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January 2025
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Life loves to be taken by the lapel and be told, "I am with you, kid. Let's go!"
-- Maya Angelou
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Have you accessed the Texas SPED Support website lately? Updates, online courses, resources, and more are being added on a regular basis. This website is easy to navigate and FULL of helpful information. Check it out today!
"The SPEDTex website provides information and resources that can help families understand their child’s disability, their rights, and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in our state."
Join the SPEDTex mailing list or visit the site to locate the resources you need!
Check out TEA's Special Education Webinars and Newsletters for a list of upcoming events, previous webinar recordings, and past editions of the Special Education Newsletter.
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February 27, 2025
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
In-person at ESC Region 11
Questions? Please contact Petra Gatzemeyer
This informational event will provide helpful resources for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) to explore as they make important decisions, investigate options, and prepare to maneuver life after high school. Participants will learn more about college and technical school options, career readiness, independent living, community resources, and assistive technology specific to the DHH population. The target audiences for this event are high school students who are DHH (students served in their home districts AND students served by an RDSPD), parents, guardians, and professionals serving students who are DHH. This workshop addresses Special Education Self-Assessment strategies 13 and 23.
Professional and Parent Registration Link
Student Registration Link
TCASC: Tarrant County Auditory Services Collaborative Meetings
Please contact Petra Gatzemeyer for the registration password.
April 8, 2025
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Presented by Petra Gatzemeyer
Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will meet virtually to discuss topics, troubleshoot issues, answer questions, share successes, and receive updates.
FREE for professionals in Region 11
If you are a professional in Region 10 and you want to attend, please contract Petra Gatzemeyer.
January 23, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
In-person at ESC Region 11
Presented by Petra Gatzemeyer
Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Parent Advisors who serve children and students who are deaf or hard of hearing in Region 11 will have an opportunity to share celebrations, collaborate with professional peers, and learn best practice strategies at this in-person networking meeting held at ESC Region 11. This session aligns with the Special Education Self-Assessment indicators #2, 8, 9, 12, 14, 22, and 23.
FREE for professionals in Region 11
January 27, February 10, and March 31, 2025
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day
In-person at ESC Region 11
Presented by Anne Darr and Heather Varon, Certified Abydos Learning Trainers
This three-day, research-based, interdisciplinary, hands-on training focuses on (1) teaching reflexive and expository writing as a process; (2) increasing vocabulary complexity and knowledge coherence through writing in response to reading; (3) preparing students for state assessments; (4) incorporating grouping, sharing, and conferencing techniques into instruction; (5) pre-writing, writing, reformulating, correcting, editing, and proofreading; (6) integrating grammar as a part of the writing process; and (7) making the act of writing and the teaching of writing more engaging, effective, and enjoyable. Every participant will receive a free copy of the book Acts of Teaching: How to Teach Writing, Third Edition.
FREE for professionals in Region 11
February 17, 2025
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Virtual Session
Presented by Petra Gatzemeyer, LSLS Certified AVT
Join us for an interactive workshop designed for educators, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, parents, and caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing ages birth to age eight. Through engaging presentations, hands-on activities, and group discussions, this session will explore effective listening and spoken language strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into both home and school environments. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources that can be apply immediately in daily interactions. This session addresses Special Education Self-Assessment items 7, 9, 12, 18, and 22.
FREE for professionals in Region 11
SAVE THE DATES! Registration for the following sessions will be available soon!
Visual Phonics
February 1 and 8, 2025
Presented by Vicki Alford
Virtual Training
Evaluating DHH Students for a Specific Learning Disability
April 1, 2025
Presented by Dr. Jyutika Mehta and Amy Smith
In-person at ESC Region 11
Using the Communication Matrix
April 25, 2025
Effective Reading Instruction for Students who are DHH
June 2025 (specific date TBD)
Presented by Vicki Alford
For ESC Region 11 Speech-Language Pathologists:
Please subscribe to The SLP Scoop by entering your email on this website. Select "Speech-Language Pathology," and click "Submit." Additional newsletter and informational opportunities are available.
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ESC Region 11 Job Opportunity
Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD) Program Review Facilitator
Application: RDSPD Program Review Facilitator
This position, funded through the TEA Specialized Supports Grant, requires travel. It is an office-based position and remote work is not an option at this time.
Please contact Anne Darr, 817-740-3698, with questions.
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Deaf Education Professional Preparation Programs
Do you know someone interested in joining the field of Deaf Education?
