The Nuts & Bolts of Diploma Pathways

Please join Parent Training Specialist, Miss Glenesha Milner, on Thursday, September 19th at 1 PM EST for an informative session covering key topics related to student transitions. We will explore vocational and personal interest inventories, the importance of self-advocacy, and the Age of Majority/guardianship. Additionally, we’ll discuss the various pathways students can take to earn a standard diploma, including those designed specifically for students with disabilities, as the “special diploma” was phased out in 2012. In the final part of the session, we’ll clarify the Transition IEP, a crucial tool for students aged 12-18/22 (depending on graduation deferral). This student-centered IEP is designed to map out a multi-year pathway for a successful transition from high school to post-secondary opportunities. We’ll talk about how to determine which diploma pathway aligns best with the student’s future goals and how to support them throughout this journey.

Citrus County Transition Fair

This event is aimed to empower Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and their families by offering insights into the wealth of resources and support services available within the community.

Lake-Sumter Transition Fair

Students and parents are invited to attend this event to find out more about Adult Independent Living, Education, Job Training/Opportunities, Finances and    Guardianship, Health Services, Rights and Responsibilities, and Social Security and support services.

Representatives from Vocational Rehabilitation, UCF CARD, Family Network on Disabilities, Lake Technical College, Lake County Schools, Project 10, Career Source of Central Florida, Building Blocks Ministries, New Vision, and several more organizations will be in attendance to answer questions and give information to assist with transitioning. 

Let’s Talk–Exceptional Polk Families Parent Support Group

Lynn with Family Network on Disabilities will join us to share information on alternatives to Dispute Resolution. Meet parents on a similar journey!

All About the Apps on Facebook Live

Join Parent Training Specialist, Glenesha Milner for a Webinar Highlighting Helpful/Accessible Apps!
No matter which hurdles your child faces, apps and other media included in this presentation can give him or her an added boost. We don’t expect an app to be a complete solution, of course. Working with students who face challenges requires lots of time, attention, and patience on the part of a parent, teacher, or other adult caregivers. Our goal is to offer you a host of fun apps you can add to your toolkit as you work with your child. POPIN Facebook Page

Caregiver Stress & Burnout Webinar

Caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, but it also involves many stressors, such as changes in the family dynamic, household disruption, financial pressure, and an added workload. So, is it any wonder that caregivers are some of the people most prone to burnout? Managing the stress levels in your life is just as important as making sure your family member gets to the doctor’s appointment or takes their medication on time. This presentation provides research-based and practical methods for minimizing stress and reducing caregiver burnout.

https://www.facebook.com/FamilySTARFND

Cultural Diversity on Facebook Live

“Cultural Diversity” refers to the variety of different societies or people of diverse origins, religions, and traditions coexisting and interacting together. This presentation will cover the interpersonal skills necessary for providers to effectively understand, appreciate, and collaborate with individuals from cultures different from their own.

Join us on Wednesday, June 19th at 1:00 PM EST for a special Parent Training Specialist Miss Glenesha Milner presentation on “Cultural Diversity.” Coinciding with Juneteenth, this session will provide valuable insights into fostering knowledge and inclusion. https://www.facebook.com/popinfl

Supported Decision-making on Facebook Live

Attend an insightful presentation by our AI presenter on “Substitute Decision-Making to Supported Decision-Making” on Wednesday, June 12th at 1 PM EST. When individuals are deemed legally incapacitated, they lose their right to equal recognition before the law and their ability to protect and enjoy other fundamental human rights. Guardians and tutors entrusted with acting on behalf of persons with disabilities sometimes fail to prioritize the best interests of those they represent. In more severe cases, they may abuse their authority, leading to violations of the rights of these individuals. https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=fnd%20popin

It’s a Great IDEA: Modules #5-7 on Facebook Live

Join Parent Training Specialist Glenesha Milner on Monday, June 3rd, at 1 PM EST on Facebook for the continuation of the webinar series, “It’s a Great IDEA: Module #5. The Right of Students with Disabilities to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).” LRE is mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA stipulates that children who receive special education should be educated in the least restrictive environment possible alongside their nondisabled peers. Participants will learn what this means and how students should spend as much time as possible with peers who do not receive special education.

On Monday, June 10th, at 1 PM EST, the series continues with “It’s a Great IDEA: Module #6. The Power of Parent Participation.” One of IDEA’s principles is the right of parents to participate in educational decision-making regarding their child with a disability. In this workshop, participants will learn about the specific requirements IDEA places on school systems to ensure parental participation.

The series will conclude on Monday, June 24th, at 1 PM EST with “It’s a Great IDEA: Module #7. Procedural Safeguards.” IDEA establishes procedural safeguards to help parents and students enforce their rights under federal law. Participants will learn how these safeguards protect parental access to information regarding placement and transition planning, and the procedures in place to resolve disagreements between parents and schools regarding student placement. Please note that this date is two weeks after Module 6.

Kidfest

Come say “Hello!” to FND POPIN Parent Training Specialist Glenesha Milner for an exciting day of celebrating children at Panama City’s Kidfest! She will be at the Family Network on Disabilities resource table with free information about our services.

Kidfest is a 27-year-old family event that features children’s activities, entertainment, food, and, most of all, fun for the whole family.

More than 100 area organizations and businesses set up various types of free activities for children of all ages, while numerous entertainers showcase their talents throughout the day. Last year, approximately 5,000 people from Northwest Florida and South Alabama attended the event.

Early Education and Care hosts this event each year, with all proceeds benefiting the organization. Kidfest is EEC’s major fundraiser, which not only supports EEC’s programs but also celebrates children and enhances family involvement.