AAC Out & About
AAC Users and Families, grab those devices and join us on our next AAC Out & About, Saturday, April 13th from 2-4pm! We will be having our second annual trip to the Safe in Austin Rescue Ranch, with animal partners (like goats, cows, cats, and more!) who share their love with individuals with special needs. Please RSVP if you can join us! Contact Candace Hayden (candace.hayden@leanderisd.org) or Cici Fritts (cici.fritts@leanderisd.org) with questions.
Elements of Self-Determination
Self-determination refers to the ability and right of individuals to make choices and decisions about their own lives, guided by their own values, preferences, and interests. A person that is self-determined can:
Make choices and decisions as needed
Exhibit some personal or internal control over actions
Feel capable and act that way
Understand the effects of own actions
The development of self-determination skills is a process that begins in childhood and continues throughout one's life. Promoting self-determination within families is important for fostering independence, confidence, and personal growth. Self-determination is empowered by skills such as choice making, problem solving, goal attainment, self-regulation and more. Click here to view the Self-Determination Family Workshop for more information on the elements of self-determination and how to practice building these skills at home.
Preparing for Post-Secondary Education
For many of students, graduation is right around the corner! Is your student interested in pursuing post-secondary education? Are you worried about the financial stress? How is your child going to access their accommodations? Here are some resources that can aid in your preparation for your child's postsecondary education:
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing a FAFSA can lead to specific grants based on their eligibility.
If you have specific colleges in mind, reach out to their Office of Disability Services to learn what grants/scholarships their offices have available.
Transition Process for Students with Disabilities Pursuing Higher Education
World Hearing Day - March 3rd
The purpose of World Hearing Day is to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. Ear and hearing problems are among the most common problems encountered in the community. Check out World Hearing Day to view tools for monitoring hearing health.
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21st
Stereotypes can prevent people with disabilities from being treated like other people. You can visit World Down Syndrome Day to learn stereotypes that people with Down Syndrome have encountered and how we as a community can help to end them.
Growing Together
Spring is a great time to start a family garden or get a family plant. Through gardening, science, math, and reading concepts can be turned into everyday fun. Here are a few tips to beginning your family garden:
Figure out what type of garden would be best for your family. You can choose to garden indoor, outdoor, fruits, vegetables, or plants.
Research what tools are needed for your garden. You’ll more than likely need some soil, water, and sunlight.
Get some seeds or a leaf cutting. You can purchase seeds, check them out from your local library, or use ones found in your fruits and vegetables. You can also try using vegetable scraps such as lettuce, avocados, green onions, carrot greens, green peppers or celery.
Form your hypothesis about the items you plant. How long it will take to grow? Where it would grow best? How much water do you need? What will it look like?
Make a schedule for caring for your plants. Ensure everyone has a task or turn to take.
Journal your observations
Check out this article on Gardening With Children for more tips.
Reading Nook
Check out these resources from our team that supports young readers! This month they are covering topics of vowels, recognizing syllables, and blending sounds.
LISD Special Programs & Services
Website: Leander Special Programs & Services
X (formerly Twitter): @LISD_SPROG