CAC NEWS
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA, APRIL 2022
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A collaborative partnership of
school districts, staff, students, parents/families, and community agencies
Supporting Equitable Learning, Programs and Access
for ALL students.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH
Respect and Dignity for People with Developmental Disabilities
This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its fourth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.
Everyday, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully.
We believe that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
And by everyone, we mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you.
United Nation's World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2022
they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation.
The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees.
While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.
The Connection is You!!!
Facts and Statistics
COVID-19 Response
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
UPCOMING SELPA EVENTS
Equipping Parents to Navigate the IEP Process Series
A collaboration and partnership with VC SELPA & Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
Presented by:
VC SELPA Administration Team and
Norma Perez-Sandford, District K-12 Counselor, Fillmore Unified School District
- Have questions about the IEP process?
- Questions about transitioning students and transition process?
- Would you like to be more familiar and comfortable with process(es)?
This series is for you! Come learn about about different aspects of the IEP and get your questions answered!
Transition To Preschool (English)
May 3, 2022
5:00 to 6:30 PM
Transition to Preschool (Spanish)
May 4, 2022
5:00 to 6:30 PM
There is no cost for the sessions, however, online registration is required. You will receive the Zoom link once your registration is confirmed and we have a current email addresss.
This conference is for all General Education and Special Education Professionals, Parents, and Caregivers of all Student(s); Family Support Agencies, and Community Members.
There is no cost for this conference but does require registration. For Spanish translation, please request seven (7) days in advance.
Register: https://vcoe.k12oms.org/1630-215871
April 25, 2022
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Katie Novak Ed.D, Consultant
Internationally renowned education consultant
Shelley Moore, Educator
Internationally recognized teacher, researcher, consultant and storyteller
A Sneak Peek of Katie Novak!
A Sneak Peak of Shelley Moore!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Celebrate Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month
Date: Monday, April 11, 2022 Time: 1:30 p.m. -3:00 via Zoom
Event cost: FREE!
Audience: All Staff and Leadership: Education Specialists, School Psychologists, All Related Services, School Teams, General Education Teachers and Parents
About Presenter: Temple Grandin is a noted animal expert and advocate for autistic populations. She has become a leading advocate for autistic communities and has also written books and provided consultation on the humane treatment of animals.
Grandin has taken strong positions on autism and the education of autistic children. She advocates early intervention, including the training of teachers to direct each child’s specific fixations. She is a champion of “neurodiversity” and has opposed the notion of a comprehensive cure for autism.
To REGISTER: Access the SBCSELPA OMS system at https://sbcselpa.k12oms.org/
**You will need to create an OMS account if you do not yet have one**
No Phone Registrations Questions: Call (805) 683-1424 or email selparegistration@sbceo.org
Supporting Inclusive Practices
MISSION: POSSIBLE Inclusion Conference
MISSION: POSSIBLE Inclusion Conference
The Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) Project is hosting its first annual conference.
Our theme? MISSION: POSSIBLE
We are excited to hear from a diverse selection of speakers on inclusion related topics including culture, policy, practice, and shared leadership. Inclusion is a choice and far from impossible,
Do you accept the mission?
May 4, 2022 9:00am-2:00pm
May 5, 2022 9:00am-12:00pm
MISSION: POSSIBLE Inclusion Conference is FREE. It requires registration.
MISSION: POSSIBLE Key Note Speakers
Judith E. Heumann
Internationally Recognized Disability Rights Leader and Civil Rights Advocate
Chaeli Mycroft
International Human Rights Activist for Children with Disabilities, Co-Founder of The Chaeli Campaign
Megan Bomgaars
TV Personality, Public Speaker, Artist, Entrepreneur, Leader in the Down Syndrome Community
Because Special Education is a Service, Not a Place...
The SIP Logic Model and Blueprint are derived from best practices as defined in research and literature in the fields of inclusion, education, and change management.
The goal is to provide our grantees with a solid framework upon which to base their work in improving inclusion within their organizations.
Key Take-Aways from the 2021 Inclusion Collaborative Conference
The Evolution of Inclusion
Shelley Moore
Why is inclusion important?
Inclusion leads to belonging, acceptance of identity, understanding strengths & interests.
Inclusion Bus = Double Decker Party Bus of Love
People have to see it moving to want to get on! Make the bus accessible and worth choosing.
The Circle Makers: The What, Why and How of Inclusion
Dr. Julie Causton & Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak
•Develop the heart set, mindset and skill set for inclusion
•Disability is a natural part of human diversity
•Research, ethics, social justice — Segregation hurts all kids all the time. It’s not inclusion if you segregate kids!
•Move from medical lens of disability to equity lens
WHAT IS THE CAC?
Who is in the CAC?
- Parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities (the majority)
- Representatives of agencies that serve people with disabilities
- School staff
How can I participate?
Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give public comments. CAC Meetings are governed by the Brown Act and only items on the agenda will be discussed. Staff may follow-up as needed. If you prefer to speak with a CAC member privately or by phone, call the SELPA office at (805) 437-1560 for contact information, including the name of your school district representative.
Next CAC Meeting:
4:00 - 6:15 PM
Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give pubic comments.
To receive Meeting Notices Click Here.
The CAC Is Here to Support You!
2021-2022 CAC BOARD
Carole Shelton, Chair
Lee Ann Holland, Vice-Chair
Myra Medina, Membership Secretary
Amanda Alfred, Treasurer
Lynda Karl, Parliamentarian
Flavia Seawright, Public Information Officer
CAC 2021-2022 Annual Priorities
The CAC develops Annual Priorities that reflect current issues and are geared toward the support of the students, families, agencies, and districts within the Ventura County SELPA .
- Creating Community
- Legislative Action
- Promote Inclusive Practices
- Mental Health
- Support Social Emotional Learning for Students and Families
- Transition Across the Grade Spans
SELPA RESOURCES
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
Celebrate Inclusive Schools Throughout Your Schools & Communities in 2022!
Create A World Without Bullying All Year Long!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
For more information and to register or for ongoing Support Groups, Training & Activities go to:
www.rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com
Call: 805-485-9643 or 800-332-3679
Email: rainbow@tri-counties.org
Tri-Counties Regional Center
Tri-Counties Regional Center is one of twenty-one non-profit regional centers in California providing lifelong services and supports for people with developmental disabilities residing in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
TCRC provides person and family-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize opportunities and choices for living, working, learning, and recreating in the community.
Tri-Counties Regional Center Offices
All TCRC offices have re-opened to the public.
On-Call Managers
Simi Valley Office: (805) 456-8020 sv@tri-counties.org
Oxnard Office: (805) 456-8021 ox@tri-counties.org
Early Start Program – Newborn to Age 3, No Referral Needed
Are you concerned about your child's development? Does any aspect of their speech, physical abilities, behavior, or any other area seem delayed? We want you to know that the Tri-Counties Regional Center Early Start program is here to identify and treat developmental delays in children 0-3 years of age. These services are free; there is no cost to you. Our clinical and intake teams are fully operational. Please share the word that anyone may refer to our Early Start program. If you are concerned about your child’s development, visit our Connect with an Intake Coordinator web page. Learn more about our Early Start program here.
State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
Welcome to SCDD!
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.
Consumers know best what supports and services they need to live independently and to actively participate in their communities. Through advocacy, capacity building and systemic change, SCDD works to achieve a consumer and family-based system of individualized services, supports, and other assistance.
Vision:
Californians with developmental disabilities are guaranteed the same full and equal opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as all Americans.
Mission:
The Council advocates, promotes and implements policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families
Email Sign-Up!
The Ventura County SELPA is dedicated to providing information and support to families and caregivers of students with disabilities so that they can be informed partners in the educational process of their children. There are numerous activities and resources that are provided to fulfill that mission.
Sign up to receive announcements of informational items for families directly to your email.
Ventura County SELPA is on FACEBOOK!
Find the link at: https://www.facebook.com/vcselpa
SELPA COMMENDATIONS
To nominate someone (Teacher, Student, Parent, Specialist) for "going above and beyond" in serving special education students and/or families, go to the SELPA website, click on "Information for Families" and look under CAC for an application.
SELPA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
The Ventura County SELPA office is responsible for the implementation of the Ventura County Special Education Local Plan, and for ensuring a free appropriate public education to all students with identified disabilities according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Emily Mostovoy-Luna - Associate Superintendent
Sarah Fontenot- Administrative Assistant III
Local Plan Implementation
Interagency Coordination, Policies & Procedures
SELPA Office Operations
Related Staff: Adapted PE Teachers, Assistive Technology Assessment Center,
Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Residential Placement Consultants
Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development Barbara Rush - Administrative Assistant II Program & Personnel Development
ERSES Program & COEDS
Behavior
Early Start
Related Services Staff: Social/Emotional Services Specialists, DHH Teachers
Joanna Della Gatta - Director of Technical Support and Transition Mariella Cazares-Flores - Administrative Assistant II
SIRAS Support, Forms & Instructions
Private Schools
Pattern of Strengths & Weaknesses Model
WorkAbility Program
Transition
Related Services Staff: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, WorkAbility Specialists
Kim DeAnda - Program Specialist
Jeanine Murphy-Coordinator: Family, Student, School Collaboration
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services
Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VenturaCOE
Twitter: @VenturaCOE