Destination Life Transition Fair and Conference
This year Destination Life will be Saturday, February 24 2024 from 9am -1:00pm at McNeil High School (5720 McNeil Dr. Austin, TX 78729). The Destination…Life Regional Transition Fair and Conference helps Central Texas families prepare and support their student(s) with disabilities for life beyond high school. Families can expect to gather information and gain access to experts on how to help their student(s) with disabilities ranging from early childhood through high school to successfully transition to adulthood. There will be presenters and exhibitors tables on guardianship, social security, connecting with integral care/blue bonnet, day habilitation, pre-employment services and more. Several Central Texas school districts partner to make this conference a success every year. Our team would love to see you there. RSVPs are open now!
Increasing Student Independence
The Independent Living Skills Checklist is a great tool to use for teaching your child all the skills that they need to become independent from creating a morning routine to navigating the community. An important component of self-determination and transition planning is promoting and increasing student independence. Promoting independence in daily living skills helps our student's become self-aware of their needs and builds their confidence in what they can achieve on their own. Our specialists recommend going through the checklist as a family with a red, yellow, green color system.
- Red: Tasks we aren't able to do yet
- Yellow: Tasks we can do, but not well
- Green: Tasks that we have mastered independently
Every few weeks pick 1 to 2 yellow or red tasks to begin working on. Set reasonable daily goals for your child to learn these skills. Utilize your resources such as visuals, timers, modeling and/or videos to help your child learn these skills. Try to avoid automatically doing the tasks that you know your child has a capability to do.
National School Psychology Week
Medicaid Waiver Lists
If your child has an impairment or suspected impairment that may require long-term assistance into their adulthood, don’t put off placing your child on the Medicaid Waiver program list. Navigate Life Texas will explain all you need to know about the various Medicaid Wavier services including who to call to get your child on the list today. The lists are long, so don’t delay!
Science
The National Science Teachers Association(NSTA) is a great resource for science learning at home for grades K-12. There are 'Daily Do' activities that can engage your student(s) in authentic, relevant science learning at home. NSTA has also provided some simple Tips for Busy Parents to help you explore science through everyday activities with your student.
Young Readers
Read to and with your child daily! This month's young reader's newsletters focus on learning letters, differentiating sounds, and practicing reading fluency.
Check out the Science of Reading family workshop presentation to learn more tools for expanding reading at home.
NAMI Basics
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas is working to change the ways communities address mental health through innovative education, support and advocacy programs. NAMI Basics is a free six-week class available online 24/7, OnDemand, and is led by a team of parents with lived experience. This format allows you the flexibility to learn and attend at your own pace, on your own schedule. If you have a child or teen displaying signs of a mental health or behavioral concern, or if you already have a diagnosis, this is the best first step you can take. This free 6-week class is led by a team of parents who have been through what you are facing. No formal diagnosis is required for a parent or guardian to take the Basics class. If you are interested in signing up, click here.
Vela Families
- Special Education
- Autism
- Caregiver Wellness
- Transition to Adulthood
LISD Special Programs & Services
Website: Leander Special Programs & Services
X (formerly Twitter): @LISD_SPROG