Upcoming Trainings

This webinar has been pre-recorded. We will not have the ability to take questions during this webinar. If you have any questions about the webinar or your individual special education journey, please call our office at (414) 374-4645.

Both state and federal special education laws give parents certain rights, called Procedural Safeguards, designed to protect the rights of parents and their child with a disability.  This module of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Series includes the purpose and contents of the Procedural Safeguards Notice, understandable language when a parent must receive this Notice, confidentiality, prior written notice, parental consent, and options for resolving disputes that may arise.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to describe the purpose of the Procedural Safeguards Notice.

Participants will be able to relate when written notices and parent consent are required.

Participants will be able to recognize the dispute resolution options found in the Procedural Safeguards Notice.

Presenter:

Ann Zielke is the Parent Training and Information Center Trainer for WI FACETS. As a parent who understands firsthand the complexity of navigating the special education system in Wisconsin, she is passionate about the importance of accessible and informative parent education and training. She is a fierce advocate for her daughter and all children with disabilities and she looks forward to serving families across the state with WI FACETS.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve educational access, engagement, and progress of students with disabilities in a variety of ways. From streamlining paperwork and processes to tools that can be used for students to practice an array of skills related to their IEP goals. This webinar will provide families with ideas and examples of how AI can improve IEP services and supports based on the best practices summarized in DPI’s most recent AI Guidance for Enhancing K-12 & Library Education.

Presenters:

Dawn Merth-Johnson, M.A., CCC-SLP is an Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with a focus on speech-language and assistive technology. In this role, she provides leadership, consultation and technical assistance for local education agencies, providers and families. Merth-Johnson serves as a member of the Assistive Technology Advisory Council (ATAC) through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Tim Peerenboom, M.S.Ed. is an Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with a focus on school psychology. Tim obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2002 and went on to earn two Master’s degrees; in School Psychology Educational Leadership. Prior to joining the DPI in August 2019, Tim has served as a School Psychologist, Autism Specialist and Director of Special Education and Pupil Services.

Michelle Silverman, OTD, OTR, ATP is an Education Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with a focus on occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology. She has 30 years of clinical and supervisory experience in schools, pediatric clinics, and at the university level. Michelle led students and programming as the director of the Assistive Technology and Accessible Design Certificate program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Learning Objectives:

Understand how AI may be implemented to support students with disabilities and improve special education services.

Identify key ways families can utilize AI tools to support student success and enhance communication and collaboration with educators.

Es importante que los padres y el personal de la escuela resuelvan los problemas relacionados con el IEP rápidamente cuando surjan. La mediación es una forma útil de abordar un punto muerto o una disputa. Este taller incluye información sobre los servicios de mediación gratuitos disponibles del Sistema de Mediación de Educación Especial de WI (“WSEMS” para abreviar); leyes federales y estatales relacionadas con la mediación; cuándo y cómo solicitar la mediación; quiénes son los mediadores; participación en la mediación; y más.

Presentadora:

Nelsinia Ramos es Directora Asociada de WI FACETS. Ha trabajado para FACETS desde 2003. A Ramos le apasiona el empoderamiento de los padres y es la orgullosa madre de un adulto joven que vive con una discapacidad. Además de servir a los padres de niños con discapacidades, a Nelsinia le gusta caminar, jugar pickleball y ser voluntaria como tutora de dos ancianos con discapacidades.

Objetivos de aprendizaje:

1. Aprenda sobre el Sistema de Mediación en Educación Especial (WSEMS) y cómo acceder los servicios del sistema
2. Crear un mejor entendimiento de que es la mediación y para qué tipo de situaciones es mejor
3. Crear un mejor entendimiento de lo que un participante en la mediación puede esperar desde el principio del proceso hasta el final

This webinar has been pre-recorded. We will not have the ability to take questions during this webinar. If you have any questions about the webinar or your individual special education journey, please call our office at (414) 374-4645.

For those who want to research beyond the basics about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), many helpful resources are available. This module of the IEP Series highlights resources including: Special Education in Plain Language, IDEA 2004, WI law and rules, WI Department of Public Instruction Resources (Bulletins, Sample Forms, College and Career Ready IEP Process, Eligibility Checklists, State Assessments, Transition), WI Special Education Mediation System, Center for Parent Information, WI FACETS Resources, and more.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify IEP-related information on federal and national online sources.

Participants will be able to find IEP-related information on Wisconsin online sources, including the WI Dept. of Public Instruction & WI Special Education Mediation System websites.

Participants will be able to find IEP-related information on the WI FACETS website.

Presenter:

Ann Zielke is the Parent Training and Information Center Trainer for WI FACETS. As a parent who understands firsthand the complexity of navigating the special education system in Wisconsin, she is passionate about the importance of accessible and informative parent education and training. She is a fierce advocate for her daughter and all children with disabilities and she looks forward to serving families across the state with WI FACETS.

There are many reasons why self-directed IEPs is a popular nation-wide topic of interest in both educational and disability communities. Ensuring students with disabilities have agency in their lives when leaving K-12 education is perhaps the most important outcome of their education. Self-Directed IEPs is one way to foster agency and self-determination for students with disabilities. This presentation will provide tips for both families and educators on how to appropriately engage students in the IEP process across all ages and developmental levels.

Presenter:

Daniel Parker is an Assistant Director of Special Education with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WI DPI). Previously, Daniel was the Autism Consultant as well as Family Engagement consultant for Wisconsin DPI and facilitated updated guidance for Wisconsin’s College and Career IEPs: Improving Outcomes for Students 3 through 21 and Comprehensive Special Education Evaluation framework. Daniel has a unique blend of home based, general and special education teaching, and administrative background at the school, district, and statewide levels.

Learning Objectives:

Parents will learn what they can do to support their child’s engagement in IEP meetings

Parents will learn how schools can help foster student engagement in IEP meetings

Parents will learn resources to help their child engage in IEP meetings