A must-read for all but especially as many look to cut the safety net of special and alternative education- From the NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/us/even-critics-of-safety-net-increasingly-depend-on-it.html?hp 

From the Cornell Course Description, "Self-Determination": 



Are you experiencing the "three D's" at your current school, service system?  i.e.
 * Different (not one of us);
 * Disconnected (not part of our communities or culture);
 * Dependent (kept or managed)

or are experiencing  the "three I's",
 * Individual (like you and me);
 * Included (like you and me);
 * Interdependent (like you and me).

"Self-determination is, at its core, designed to shatter societal perceptions and acceptance of the three D's about persons with disabilities through relentless advocacy efforts that promote realization of the three I's. Self-determination is a human rights and a civil rights issue. 
Read more at:
Self-Determination Course at Cornell 

From Real People, Real Jobs: "Welcome! This site highlights the employment successes of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who are working in paid jobs in their communities. Through the use of innovative, front-line employment support practices, these individuals are earning money, forming networks, and contributing to their communities. Learn more about these people and the promising practices that led to their success."
Click here to check out this excellent website for ideas & inspirition.

Family of Woodstock, Inc works in conjunction with the Office of Employment and Training to help qualifying youth 16-21 who need support finding jobs and becoming self-sufficient individuals. They have GED support, work readiness workshops, money to pay for certification tuition, and paid internships available. Contact: Genevieve Salerno, Youth Employment Case Specialist at (845) 331-7080 x153.
Shared by: Lucille A. Ruggieri, UCTCC Co-Chair, Vocational Coordinator, Gateway Community Industries, Ulster County Department of Mental Health.

Click Read More for more information . . .

For students:
* Between the ages of 16 and 21 
*  not attending high school (they graduated or dropped out) 
* currently living in Ulster County 
* eligible for TANF, Food Stamps, SSI, SSD, is unemployed, or makes below $5,445.00 within a six month period 
* with above 6th grade reading and math levels on screening
 
Please  call Genevieve Salerno, Youth Employment Case Specialist at (845) 331-7080 x153,  if you’d like more information or to refer someone you know or work with.   Gsalerno@fowinc.org

New York State diplomas::
a: 3 levels of a regular high school diploma (Local, Regents or Advanced Designation. You may also add "with honors" and/or a "technical endorsement") .
b:  a GED 
c:  an IEP diploma.

For more information about NYS diplomas, click here . . .

NY Times: Autism, Grown Up, Love on the Spectrum: 
Articles in this series are chronicling the coming of age of a generation of autistic youths.  Shared by Penny Levine, Special Educator, Ulster BOCES.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/navigating-love-and-autism.html?pagewanted=all

See also:  Autistic and Seeking a Place in the Adult World

The webcast is part of Ulster County No Name Calling Week.
 County Executive Michael Hein will be hosting a webcast of an anti-bullying session for all of Ulster County School Districts. The session will stream live via webcast Friday, February 3rd, 2012 10 am at: 
  
http://totalwebcasting.com/live/ulster/countyexecutive 

It will also be available after the original webcast via download at the above address.  

Shared by: Lucille A. Ruggieri, UCTCC Co-Chair, Vocational Coordinator, Gateway Community Industries, Ulster County Department of Mental Health

The session will consist of local experts discussing the impacts and myths associated with bullying as well as provide resources and strategies to address bullying. 

 WHERE: The webcast will be broadcast from Ulster County BOCES and can be streamed into each school.     
WHEN: Friday, February 3rd, 2012. The webcast will begin at 10 am. 
Participating:
Mike Hein, Ulster County Executive   
Joakim Lartey, Coordinator of Supportive Learning Environments and Positive Youth Development, Ulster County BOCES    
Rob Conlon, Co-chair GLSEN Hudson Valley  
Jess Robie, Team Leader of Adolsecent Services at Family of Woodstock  
Amy White, Teacher at Bailey Middle School  
James B. Childs, Pastor at Pointe of Praise  
John Dickson, Detective at Ulster Police Department  
Cherelyn Volpert, Guidance Counselor at Bailey Middle School  
Michele Bertelle, Community Resource Coordinator at Mental Health Association in Ulster County   

Ulster County SYSTEM OF CARE Workshop/Conference for Parents and Professionals who have or work with kids in schools and/or agencies.
Keynote Speaker: Carol Hardesty, from Westchester County Family Ties, will speak about parent empowerment with a focus on leadership and communication skills. 

FREE Dinner!  FREE Raffle!   Childcare  Provided. Wednesday, March 14, 2012 4:00 - 7:30 PM.   George Washington Elementary School, 67 Wall Street, Kingston, NY. 

Shared by: Lydia Diaz, LMSW, Mental Health Systems Specialist, Ulster County Mental Health Department

Click "read more" for registration information . . . 
Sunny Corey,      acor@co.ulster.ny.us

Who should come?
 Parents!
Do you have a child in the system?  Do you ever feel like you don’t have a voice? This workshop is for YOU!!
 Providers!
Do you work with children in the system? Do you have a hard time engaging parents? This workshop is for YOU!!

Please return Registration, no later than March 5th to:
Sunny Corey, c/o UCDMH ~ 239 Golden Hill Lane, Kingston, NY 12401
FAX: 340-4094  Email: acor@co.ulster.ny.us
REGISTRATION FORM
“Parents As Partners ~ Taking the Lead”
A Workshop/Conference for Parents and Professionals who
have or work with kids in schools and/or agencies
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2012,  4:00 - 7:30 PM
George Washington Elementary School'  67 Wall Street, Kingston, NY
Name: ____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Email: ____________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________________
I am coming as a:     Parent of children ages (Circle)  0 - 5,    6-12,     13+
I am coming as a:       Professional/Agency
I will be attending the:
Keynote Only
Keynote, Workshop and Pizza
I will need Childcare for :   # of children ______   Ages________________

There is no charge for this conference.
Pizza and Childcare will be provided FREE!    FREE Raffle for a Color Nook Tablet!
Schedule:
4:00-4:30 PM Registration
4:30-5:15 PM Keynote
5:15-7:00 PM Workshop/Pizza7:00-7:30 PM Raffle/Wrap Up

"If you do not drive, you may qualify for a Non-Driver Photo Identification Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV Non-Driver ID Card has the same personal identification information, photo, signature and special safeguards against alterations as a photo driver license. You cannot hold a New York State driver license or learner permit while also holding a non-driver ID card.

Non-driver ID cards are available to any person, regardless of age, who can provide acceptable proof of name and age. Parental consent is required for applicants under 16 years old.  . . ."
From the NY DMV website.  http://www.dmv.ny.gov/broch/c-33.htm

Click here for more info: