Systematic Instruction Training

Systematic Instruction Training

June 15, 16, and 17, 2016 (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)

Missoula, MT

 

June 20, 21, and 22, 2016 (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)

Hamilton, MT

 

July 13, 14, and 15, 2016 (8:30 AM-4:30 PM)

Butte , MT

Based on Dr. Marc Gold's "Try Another Way" approach to teaching people with intellectual disabilities, systematic instruction training is a must for people supporting individuals who have difficulty learning. This three-day course provides: background on the history of supported and customized employment; strategies to organize job information and to teach individuals to be competent, confident employees in integrated, competitive employment; and a model to facilitate the development of natural supports in the workplace.

Canines benefit autistic kids in Butte area

Levi Balentine has already bonded with Bridger, a service dog who helps him cope with his autism. Levi is the first autistic child in Montana to receive such a specialist dog. K9 Care Montana, Inc., of Philipsburg is training Bridger and other dogs to help at least two Butte families. While Bridger has yet to join Levi and his mother Misty Balentine at home full-time or at school, the chocolate lab knows what spaces bother Levi so he can soothe his fears. He gives Levi and his family a confidence boost. “He’s trained to recognize my son’s triggers,” said Misty. “Levi hates elevators, airplanes, school buses, and he’s not fond of the gym at school.” Think of Bridger as an older brother. In dog years, he is 14. Levi is 8 and a second grader at Ramsay School. “Bridger definitely has a huge calming effect,” Misty said. “Levi is a little more willing to do more if he’s with him.” Levi did not talk until he was 5 years old. Now mainstreamed in the regular classroom most of the day, he anxiously awaits when Bridger can come home for good. After completing his training with K9 Care Montana, the dog returns to the Balentine residence to open arms this summer.

 Read more here.

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Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Practical Strategies toImprove Processing - Missoula / Butte / Billings - Sept. 26 / 27 / 28,2012

Children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders present numerous challenges for therapists and educators. They have significant processing deficits that impact their functioning across domains, and can stretch the knowledge and resources of even experienced practitioners. Often viewed through the lens of "behavior," the symptoms these children display are more accurately described as manifestations of inefficient and ineffective processing. Understanding how information processing deficits impact these children paves the way for applying a new generation of strategies designed to address core processing problems and promote meaningful skill development. Objectives include: Describe the connection between information processing deficits and symptoms in autism/related disorders. Differentiate between methods that promote rote behavior and those that develop meaningful thinking. Explain how to adjust the pacing of activities to improve processing, communication and behavior. Discuss communication modifications that support processing speed and effectiveness. Describe how processing problems impact behavior and hot to respond in ways that diffuse behavior more quickly. Explain the importance of nonverbal communication development for overall communication and thinking abilities.

 Click here for more information. 

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First PAK Meeting - Butte - May 5, 2012

What is Parents Advocating for Kids (PAK):The purpose of Montana PAK is to develop a monthly forum for parents to collaborate and receive information about special education advocacy and the federal/state laws that protect their children. In addition, PAK aims to provide a public medium to discuss educational concerns and to raise awareness about the scope of services, as well as local resources, which are available for children. The meeting is open and free to the public. The two hours will be divided into portions dedicated to open discussion and a presentation on legal rights in special education. RSVPs are not required to attend the meeting, but mandatory if child care is needed. 

Who are PAK Meetings for: Parents, guardians or family members of a child who is receiving special education services; Parents of a child who is struggling in school due to behavioral or emotional issues or who just seems to have a hard time learning; Parents, guardians or family members who suspect their child might have a learning disability or other condition that is causing him or her to have difficulty in school; Parents, guardians or family members who wish to improve their understanding of special education so they may better advocate at IEP meetings. 

For more information or to RSVP:Contact PLUK at 406-255-0540 or email info@pluk.org.

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