The Special Education Specialized Supports Grant offers funding through the Deafblind Graduate Certificate Initiative project for coursework leading to a Graduate Certificate in Deafblindness through Texas Tech University. Applications are open for rolling enrollment in the program. For more information, please visit the Texas Sped Support website.
Applications for Project CODE will open in Spring 2025.
Imagination Texas 2025
Imagination Texas 2025 is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, to Saturday, April 5, 2025. This event is a great opportunity for high school students who are deaf or hard of hearing to meet other students and deaf role models and engage in career exploration.
More information can be found in the Imagination Texas Electronic Newsletter.
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 Early Intervention Workshops
Facilitated by Mari Hubig, Specialized Supports Specialist: Birth to Age 8 Intervention
Birth to Three DHH & BVI Virtual Networking Meetings
February 6, 2025, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
April 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
FREE for professionals in Texas
February 17, 2025
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Virtual Session
Presented by Petra Gatzemeyer, LSLS, Cert. AVT
Join us for an interactive workshop designed for educators, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, parents, and caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing ages birth to age eight. Through engaging presentations, hands-on activities, and group discussions, this session will explore effective listening and spoken language strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into both home and school environments. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources that can be apply immediately in daily interactions. This session addresses Special Education Self-Assessment items 7, 9, 12, 18, and 22.
FREE for professionals in Texas!
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This checklist "provides a framework to develop skills for independence in adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Families might use this tool to reflect on their child's achievements, consider any areas of concern, or collaborate with educators. Educators might use this tool to identify critical skills to address, adaptations to consider, or as an informal transition assessment for self-determination skills. Within each age group, you will see lists of activities and suggestions for teaching these critical skills and connecting with community partners."
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- FREE virtual learning opportunities
- CEUs are available through the American Academy of Audiology
A Self-Paced, Online Course
12 Credit Hours
FREE
"The intent of this training is to provide participants with an understanding of the SB IEP process for gathering student data, including the full and individual evaluation (FIE), to write the student's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) statement, to draft measurable annual goals with short-term objectives/benchmarks, if appropriate, and to create a data collection system for monitoring progress of the annual goals."
"The intended audience for this training is special education teachers, related service providers, and any other professional staff responsible for drafting a student's IEP, including the PLAAFP and measurable annual goals."
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SEE Signs App!
The ESC Region 13 Signing Exact English (SEE) App is now live for use on a phone, tablet, or computer! With the encouragement of The SEE Center, this app contains signs created by ESC Region 13 to supplement the Signing Exact English Dictionary.
The words or signs are from the ESC Region 13 SEE Sign Database, created more than 20 years ago. This database is supplemental to the SEE Signs Dictionary and is now digital for phones, tablets, or computers. Please take a peek, use and share with students, parents, teachers, interpreters, and everyone interested!
ASL at Home is an innovative, family-centered curriculum designed for families with young deaf children and the professionals who support them. The ASL at Home, Second Edition is not available in English and Spanish!
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SOC Family Services Interest Form
The Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) at the Texas School for the Deaf provides resources and services to families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Starting at birth, SOC is here to support families along their journey.
For more information, please submit the Family Services Interest Form, and a member of the SOC staff will contact you.
An incredible group of chefs, culinary instructors, and nutritionists who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing have been lined up to share their skills and stories in the kitchen.
Theme: Culinary Arts
Date: March 7-9, 2025
Location: YMCA Twin Lakes, Cedar Park, TX
Who Can Attend: Deaf or hard-of-hearing 9th-10th graders
Cost: FREE!
Deadline for Nominations/Registrations: February 14, 2025
2025 Discovery Retreat Nomination Form
Research as shown that children greatly benefit from connecting with role models who share their experiences. This series offers a wonderful way for your students' families to gain valuable insights and ask important questions during a 15-minute Q&A opportunity after each session.
When: Every Tuesday 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. CST from January 14 - February 18, 2025
What: Weekly virtual sessions featuring awesome adults who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Who: Open to all families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing in Texas
Registration Link
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Texas Hands and Voices:
Guide By Your Side
Texas Guide By Your Side (GBYS) is a family support program that embodies the mission of Hands & Voices, which is to provide support in an unbiased manner to parents/guardians with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing from birth-21.
Guide By Your Side (GBYS) does this through specially trained parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. These parents work as “Guides” directly with families who have just learned of their child’s hearing condition or who have older children and need the unique support that comes from someone else who has walked this same path and can share their direct experiences and wisdom. GBYS programs can also include an option for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Guides (DHH Guides) who are deaf or hard-of-hearing adults and specially trained to provide support to families.
Texas Hands and Voices Website
Texas Hands and Voices YouTube Channel
Texas Hands and Voices Presentations
HOW DO I ENROLL?
