CAC News
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA, April 2021
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.
Respect and Dignity for People with Developmental Disabilities
Autism Acceptance Month
United Nation's World Autism Awareness Day, April 2, 2021
Background:
Throughout its history, the United Nations family has celebrated diversity and promoted the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including learning differences and developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all. Its purpose is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. It is a vital tool to foster an inclusive and caring society for all and to ensure that all children and adults with autism can lead full and meaningful lives.
The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day (A/RES/62/139) to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families and communities.
The stigmatization and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapies, an issue that must be addressed by both public policy-makers in developing nations, as well as donor countries.
2021 Message:
As we work together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, one key goal must be to build a more inclusive and accessible world that recognizes the contributions of all people, including persons with disabilities.
The crisis has created new obstacles and challenges. But efforts to reignite the global economy offer an opportunity to reimagine the workplace to make diversity, inclusion and equity a reality.
Recovery is also a chance to rethink our systems of education and training to ensure that persons with autism are afforded opportunities for realizing their potential.
Breaking old habits will be crucial. For persons with autism, access to decent work on an equal basis requires creating an enabling environment, along with reasonable accommodation.
To truly leave no one behind in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, we must realize the rights of all persons with disabilities, including persons with autism, ensuring their full participation in social, cultural and economic life.
Let us work together with all persons with disabilities and their representative organizations to find innovative solutions to recover better and build a better world for all.
— António Guterres
2021 Autism Acceptance Month
In 1970, the Autism Society launched an ongoing nationwide effort to promote autism awareness and assure that all affected by autism are able to achieve the highest quality of life possible. In 1972, the Autism Society launched the first annual National Autistic Children’s week, which evolved into Autism Acceptance Month (AAM). This April, we continue our efforts to spread awareness, promote acceptance, and ignite change.
The Autism Society of America, the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April 2021 with the its “Celebrate Differences” campaign. Designed to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms, and realities of autism, #CelebrateDifferences focuses on providing information and resources for communities to be more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in everyday life.
The Autism Society recognizes that the prevalence of autism in the United States has risen from 1 in 125 children in 2010 to 1 in 59 in 2020 – recognizing this continued increase, the goal for AAM is to further increase awareness about autism signs, symptoms and opportunities through: information and referrals, events, printable and digital resources, and community partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to building inclusive experiences.
The Autism Society has a variety of resources designed to inform and encourage communities to celebrate differences, and become more inclusive of individuals with autism. The campaign will overlap with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, and continue throughout the month.
Read about our shift from “Autism Awareness Month” to “Autism Acceptance Month” here.
If your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism, or you have been told that your child is exhibiting “autistic-like” behavior, it can be very challenging and stressful figuring out where to start and who to contact. We can help! The national Autism Society has information for families new to the diagnosis or look for local resources in our ASVC Autism Resource Guide.
Occupational Therapy Awareness Month
Autism Conference
Supporting Social Emotional Needs
During These Extraordinary Times
Keynote Presentation by: Michelle Dean, Associate Professor of Special Education, CSU Channel Islands
Michelle completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Her research interests include the social development of children with disabilities at school, school-based intervention services for children with autism in economically disadvantaged communities and the study of gender differences in the social behaviors of boys and girls with autism.
This conference is designed for families, mental health professionals, educators, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and other professionals who support individuals from middle school through transition age with autism.
The goal for this conference is for families and staff to walk away with resources they can implement immediately.
April 14 4:30pm to 6:00pm
April 21 4:00pm to 5:00pm
April 28 4:00pm to 5:00pm
VC SELPA and Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
are excited to collaborate on the following parent workshop:
ABC's of the IEP
Have questions about the IEP process? Would you like to be more familiar and comfortable with the process?
This workshop will take you through the IEP, start to finish.
PRESENTED BY:
Regina Reed, Director Personnel Development, VC SELPA
Target Audience: Parents and Caregivers
April 22, 2021 6:00pm to 7:30pm
This training will be held via Zoom
25th Annual Carpe Diem Conference
Building Resilience
April 30, 2021 9:00am to 2:00pm
For parents and professionals who care about children and youth with emotional challenges.
Keynote Presentation by: Ricky Robertson, M.Ed.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma are prevalent across class, race and gender. ACEs and trauma have been shown to negatively impact students' behavior, academic performance and social/emotional development. Children can display symptoms of trauma, including externalizing behaviors; along with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, emotional outbursts, physical aggression, etc.
During the keynote presentation, we will explore the prevalence and impact of ACEs and childhood trauma, deepen our understanding of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue and develop practices to cultivate resilience for adults and youth.
This conference will be held via Zoom. Online registration is required
May 3, 2021 4:00pm to 6:00pm
You are invited, please join us!
The Ventura County SELPA has a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that facilitates communication between districts and families, has regular meetings to discuss issues with SELPA leadership, and provides parent trainings on topics such as the IEP process, behavior strategies, life after high school and social skills. The CAC promotes services and resources for special education students and their families. We meet in early September and on the first Monday of November, February and May. CAC Meeting Schedule
You can find our Future Events List by clicking on the “Workshops and Conferences” tab. You can also find the fliers for any /all SELPA events by clicking the "Workshops and Conferences" tab on the SELPA website homepage and then clicking on the date.
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.
Dr. Cesar Morales Appointed as Ventura County Superintendent of Schools!
Dr. Cesar Morales was appointed today as the new Ventura County Superintendent of Schools. After conducting a nationwide search, the Ventura County Board of Education made the decision this morning by a unanimous vote. Dr. Morales will fill the vacancy created in February when Stan Mantooth retired from the post.
Dr. Morales currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE). Since Mr. Mantooth’s departure, Dr. Morales has assumed all duties of the County Superintendent of Schools on an interim basis. He will officially become Ventura County’s next Superintendent of Schools effective April 1 and will be formally sworn in on April 16.
“Dr. Morales is the right person to hit the ground running at this critical time for our schools,” said Mike Teasdale, President of the Ventura County Board of Education. “His connections to our community, passion for education and deep understanding of the students and families we serve made him the clear choice for this important role.”
Community Resources
Spread the Word >> Inclusion on the importance of connection.
This past year, we have seen the effects that isolation and exclusion can have on us individually, as a community, as a country, and as a global community.
The Spread the Word campaign was built on the idea that inclusion is a skill each of us can learn and practice, together. Inclusion is a skill that builds togetherness through difference and community through adversity. Having listened to and reflected on the experiences of the grassroots leaders of the Spread the Word campaign, we believe it is more important than ever to build connection through inclusion. In light of this, we are excited to announce a renewed focus of Spread the Word >> Inclusion on the importance of connection.
Community Events
Aut2Run 2021 is going to be an All Virtual Event
"Everyday Heroes"
We want to create an Aut2Run experience as close to our annual event as possible with the sensitivity of today's restrictions in response to COVID-19.Our 9th annual event will be held the weekend of April 24th - April 25th, 2021 anywhere you are. Choose the distance that best suits you from our classic FunK to our challenging 15K, best of all it can be on any course you choose and in any location.
From Surviving to Thriving!
This series is designed for families, educators, and all champions for kids and youth!
The first 1,000 registrants will receive Dr. Borba's book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, so register now!
Please register for either the Spring or Summer webinar series below. If you have any questions, please contact SIP Project Coordinator, Janelle Mercado at: jmercado@edcoe.org or Program Assistant, Jessica Takacs at jtakacs@edcoe.org
Register Here For The Spring Series: April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2021
Register Here For The Summer Series: June 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2021
Special thanks to the California Department of Education, Riverside County Office of Education, Leadership, Innovations, and Outreach Department for your collaboration in planning and supporting this event.
Just a Reminder....
Starting again in Fall 2021, you can bring Ability Awareness to your school.
Available to all Schools in Ventura County SELPA!
- Ideal for PTAs, PTCs, PFCs and special education groups
- For Elementary and Middle Schools
- Ability awareness fairs are opportunities for helping students understand different disabilities and the challenges their peers face.
- All materials are provided for you.
Areas covered are ADHD, Autism, Communication Disorders, Deaf/Blind, Fine Motor Disabilities, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Mobility Disabilities, and Visual Impairment. All you need to provide is the volunteers to man the stations! It’s that easy!!
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
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
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.
Register Here For Regional Email Alerts
Re-Opening TCRC Offices
The tentative date to re-open TCRC offices has been changed to May 3, 2021. TCRC Service Coordinators continue to work remotely and are available to support you, be sure to reach out to yours if needed. Or call an on-call Manager. You are not alone! We are here to support you during this challenging time.
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.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
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.
Ventura County SELPA
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 PL 94-142 (amended by PL 108-446, 2004).
Emily Mostovoy-Luna - Assistant 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
Juanita Delgadillo - 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
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