were considered during the legislative session and how this may affect your child’s education.

Resources from this webinar:

• Watch the recording of the Update on the 86th Texas Legislative Session webinar
• PowerPoint [PDF]
• Closed Caption transcript

Presented by Thad Green, LSSP

Founded on the research and publications of Dr. Randy Sprick, Dr. Ross Greene, and Alfie Kohn, this webinar presents a toolbox of techniques which parents can use to effectively respond to the unhelpful behaviors they notice in both their children and themselves. The presentation covers the origins of behavioral challenges, as well as the reasons they are so very challenging; and opens a doorway into a pattern of response rooted in compassion, self-reflection, and relationship.

Resources from the Behavioral Responsiveness for Parents webinar:

• PowerPoint for Behavioral Responsiveness for Parents
• Recording of Behavioral Responsiveness for Parents
• Closed Caption transcript

Special Guest Presenter: Wes Dotson, Ph.D., BCBA, Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research at Texas Tech University

Dr. Wes Dotson, Director of the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research at Texas Tech University, shares strategies to help your child deal with anxiety and build his/her confidence in the classroom.

Resources from the webinar:

• PowerPoint for Start Smart! Strategies for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety webinar
• Recording of the Start Smart! Strategies for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety webinar
• Closed Caption transcript

About our presenter: Wes Dotson, Ph.D., BCBA-D is the Director of the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research and an Associate Professor in the Special Education Program at Texas Tech University. He earned his Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology in 2010 from the University of Kansas. He has spent over 18 years in special education, working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities of all ages. His primary areas of research are social skills, relationship development, and successful life outcomes for adolescents and young adults with autism, as well as the preparation of teachers and other professionals to work successfully with individuals on the spectrum. In his role as Director of the Burkhart Center Dr. Dotson oversees over a dozen clinical services, multiple funded grant projects, and several cross-disciplinary research groups exploring issues related to autism identification and treatment in the community. Burkhart Center team members work with over 100 university and community partners to provide an array of services and opportunities for those served by the center.  

The terms least restrictive environment, inclusion, and mainstreaming are often used interchangeably. They are not, however, synonymous concepts. This webinar will explore the placement continuum and identify considerations in the decision-making process regarding a student’s least restrictive environment (LRE).

• Special Guest Presenter: Keya Saleh, LSSP
• In collaboration with Region 10 ESC

Resources from the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) webinar:

• PowerPoint
• Recording
• Closed Caption transcript

About our presenter: Keya Saleh is the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Consultant in Region 10. He has worked his entire career in special education, as an LSSP, district coordinator, and evaluation supervisor. His areas of expertise include evaluation, behavior management, and mental health.

During this web training, participants will explore effective ways to navigate through conflict by learning the importance of framing a conflict event, identifying underlying interests, and other collaborative communication skills. Participants will have an opportunity to self-reflect on their conflict styles and biases as they learn skills and strategies for effectively managing conflict.

Special Guest Presenter: Melanie J. Reese, Ph. D., Director, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)

For nearly 20 years, the National Center for Dispute Resolution in Special Education, CADRE, has provided a wealth of materials and resources to help understand and work through conflicts that may arise between parents and their children’s schools. Applicable resources for parents will be shared with the attendees.

Resources from the Turning Conflict into Positive Outcomes webinar:

• Recording of Turning Conflict into Positive Outcomes
• PowerPoint
• Closed Caption transcript

Resources from CADRE shared during the webinar:

• Visit CADRE online at www.cadreworks.org
• Contact CADRE via email at cadre@directionservice.org
• Sign up for the CADRE Caucus Newsletter
• Educational Advocates: A Guide for Parents

About our presenter: Dr. Melanie Reese joined the National Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) as Director in October 2017 after having served as the Dispute Resolution Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Education’s Special Education Department since 2010. In that time, she helped grow Idaho’s facilitation program into a thriving and valuable option for Idaho’s districts and parents. Additionally, she oversaw the state’s mediation, state complaint and due process hearing processes where she worked closely with Idaho’s Parent Training and Information Center and Local Educational Agencies. As professor emeritus (Boise State University, 2009), Dr. Reese remains active in the academic community and is the co-author of two successful textbooks in conflict and mediation studies. Dr. Reese currently sits on Boise State University’s Dispute Resolution Graduate Advisory Board and is a member of their graduate teaching faculty. In addition to her career as a university professor, her past work includes serving on the Executive Board of the Idaho Mediation Association, practicing as a professional mediator since 1990, and serving as a college ombudsman. Melanie regularly provides training and coaching in conflict management, special education dispute resolution, and organizational communication.

