PAVE's News

• Valued Lives Conference - Yakima, Washington

Plan to attend the "Valued Lives" conference on September 24-26, 2008 in Yakima, Washington at the Yakima Convention Center. For more information - call 509-966-1998 or email corporate@community-living.org or visit http://www.valuedlives.com. 9/08

• Financial Help Available for Dental Bills for Eligible Children

The Humanitarian Foundation is a 501(c)3 Public Foundation created by the Grottoes of North America to help bring "Special Smiles" by providing Dental Care for qualifying Children with Special Needs to address this long-standing medical issue. The program helps cover the costs of dental treatment, including hospital and anesthesia costs if needed, for those who qualify for the program. http://www.hfgrotto.com

By virtue of their special needs, many children cannot receive traditional dental services. Dentists with specialized training are needed to care for these children. The Dental Care for Children with Special Needs (DCCSN) program is a unique partnership with qualified dentists throughout the United States and Canada. 6/1/08

• Rights and Responsibilities that affect students with disabilities transitioning from high school to institutions of postsecondary education.

Many high school students with disabilities plan to continue their education in postsecondary schools, including vocational and career schools, two- and four-year colleges, and universities. As a student with a disability, you need to be well informed about your rights and responsibilities as well as the responsibilities postsecondary schools have toward you. Being well informed will help ensure you have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the postsecondary education experience without confusion or delay. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the U. S. Department of Education, explains the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities who are preparing to attend postsecondary schools in a pamphlet. This pamphlet also explains the obligations of a postsecondary school to provide academic adjustments, including auxiliary aids and services, to ensure the school does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To order copies of this publication, write to : ED Pubs Education Publications Center, U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 1398 Jessup, MD 20794-1398; or fax your order to: 301-470-1244; or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov; or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). If 877 service is not yet available in your area, you may call 1-800-872-5327 (1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 1-877-576-7734. This publication is also available on the Department's Web site at http://www.ed.gov/ocr/transition.html. Any updates to this publication will be available on this Web site. On request, this publication can be made available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print or computer diskette. For more information, you may contact the Department's Alternate Format Center at (202) 260-0852 or (202) 260-0818, or via e-mail at Katie.Mincey@ed.gov. If you use a TDD, call 1-800-877-8339. This information was taken from a letter, dated Mar 2007, from US Dept of Education, Office of Civil Rights to PAVE asking that we share this information with our constituents. 4/08

• Special Education Teacher's Loan Forgiveness Incentive

The President has signed new legislation that will make a big difference in addressing our nation's critical shortage of qualified special education teachers. A new provision was enacted ensuring the availability of loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 for individuals who are now or who are seeking to become highly qualified special education teachers.

While our nation can be proud of its many accomplishments on behalf of students with special educational needs, we have not met our obligation to ensure that each special needs student is taught by a teacher who is fully qualified. The shortage of special education teachers has surpassed the shortage of math and science teachers. Principals and school administrators struggle every year to fill classrooms with qualified special education teachers. Students and families routinely experience the impact of an unqualified teacher in terms of undeveloped skills and lost opportunities.

Loan Forgiveness of $17,500 Available for Special Education Teachers
On February 8, 2006, a new law made permanent a loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 for new special education teachers. If you are interested in becoming a special education teacher, this loan forgiveness could be available to you.

There is a vast shortage of special education teachers in schools throughout the nation.

Job opportunities for special education teachers are plentiful in virtually every state, and in elementary, middle, and high schools. Special educators work with students who experience a range of learning challenges, including intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory disabilities, and emotional disabilities.

Special education is a profession where you can truly make a difference in peoples' lives.

For more information, see the letter from the Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, at http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/guid/secletter/060301a.html. 4/08

• Disability History Exhibit (Available at PAVE)

The Disability History Exhibit was purchased by Self Advocates of Washington with grant funds from Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities. The twenty-one panel exhibit traces perceptions, attitudes, services, struggles, and achievements in the history of persons with developmental and other disabilities. The exhibit brings viewers through an illustrated timeline, chronicling societal interpretations of disability through moral, medical and civil rights view-points. Color-coded to easily trace models throughout history. Uses plain language and hundreds of images, this exhibit connects historical themes in disability to societal values and the treatment of people with disabilities throughout the ages. Powerful visual images to use for workshops, conferences, and disability events.

The History Exhibit is being kept in Washington PAVE lending library and can be used, free of charge, by organizations that support people with disabilities in Pierce County, Washington. The Exhibit may also be used at state-wide conferences and conventions. The exhibit is displayed accordion style on five 8 foot tables, which are stored in sturdy easy to move carrying cases with wheels. Hook Velcro on back of panels also allows for easy mounting to fabric walls or displays.

If you are interested in using the exhibit or have questions, contact PAVE at 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or 1-800-572-7368 (v/tty ) or send an email to wapave9@washingtonpave.com.
9-08