New Partners in Policymaking Class Announced

Partners in Policymaking is "a national leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities. The program teaches leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials, school personnel and other individuals who make policy decisions about services and supports that are offered by state and local agencies and schools."

Indiana's Governor's Council for People with Disabilities is announcing that a new class will be scheduled for this fall and applications are being accepted until May 9th.

For more information about the program and to download the application, please visit:
http://www.in.gov/gpcpd/2465.htm

Free Improv Class for Teens on the Autism Spectrum and Teachers

Fans who remember watching Drew Carey and friends make up scenes and songs on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” will enjoy this four-week improvisational theater class for teens on the autism spectrum and teachers. Improv offers a safe, supportive, and creative environment for teens on the spectrum and teachers to develop communication and social skills together. In the words of one Camp Yes And teen attendee, "The activities exercised my imagination. It was really creative and fun."

Sponsored by Indiana University's Center on Education and Lifelong Learning, classes will be held at the Monroe County Public Library auditorium in Bloomington, IN, on March 4, 11, 25, and April 1 from 4-5:30 PM. Classes are designed to support teens (13-18) on the autism spectrum with Asperger’s or compatible diagnoses and teachers -- including para-educators, mentors, supervisors, etc. -- of any discipline working in K-12 public or private, university, and/or community-based settings (e.g., arts or social services organizations).

To register, visit: http://go.iu.edu/169M. Registration is limited to 7 teens and 7 teachers, so please commit to attending if you register.

For more information contact Jim Ansaldo at (812) 855-3702 or jansaldo@indiana.edu

Mobile App Monday - ExerciseBuddy

"ExerciseBuddy solves the difficult problem of introducing exercise to individuals with autism. Using best practice autism strategies, ExerciseBuddy inspires children and adults with autism to exercise without challenging parents, professionals, educators or caretakers.

"ExerciseBuddy was built by a team comprised of an Autism Fitness Specialist (Coach Dave), Special Education Teacher, Speech Language Pathologist and Technology Specialist." -iTunes

Want to learn more about this app? Please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1007991748

Tools for Successful Transition

In a new article posted by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, author Anna Merrill, MSEd, discusses what it takes, beyond simple intelligence, to become most successful in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. "The presence of traits like self-determination, resilience, and grit in adolescents with ASD has been linked to several positive outcomes including meaningful employment, independent living, recreation and leisure outcomes, and an overall improved quality of life."

Want to read the entire article? Please visit:
http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/pages/tools_for_successful_transition

Supporting students with emotional and behavioral problems: Prevention and intervention strategies

Supporting students with emotional and behavioral problems: Prevention and intervention strategies "presents a highly effective tiered approach that helps you develop school- and class-wide interventions and match behavior interventions to each student's needs. Developed by trusted PBS experts and packed with concrete strategies, this essential resource will prepare teachers to prevent and reduce severe behavior problems, improve students' social interactions, and increase academic engagement." -publisher

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Recognize, respond, report: Preventing and addressing bullying of students with special needs

Recognize, respond, report: Preventing and addressing bullying of students with special needs "gives K–12 educators, administrators, and school counselors the research-based interventions they need to stop bullying in its tracks—and prevent it before it starts. Using a simple framework of 3 Rs (Recognize, Respond, and Report), you'll master the core components of preventing and addressing bullying and disability-based harassment at the district level, classroom level, and individual level. Practical, proven strategies and tools blend with heartfelt, real-world advice from students who've experienced bullying themselves." -publisher

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday - Read&Write for iPad

Read&Write for iPad is an easy to use alternative keyboard and Safari toolbar to help with everyday tasks like emailing, working on documents, browsing the web and using online forms. It’s great for students, English Language Learners and people of all ages with dyslexia – or anyone who needs a little help typing with their iPad.

Want to learn more about it? Please visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id934749270