Dra. Gracie Reyes-McDonald, de Grace Psychological Services

• PowerPoint

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Malvika Behl, West Texas A&M University

On November 5 @ 12:15 p.m. CT, Dr. Malvika Behl, West Texas A&M University, discussed the emotional aspects of having a child with special needs which includes the stages of grief and the challenges of having a child with a learning disability.

Resources from the The Emotional Side for Parents Who Have Children with Learning Disabilities webinar:

• PowerPoint
• Recording of The Emotional Side for Parents Who Have Children with Learning Disabilities

About our presenter: Dr. Malvika Behl is an LPC-Intern (TX) and licensed School Counselor (OH). Dr. Behl is a professor at West Texas A&M University and has been working closely with the Center for Learning Disability. She has been working with parents of children with disability through individual and group counseling session. She has experience in counseling adults and children.

Special Guest Presenter: Lee Lentz-Edwards

The Legal Framework is a statewide leadership project partnering the Texas Education Agency and Region 18 Education Service Center. The project which includes contacts from each educational service center is a compilation of state and federal requirements for special education organized by topic in a user-friendly format. Additional resources available on the Legal Framework website include the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process, and the Special Education Rules and Regulations document.

Resources from the webinar:

• Recording of the Texas Legal Framework webinar
• Texas Legal Framework website
• Closed Caption transcript of the Texas Legal Framework webinar

About our presenter: Lee Lentz-Edwards has served as a member of the Statewide Leadership Team for the Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Process in Texas since 2005. She works with the team to research, construct, and edit the Legal Framework and its website. She also provides training to school personnel and parents about the use of the Legal Framework. Lee is currently a consultant working with students and teachers in Region 18. Her background includes responsibility as an educator and administrator at the elementary and secondary levels.

On November 12, David Beinke discussed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Pre-Employment Transition Services, which include job counseling, work-based learning experiences, and workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living, and instruction in self-advocacy.

Resources from the Transition Services webinar:

• Recording for the Transition Services webinar
• Closed Caption transcript
• Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) on the TWC website
• Pre-Employment Transition Services on the WINTAC website
• Department of Justice Reaches Landmark Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement Agreement with Rhode Island

Special Guest Presenter: Robin Pokladnik, Educational Diagnostician, Region 10 ESC

This webinar provides an opportunity for you to learn about IDEA’s Child Find mandate, who is covered, what schools are required to do and how you can request an evaluation for your child should you have concerns regarding their progress. Identifying children with disabilities is an important first step toward getting them the help they need to succeed in school.

Resource from this webinar:

• Coming soon!

About our presenter: Robin Pokladnik is currently the Child Find and Evaluation Consultant for Region 10 Education Service Center. She has worked the majority of her career in special education serving as an educational diagnostician, special education facilitator, coordinator and director of special education.

Special Guest Presenter: Keri Peko, Military Outreach Specialist, PEATC

Attendees will benefit from this presentation on serving in the military with special needs children and the resources available to this specialized population. The Interstate Compact, EFMP, Special Education, Tricare, and Retirement are some of the topics to be covered during this informative webinar. Keri Peko, Military Outreach Specialist and Navy spouse of 25 years, will help you figure out how to serve with a special needs child.

Resources from this webinar:

• Recording of the Helpful Hints for Military Families with EFMs webinar
• PowerPoint
• Parent Handbook on Special Education from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA)
• Definitions handout
• EFMP Categories handout

About our presenter: Keri Peko founded MASC, the first Tricare approved, not-for-profit applied behavior analysis and family support provider, in 2005 to serve the Hampton Roads area of southeast Virginia. She assisted the center’s clients by providing in-home parent training and advocacy during IEP meetings while managing the business. Her 18 year- old daughter with severe autism inspired Keri to address the needs of children with autism in her community. Keri has had the opportunity to meet with senior military leadership, members of Congress, and health care industry leaders to address autism and the impact it has on military readiness. The Peko family has lived all over the United States but has been in Chesapeake for 15 years. Keri’s husband currently serves our country in the U.S. Navy and has for 27 years.

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Mikyung Shin, Assistant Professor of Special Education, West Texas A&M University

In this webinar, you’ll learn the risk factors and causes of dyscalculia, and discover the cognitive and mathematical characteristics of students with dyscalculia. Then, you’ll get examples of dyscalculia toolkits, screeners, and intensive mathematics interventions.