Adaptive Behavior and the School Environment

A teleconference to be presented by Brent Ibata, PhD JD MPH RAC CCRC,
Neuroscientist, educational consultant and author of “Public Health Law and the Built Environment in American Public Schools”
Parent advocate member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)

Teleconference Description

In The School and Society John Dewey writes that, “From the standpoint of the child, the great waste in the school comes from his inability to utilize the experiences he gets outside the school in any complete and free way within the school itself; while on the other hand, he is unable to apply in daily life what he is learning at school. That is the isolation of the school – its isolation from life.”  This isolation is even more profound for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In Schools of  To-morrow John Dewey expands this with, “[t]he child is best prepared for life as an adult by experiencing in childhood what has meaning to him as a child.”  The present method of identifying an appropriate placement for child with a disability within a school frequently ignores the influence that the environment has on the child and instead focuses almost exclusively on the child’s disabilities independent of the environmental confounders.

Dr. Ibata’s talk will explore those environmental influences known to impact the health, behavior and academic achievement of the child.  To achieve full societal inclusion and participation for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities reasonable accommodations to the school environment must be considered as part of any placement decision.  Only with safe and healthy school environment will a disabled child be able to achieve full adaptive behavior potential as an adult. 

Call Details

WHEN:  Tuesday April 13th, 2010

TIME:   2-3pm Eastern Time
(Please dial in a few minutes before 2:00 p.m. so we can start on time!)

Moderator:  Laura Abulafia, MHS

MATERIAL:  Go to the Initiative website at www.aaidd.org/ehi and click on the button that says next teleconference.  There you will find the announcement with logistical information and the presentation under “materials” to down load or follow along on your computer. 
For more information on the teleconference series or AAIDD’s Environmental Health Initiative, contact:  Laura Abulafia at Laura@aaidd.org or visit the website at www.aaidd.org/ehi. Thank you.

Go Green? Get Rid of Environmental Hazards!

If you are serious about “Going Green” then you want to be at the upcoming Lead and Beyond Conference next month, April 16, 2010. Not too late to take advantage of the two for one (2 for 1) sale. Just call Dr. Ann Wilson, 732-246-2525 ext23 for more information.

Here is the brochure,

Here is the registration form

Also, if you have paper work ready to send in please call and let Dr. Wilson know.

Hope to see you there.

Mold-How to Protect Your Family After a Flood

After natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings. When returning to a home that has been flooded, be aware that mold may be present and may be a health risk for your family.

The statement above is the first paragraph in a Center for Disease’s Fact Sheet on Mold. It is important that you protect yourself and your family from the damage mold can do not only to your home but to your body. The last couple of days New Jersey has seen a lot of flood activity.  But this information is relevant to anyone who has experianced flooding in their home.

In addition, this excellent fact sheet tells you who is at greater risk for mold exposure. It also provides links to other resources of vital importance. So, please take time to read the articles below.

Fact Sheet from CDC

Get Rid of Mold

This 2-page flyer contains pictures and easy to read information that can be shared with everyone. Below is the same information in Spanish.

Get Rid of Mold-Spanish

What to do if your heating or air-conditioning system was under water

Re-entering your flooded home

So, take a few minutes to read  and share these  publications regarding mold prevention and how to get rid of existing mold. We Just want you to Be in the KNOW!

New York Times Series on Pollution in America-Water

Be sure to follow the excellent series on Pollution in America by the New York Times. You can view the post about water pollution here.

Tight Fiscal Times: Take Advantage of a Two-for-One Special on a Great Conference

Tight Fiscal Times:  Take Advantage of a Two-for-One Special on the Lead Poison and Beyond Conference that will be held in New Jersey

Have you and your colleagues wanted to attend the Lead and Beyond Conference on April 16, 2010 but your agency doesn’t have the funds to pay for you all to go?  Partner up with a co-worker and take advantage of the Two-for-One Special now being offered at the low price of $50.00.  Each person should complete a registration form and send them in together.  We’ll see you in April at the Sheraton Raritan in Edison.

PS This special deal also applies to anyone who is not working for an agency but wants to be empowered by this powerful information.

Here is the brochure

Here is the registration form

Another New Lead Danger!

A traditional African remedy used by pregnant women for morning sickness was found to have high levels of lead and arsenic.  Read this special advisory from the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services.

Top Ten Reasons To Attend The Lead and Beyond Conference in New Jersey-# 9

Reason # 9 to attend the Lead and Beyond Conference in New Jersey is:

To learn  about “Protective Policies” is and how to start and enforce them in your community.

Review the brochure for yourself and share with others.

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