- Enrolling in the Guide By Your Side program is straightforward, confidential, and free of charge!
- Parents and family members can request services in English or Spanish.
- With faxed consent, professionals can also request services for staff or families they serve.
Enroll in English
Enroll in Española
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Representation Matters!
FACT: Readers like to read about characters who are similar to themselves.
FACT: Students who are D/HH enjoy reading books about characters who are D/HH.
FACT: Everyone benefits from books and reading selections that apply to their own lives.
OPINION*: Below is a link to a GREAT list of books for children, teenagers, and parents about topics related to hearing differences!
(This is, by definition, an opinion statement, but many will argue the statement's validity!)
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE:
- Check out this lengthy list of books about deafness, hearing differences, characters who are D/HH, and families of people who are DHH.
- READ! READ! READ! And read some MORE!
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Southeast: January 24-26, 2025, at Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, TX
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West: February 7-9, 2025, at Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, OR
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Midwest: February 21-23, 2025, at LADSE DHH Program at Hinsdale South in Darien, IL
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Northeast: March 7-9, 2025, at Neptune Middle School in Tinton Falls, NJ
The RIT National Math Competition is April 4-6, 2025, at RIT/NTID in Rochester, NY.
Registration for the 2025 Math Competition opened on September 1, 2024.
Additional details, including registration information and competition guidelines, can be found on the RIT website. For questions about the Math Competition, contact mathcompetition@rit.edu.
Tailored for students in grades 9-12 who are deaf or hard of hearing, this series offers engaging, hands-on, virtual webinars on a variety of topics.
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January 30, 2025: A Glimpse into the CIA
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February 20, 2025: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Leaders in History
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March 10, 2025: Exploring and Interpreting Real-World Data -- COVID-19
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April 10, 2025: The Science of Sports Performance -- Using STEM to Boost Athletic Success
High School Competitions: Submissions are due by March 14, 2025
High School Programs:
Explore Your Future
Health Care Careers Exploration Program
Advanced Tech Careers
Financial Wizards
Middle School Program: Tech Tigers
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Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
ECSE is a state and federally-mandated program for young children (ages 3-5) with disabilities. Eligible children are entitled to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment according to their individual needs.
Early Childhood Texas: Resources for Raising Kids
Created in partnership with the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Health and Human Services, and the Texas Workforce Commission, this website provides resources and supports for parents and professionals as children grow and develop.
Information for Teachers of the DeafBlind
The Teachers of Students who are DeafBlind (TDB) website provides a centralized gathering place offering opportunities for a community of practice, sharing ideas, and resources.
Mental Health Crisis Hotline
Text DEAF to 741741: The person on the other end of the line will know sign language.
OR
Text HOME to 741741: This hotline is for persons not requiring sign-language communication.
National Association for Interpreters in Education State Standards
New Transition Resource: Next Steps to Independence -- Skills and Strategies
This checklist "provides a framework to develop skills for independence in adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Families might use this tool to reflect on their child's achievements, consider any areas of concern, or collaborate with educators. Educators might use this tool to identify critical skills to address, adaptations to consider, or as an informal transition assessment for self-determination skills. Within each age group, you will see lists of activities and suggestions for teaching these critical skills and connecting with community partners."
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
As deaf people leave high school and prepare for college or careers, the National Deaf Center wants them to succeed. Their research shows that deaf people are not completing college degrees, getting jobs, or earning as much as hearing people. The NDC's goal is to change that!
SPEDTex
SPEDTex provides information and resources that help parents understand a child's disability and their rights and responsibilities under IDEA.
Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) at Texas School for the Deaf
Texas RDSPD Locator
This tool identifies which Regional Day School Programs for the Deaf serve specific cities, school districts, or charter schools. Contact information is included.
Texas SPED Support
Technical assistance and support needs for the state of Texas.
Texas Transition and Employment Guide
This helpful guide is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese and includes information on transition planning, personal rights, careers, college, community, finances, and health for students and adults with disabilities.
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Have you joined these Facebook groups?
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What's NEWs with you?
Do you have good news to share? Upcoming events to promote? Information to disseminate? Please let Anne Darr know by emailing and photos to Anne Darr. Remember, parent consent is required to share images or names of students.
Does this newsletter meet your needs?
Is this newsletter helpful to you? Is there additional information that you would like included in Engage? Please share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Anne Darr. Seriously -- your input is appreciated!
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Anne Darr
ESC Region 11 Special Programs Coordinator
Email: adarr@esc11.net
Phone: 817-740-3698
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