Director's Update
What's Going On In Special Education in Bedford
What Is Ableism?
Ableism – The practices and dominant attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of persons with disabilities. A set of practices and beliefs that assign inferior value (worth) to people who have developmental, emotional, physical or psychiatric disabilities.
Disablism - A set of assumptions (conscious or unconscious) and practices that promote the differential or unequal treatment of people because of actual or presumed disabilities.
At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability.
What does ableism look like?
- Lack of compliance with disability rights laws like the ADA or IDEA.
- Segregating students with disabilities into separate schools.
- The assumption that people with disabilities want or need to be "fixed.'
- Refusing reasonable accommodations
- And more....
Here is a short video that does a really good describing what can look like through the eyes of a student.
What are ablest micro-aggressions?
Micro-aggressions are everyday verbal or behavioral expressions that communicate a negative slight or insult in relation to someone's gender identify, rate, sex or disability.
Ableist microaggressions might look like:
- That's so lame
- You are so retarded
- That guy is crazy
- Are you off your meds?
- I'm super OCD about how I clean my house
Here is a short video that describes describes what a ablest microaggression might look like.
What are some practices you can change or incorporate into your daily practices to stop ableism and disablism?
Brendan Mahan to Speak in Bedford!
SEPAC presents Brendan Mahan, ADHD/executive functioning expert, to speak in Bedford!
Please join us on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 7-9pm in the
__________
Brendan Mahan, MEd., MS, is a dynamic ADHD/Executive Function consultant, coach, and speaker. As a veteran educator, he is skilled at teaching people how to effectively manage the challenges they face. He loves to help people affected by ADHD troubleshoot, and redesign their lives in order to lessen the impact of the disorder.
An internationally recognized expert, highly engaging speaker, and host of the ADHD Essentials podcast, Brendan helps individuals, families and institutions address the emotional, academic and lifestyle impacts ADHD has on them. He gets ADHD because he has ADHD. (As well as a heck of a lot of experience and schooling!)
In his workshops, Brendan shares personal stories, case studies, various intervention techniques, and important insights with a liberal dose of humor and caring. He trains schools from pre-K though college.
Brenda's website: https://www.adhdessentials.com/
Extended School Year (ESY) SAVE THE DATES
We have already had several discussions with Josh and Nikki from the Recreation Department and we're excited about some new ways in which we'll be able to collaborate this year. We'll share more information about that in the near future.
In order to be able to collaborate more effectively, we plan to host all of our ESY programs at JGMS and BHS this summer. If your student participates in ESY, you will receive more information in the near future. If you have questions about your student's individual programming, please contact your student's liaison.
DMH has a new Behavioral Health Help Line
The Department of Mental Health's (DMH) new Behavioral Health Helpline will launch January 3, 2023 at 8 a.m., making 24/7 help available across the state and in more than 200 languages. To address questions providers and the public may have, I attached information you may find helpful. Please feel free to distribute them to anyone you feel may find them helpful.
Here is a link to an article from the Boston Globe describing the new services.
Here is some information from the State on the 25 designated Community Behavioral Health Centers. You'll notice that Bedford's CBHC is Advocates in Waltham.
The local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) invites you to register for a webinar on Monday, January 23rd at 7:30 PM to learn more. Representatives from Advocates will outline the new role and services available at the CBHCs. See attached flyer for more details including registration or register HERE.
SafetyNet Tracking Systems
I have attached a brochure that describes how the system works.
If any family requires financial assistance for a child at risk, the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation will support them with the SafetyNet device. Lisa Collins (lcollins@flutiefoundation.org) and she will send you the application.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Upcoming Events
Bedford SEPAC Literacy Discussion
Wednesday, January 11th, at 8 pm at Bedford High School LGI Room
Please come join us for an update and discussion on literacy.
Bedford SEPAC Daytime Meetup
Thursday, January 12th, at 9:15 am at Bedford Whole Foods Seating Area
Come grab coffee or breakfast and meet in the eating area near the registers to chat with other parents/caregivers.
Bedford SEPAC Meeting
Wednesday, January 18th, at 8 pm on zoom
Marianne Vines, Director of Bedford Special Education, and a guest from Bedford Recreation will join us to discuss inclusive recreation and summer programming.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86404810950?pwd=bWRSdnNSeDhseU5BOXJhUDlpQ25BUT09
Meeting ID: 864 0481 0950
Passcode: 333333
Engaging Minds presents Executive Function Skills
Wednesday, February 8th, at 7 pm on zoom
Executive function skills have become increasingly important for students of all ages. Join Engaging Minds to learn actionable strategies you can use at home to help strengthen your child’s executive function skills to keep them on a successful path this school year and beyond.
Registration: https://engagingmindsonline.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3q1Im6OpRW-Wo6IxRtIOAw
Bedford SEPAC General Meeting
Thursday, February 16th, at 8 pm on zoom
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Bedford SEPAC General Meeting
Wednesday, March 15th, at 8 pm on zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com