CAC News
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA, November 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.
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.
As you are settling into your school year please know that 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
Next CAC Meeting:
Monday, November 8, 2021 4:00 - 6:15 PM
Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give public comments.
To receive Meeting Notices Click Here.
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: Outreach to families and to the broader community
- CAC Activities: Meet the admins virtual event, regional coffee chats, annual needs assessment, parent guide, social media, website, mini training videos, connection building for CAC reps and district admins
- CAC Member Activities: District welcome letters — promoting CAC Newsletter and email sign-ups, promoting awareness events and activities like National Bullying Prevention Month, Unity Day, Inclusive Schools Week, and Ability Awareness
Legislative Action: Participate in Legislative Action Day, connect with local and federal lawmakers
Promote Inclusive Practices: Using inclusive language, leveraging resources and training provided to Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) grantees, promoting inclusive preschools
Mental Health: Reinvigorate Carpe Diem, promote understanding of dual diagnosis of disability and mental health challenges, providing easily accessible resources for student mental health services and supports, developing resources to help families with out-of-home placements
Support Social Emotional Learning for Students and Families: Create specific training and resources to help families understand and foster their child’s social emotional development
Transition Across the Grade Spans: Virtual Transition Fairs, expand and promote Walking the Path, early awareness of transition planning, develop milestone transition resources and promoting best practices for transition IEP meetings, developing a map/list of support entities available for current and future support needs
Connect with Us
Sign Up for Emails from the Ventura County SELPA
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
Highlights of the Month
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the nervous system. Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder. It is usually diagnosed after a person has had at least two seizures (or after one seizure with a high risk for more) that were not caused by some known medical condition.
What Are Seizures?
Seizures seen in epilepsy are caused by disturbances in the electrical activity of the brain. The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury, genetics, immune, brain structure or metabolic cause, but most of the time the cause is unknown.
Facts About Epilepsy And Seizures:
- 65 MILLION: Number of people around the world who have epilepsy.
- 3.4 MILLION: Number of people in the United States who have epilepsy.
- 1 IN 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
- BETWEEN 4 AND 10 OUT OF 1,000: Number of people on earth who live with active seizures at any one time.
- 150,000: Number of new cases of epilepsy in the United States each year
- ONE-THIRD: Number of people with epilepsy who live with uncontrollable seizures because existing medications do not work for them.
- 6 OUT OF 10: Number of people with epilepsy where the cause is unknown.
Be an Advocate and promote the education and awareness of Epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation is your unwavering ally in the fight against epilepsy and seizures.
You don't walk alone. Learn more at the Epilepsy Foundation: http://epilepsy.com
What is 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome?
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, also called velocardiofacial syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome, is caused by the deletion of a small segment of the long arm of chromosome 22 and is linked to over 180 physical, psychological and behavioral anomalies.
Children with the syndrome experience some degree of developmental delay and learning difficulties.
Most of these children have at least some of the following physical conditions:
- Congenital heart defects
- Cleft palate or velopharyngealinsufficiencies
- Immune deficiencies
- Neonatal hypocalcemia
Most of these children are at increased risk for some of the following behavioral and psychological disorders:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Oppositional-defiant disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Schizophrenia
Resources:
Family and Caregiver Resources
Upcoming Highlights
Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated the first week in December. This year it will be celebrated from December 6-12!
New SELPA Resources
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
for 2021-2022?
UPCOMING Events
Ventura County Transition Fair
The Ventura County Transition Fair will be held virtually on Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 PM.
It is quick and easy to register using the link on the flyer.
Access the Transition Fair Agency Directory (English) and Transition Fair Agency Directory (Spanish) anytime.
The intended audience is all secondary and post-secondary families, for both diploma bound and certificate bound students, but it is never too early to plan for a quality adult life (all ages are welcome).
Please feel free to contact the SELPA office if you have any questions or difficulty registering.
Students and families have had to adapt to many changes throughout the pandemic. The return to school has been a time of anxiety and stress for many. Ventura County SELPA is excited to announce a forum for families to learn tips and strategies and to discuss ways to support their child's behavioral and social emotional needs. Come with your questions and ideas as we support each other through yet another challenging year.
Each session is offered virtually either in the morning or afternoon. Both sessions will cover the same content; you do not need to attend both.
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 address.
Upcoming Community Events
No Limits for Deaf Children Virtual Parent Workshops
Children with hearing loss can succeed in school and in life. Parents are their child's best advocate. Join us as we develop the tools so all children with hearing loss can have a future with no limits.
Click here: To Register.
Topic: Best Practices in Vocabulary Development for Students with Hearing Loss
When: Saturday, November 6th, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Topic: Auditory and Language Development Works
When: Saturday, November 20th, 2021
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00pm
No Limits works with underserved deaf children and their families, teaching them the skills to succeed in school and in life through our after-school educational centers and distinguished theater arts program. We provide the highest quality of services at no cost to families, because every deaf child deserves to reach their full potential, regardless of economic status.
We cultivate a community that actively involves parents in the education process, and instills in every deaf child the spirit of our motto: "I CAN DO IT!"
SELPA Resources
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.
https://www.tri-counties.orgTri-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
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.
Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcselpa
Twitter: @VenturaCOE
The Special Education Local Plan
SELPA COMMENDATIONS
To nominate someone (Teacher, Student, Parent, Specialist) for "going above and beyond" in serving special education students and/or families, please click here.
SELPA Leadership and Staff
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
Evangelina Diaz Ortiz - 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