Archived Webinars

Presenters:
Presenter and panel facilitator, Dixie Jordan, is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood. Dixie is joined by PACER Center’s multicultural parent advocates: Jesus Villasénor, Dao Xiong, Hassan Samantar and Bonnie Jean Smith.

Running Time: 75 minutes

Description:

This webinar is designed for early childhood care and education providers and early intervention and early childhood special education professionals. Culture is embodied in the ordinary things we do – how we speak, greet parents, organize a meeting, or provide a service. When important belief systems are breached, providers run the risk of offending a family, even when that is not the intent. A unique panel of parents who are also advocates and experts in diversity will suggest strategies they have found to be effective for building collaboration with families.

Agenda:

This activity is made possible with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is federal award, State Personnel Development Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Meghan Kunz, PACER Center & Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices offer a voice for people who have limited speech and language abilities. This Webinar explored the continuum of tools available that can aid in expressive communication for those who may rely on others to interpret or speak for them. A variety of devices, strategies, and resources were shared. The Webinar also covered how and where to find AAC devices for loan and demonstration through a variety of Minnesota programs.

Agenda:

1. PACER and The Simon Technology Center
2. What is Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC)
3. Selecting the Right Device
4. Low-Tech/No Tech – High-Tech Options
5. Minnesota AAC Lending Library Resources
6. Webinar Evaluations

This Webinar was funded through the STAR Program by the Rehabilitation Services Administration under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (p.L. 108-364).

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Pat Anderson, PACER Center, Vava Guthrie, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This free webinar will explore six skills Minnesota parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability. Find out why it is important to understand your child’s disability, know your school district, know your rights and responsibilities, effective communication and what your dispute resolution options are.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Andrea Moore

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

High school students learn about self-advocacy, how having a disability does not define or limit a person, celebrities with disabilities, attending IEP meetings, various supports and resources post high school (including college and employment), rights and protections of Section 504 of the Rehab Act and the ADA, and understanding what “self-advocacy,” “accommodations,” and “disclosure” mean before and after high school. (Various documents can be found as supporting elements to the webinar content.)

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center; and Terry Steele, IBM

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

After 2009-2010 KidSmart Partners had a few months to set up, use and explore all the wonderful features of the software encased in it's colorful kid-friendly furniture, participants gathered to shared and celebrate the success stories occurring in their classrooms. KidSmart partners were able to connect with each other and celebrate the success stories and news reports submitted participants.  The success stories are heart-warming and inspiring.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tara Bakken, PACER Center & Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center

Running Time: 75 minutes

Description:

Want to know how to get started with Assistive Technology (AT)? This workshop will provide a brief overview of the many tools and devices available and how AT can improve the lives of people with disabilities. Participants will learn about a number of statewide resources available to help people of all ages acquire and fund needed assistive technology.

Agenda:

1. PACER and The Simon Technology Center
2. Defining Assistive Technology (AT)
3. Assistive Technology
4. Minnesota Library and Other Resources
5. Webinar Evaluations

This Webinar was funded through the STAR Program by the Rehabilitation Services Administration under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended in 2004 (p.L. 108-364).

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta and Meghan Kunz

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

In this webinar, students were given information regarding creating a personal transition plan using online materials and a variety of multimedia tools, such as PowerPoint, Inspiration, Glogster, and eFolioMinnesota. Students were also introduced to the DO-IT Pals Online Mentoring program.

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tenley, McDonald, PACER Center; Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center; and Terry Steele, IBM

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This Webinar introduced participants to assistive technology and other resources for young learners. Assistive Technology consists of tools, software and hardware that help someone do something they could not do. Something you may be familiar with, are different sized keyboards and mouse for young learners.

TraduceloAhora! and Reading Companion were two IBM resources shared with participants. TraduceloAhora! is an IBM Translation tool that users find beneficial in bridging language barriers. Users have the ability to have English Web sites translated into Spanish. Users can also use a feature to have email communications between parents and teachers translated. Reading Companion is a Web based literacy tool. Contact your IBM CCCA Manager for more information on these exciting tools.

Whether new to assistive technology or knowledgeable about assistive technology all participants will find this overview helpful. Learn about technology tools that help children who struggle with learning reach their full potential.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson and Barb Ziemke, Co-Coordinators, PACER's Statewide SEAC Project

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This one hour Webinar introduced SEAC members and special education directors or administrators to MnSEACInfo.org features and resources, guided participants through online training modules designed  to increase the effectiveness of local SEACs, helped SEAC members understand strategies to use the new resources at the local level and exchanged information and strategies with fellow participants through a Q & A session.

Agenda:

This activity was made possible with funding by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center and Terry Steele, IBM

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

A large component of the Young Explorer computers is the preloaded Riverdeep Software.  This Webinar reviewed important software features.  The agenda included a review of the KidDesk and early learning software programs such as: Bailey's Book House, Millie's Math House, Sammy’s Science House, Trudy’s Time and Place and Thinkin’ Things. Participants had an opportunity to get live help with any computer or program technical difficulties. 

