Family Voices Indiana

2008 Presidential Action Center As the Presidential election approaches, Family Voices encourages its members to become familiar with the candidate's views on disability issues. The National Forum on Disability Issues which took place recently in Ohio is archived as a webcast and can be viewed at your convenience. A link to the webcast, and other resources is here . These are the current scheduled debates: SEPTEMBER 26, 2008 First of three presidential debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, at the University of Mississippi. Focuses on domestic policy OCTOBER 2, 2008 Vice presidential debate sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, at Washington University, St. Louis OCTOBER 7, 2008 Second of three presidential debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, at Belmont University, Nashville. Town Hall format OCTOBER 15, 2008 Third of three presidential debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, at Hofst

As the 2008/2009 school year begins, Family Voices Indiana wanted to update its members on the new Article 7. It is important to note that the language as approved by the State Board of Education on June 4, 2008 was signed by Governor Mitch Daniels in July and will take effect on August 13, 2008. A full text version of the code is available online at http://www.doe.state.in.us/exceptional/speced/laws.html . Print versions (which will have purple covers) will be available shortly. Family Voices urges its members to be aware that the implementation of this code will bring some significant changes to how issues including but not limited to discipline, written notice, consent, preschool class size and time, and post secondary transition are addressed. Families are encouraged to learn about the new Article 7, to ask questions of school personal and advocacy organizations, and to attend trainings as you seek to partner with your child's school and advocate for your child. Sources for Inf

Project INDATA Indiana Family and Social Services Administration/Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services has contracted with Easter Seals Crossroads to be the statewide provider of the Federal Assistive Technology Act. Wade Wingler, Director of the Assistive Technology Center at Easter Seals Crossroads stated, “we have two major goals in mind; one is to get assistive technology into the hands of Hoosiers with disabilities through device demonstrations, device loans, computer recycling and alternative financing. The second goal is to provide statewide outreach educational opportunities regarding assistive technology capabilities, options an