Agenda:

1. Welcome to KidSmart
2. Review of KidDesk
3. Review of Early Learning Software
4. Review of Young Explorer Binder and other Early Learning Resources
5. Review of Steps to Technical Support
6. Questions

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Meghan Kunz, PACER Center, and Annette Cerreta, PACER Center

Running Time: 45 minutes

Description:

The "Career Possibilities: Discover, Explore, Dream!" webinar is the first in a series of three webinars created to help teens explore career options and learn about assistive technology that can help them succeed at school, work, and the community. This webinar introduces teens to several online career resources that can help them identify career interest areas. Students will also learn about resources specific to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career paths. The webinar includes video and audio interviews with several young adults working in STEM related fields.

Agenda:

This project is funded by a Carl D. Perkins Federal Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center and Heidi Kraemer, IBM

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

A large component of the Young Explorer computers is the preloaded early learning software. This Webinar gave participants an overview of important software features. The agenda included an introduction of the KidDesk and the early learning software programs including Bailey's Book House, Millie's Math House, Sammy’s Science House, Trudy’s Time and Place and Thinkin’ Things. Presentation consisted of power point, screen shots, and live demonstration. Handouts and support materials will be available.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Dixie Jordan, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesus Villasenor, Dao Xiong. Moderator: Barb Ziemke

Running Time: 2 hours

Description:

This Webinar is designed for early childhood care and education providers and early intervention and early childhood special education professionals or anyone who wants to increase their effectiveness in working with families from diverse cultures, especially those who have a young child with developmental concerns or delays.

It is for everyone who has ever wondered:

• How can I avoid offending a parent who is from a culture different from my own?
• How can I approach a parent about concerns I have about their child's development?
• How can I respond to families who express concerns about their child's development?
• How can I help families be comfortable in expressing their opinions and proposing solutions?
• How can I support family decisions, even when I do not personally agree?

Agenda:

Part I: Serving Diverse Families in Minnesota
   -Diversity and Communication
   -Focus on Family Strengths
   -Strategies for Working with Families

Keynote presenter Dixie Jordan is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer, and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood.

Part II: Practical Tips for Successful Interactions
A panel of parent advocates representing Hispanic, Hmong, Somali and Native American diversities will present specific techniques to engage parents from diverse cultures. Presenters will discuss strategies that work as well as potential pitfalls in building effective relationships.

Part III: Q & A’s (optional)

This activity is made possible with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is a federal award, State Personnel Development Grant.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Tara Bakken, PACER Center

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

This workshop was designed to help parents and professionals sort through an increasing number of options for accessing digital books for students with print-related disabilities. Even if participants had minimal experience with computers and the Internet, they learned how to find and use digital books in formats that learners can use.

Topics included:

• What are digital books? In what formats are they available?
• Why are digital books important for students with disabilities?
• Where can I obtain digital books for my student?
• What software and hardware are needed to access digital books?
• Can schools provide digital textbooks?
• How do copyright laws affect students with print disabilities?

Participants learned about several online resources, software programs, and devices that can be used to access and customize digital books to meet the needs of students with print disabilities.

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Jonathan Campbell, PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the fifth and final workshop in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Now that you have some great new knowledge about assistive technology what do you do with it?  How can you go deeper and acquire more knowledge about assistive technology?  Where do you go if you have questions about assistive technology beyond this workshop series?  Participants learned about available regional and state resources to help them get answers to frequently asked assistive technology questions.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Tara Bakken, PACER Center, and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the fourth in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Participants received an overview of assistive technology supports for reading, writing, and math curricula. The session included demonstrations, and information on useful Internet resources, technology vendor links and more.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Vava Guthrie, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocate

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

Like all public schools, charter schools receive federal funds and therefore must follow federal and state laws, including those that address education for children with disabilities.

In the on-line webinar, parents and professionals are invited to learn about:

• Federal and state laws regarding charter schools
• Questions for parents to ask when considering charter school enrollment
• Evaluation
• The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Working together

Followed by optional Q&A

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Gilormini, PACER Center, and Tenley McDonald, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the third in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.  Participants were given an overview of the consideration process as mandated by IDEA and were introduced to the “Minnesota Assistive Technology Manual.”  Participants also learned about state and local resources for trying, acquiring and funding assistive technology.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Swett, Early Childhood Coordinator, and Kim Kang, Director of Public Policy and Early Childhood

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the important role families play in their children’s lives. Families know their child’s strengths, interests, and frustrations, and so they must be included in the evaluation process and in developing outcomes for their child. This free workshop will provide a brief overview of topics to help parents of children, ages 0 -3, understand the early intervention system in Minnesota.

Participants will learn about:

• Families’ rights, roles, and responsibilities in the early intervention system
• How to make a referral
• The evaluation process
• Development of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
• Services in the natural environment
• How to resolve differences

Followed by optional Q&A

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Tenley McDonald, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the second in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Participants were introduced to the continuum of assistive technology and the relevant legal requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tips were given about selecting appropriate assistive technology solutions.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Barb Ziemke, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocate

Running Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Description:

This on-line workshop for parents of children with disabilities will address these questions:

• What is educational inclusion?
• How can parents use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to plan for inclusion?
• How does the IEP team decide what is the least restrictive environment?
• Why is it important to have access to the general curriculum?
• Why and how should my child participate in district and state assessments?
• What is the state of educational inclusion in the United States and in Minnesota?

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Ames, PACER Center, Annette Cerreta, PACER Center, and Jonathan Campbell, PACER Center

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

This Webinar is the first in a series on basic assistive technology funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. Participants learned how to participate in a Webinar, troubleshoot potential problems, find free assistive technology Webinar resources and gained an overview of the rest of this Webinar series.

Agenda:

Funding for the live Webinars was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of funding is from federal award, Grants to States-Special Education CFDA 84.027, P.L. 108-446 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Carolyn Anderson and Vava Guthrie, PACER Parent Trainer and Advocates

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

The special education process can be compared to building a house. There is a logical order to both. This workshop will cover how to use the building blocks of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to develop appropriate services for your student.

Participants will learn about:

• understanding parental rights and responsibilities
• building a foundation for the Individualized Education
• Program (IEP)
• involving the IEP team
• developing the IEP
• meeting educational standards
• resolving differences

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Pat Anderson and Vava Guthrie, Parent Trainer and Advocates

Running Time: 90 minutes

Description:

This on-line workshop is designed to provide participants the options and outcomes of dispute resolution. Communication strategies and problem-solving tips will be included to increase participants’ knowledge about dispute resolution.

The workshop will help participants:

• Understand dispute resolution options
• Reduce disagreements through effective communication
• Know which option to choose in various situations
• Learn how to develop and organize important special education records
• Participants will need a computer and phone line. The webinar can be accessed at home, school or business.

Agenda:

This event is funded in part by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Ames, PACER Center and Meghan Kunz, PACER Center

Running Time: 120 minutes

Description:

Many learners understand what they see better than what they hear. For these learners, visual strategies can be a powerful tool in helping learners understand directions, expectations, schedules, sequences and more. This workshop, part of a series funded in part by Autism Speaks, will lay a foundation for understanding what visual strategies are and how to use them.

Agenda:

These events are made possible by a grant from Autism Speaks. The authors of this publication hereby acknowledge Autism Speaks Family Community Grants as the funding agency for the project leading to this publication. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily express or reflect the views of Autism Speaks or any other funding agency.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Bridget Ames, PACER Center and Heidi Kraemer, IBM

Running Time: 60 minutes

Description:

Whether you are new to assistive technology (AT) or already have some experience with it, this basic overview will help you learn about tools that can help struggling students reach their full potential. The Webinar includes a special focus on tools for early childhood. Please invite your classroom partners to participate in this informational event!

Agenda:

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.

Presenters:
Dixie Jordan, Lucy Favorite, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesus Villasenor, Dao Xiong and Judy Swett. Moderator: Barb Ziemke.

Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes

Description:

This webinar is designed for early childhood intervention and early childhood special education professionals who want to increase their effectiveness in working with young children with disabilities from diverse cultures. It is for everyone who has ever wondered:

• "How can I avoid offending a parent who is from a culture different from my own?"
• "How can I help families be comfortable in expressing their opinions and proposing solutions?"
• "How can I support their decisions, even when I do not agree?"
• "How can I help the family determine family-directed outcomes based on their concerns, needs, and priorities?"

Agenda:

Part I: "Serving Diverse Families: Strategies for Early Childhood Service Providers."

• Diversity and Communication
• Focus on the Family
• Preparing for the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Meeting
• Strategies for Working with Families
• Checking Your Skills

Keynote presenter Dixie Jordan is a nationally certified cultural competence trainer and a board member of the National Federation of Families. She has conducted more than 600 trainings, presentations, and keynotes nationally on topics such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), diversity, and early childhood.

Part II - "Practical Tips for Successful Interactions." A panel presentation by PACER’s multicultural parent advocates, Lucy Favorite, Hassan Samantar, Bonnie Jean Smith, Jesús Villaseñor, and Dao Xiong.

Part III - "From Family Concerns to Family-directed Outcomes." A case study exercise presented by PACER’s early childhood project coordinator, Judy Swett.

Additional Webinar Q & A's

Please Note: PACER's multicultural advocates responded to participant's questions regarding the May, 2008 webinar presentation content. There was not time to respond to the following related questions during the live webinar. It is important to read these responses in the context of the entire presentation. It is also essential to understand that all families are different, even within a specific culture. Rather than making assumptions at an individual family level, it is always appropriate to ask questions to increase understanding.
See Additional Q & A's

 

These materials were developed in part with funding from a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education. The source of the funds is a federal award, State Personnel Development Grant CFDA 84.323A.

For project evaluation purposes, PACER may email webinar viewers a brief follow-up survey in 3 to 6 months.