Monthly Archives: February 2019

ISP Terms To Know

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Click here to download a copy to print

You are probably familiar with IEP’s if your child or family member attend a public school here in the United States. For some people with a developmental disability, the next step may be attending a day habilitation program where adults with developmental disabilities receive Medicaid Waiver Services and has what is called an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).  If you are new the ISP process, the following terms that you will hear often before, during and after meetings.

Assessments. Serves to develop a body of information about an individual’s desires and goals his/her capabilities in areas in need of learning and skill development and the experiences or supports that will promote achievement of those goals.

Background/History. Provides an overview of the life experiences of the person and family.

Goals/Service. includes person-centered supports to enhance opportunities for individuals to make choices that increase their quality of life. An example would be a goal of increasing money or budgeting skills.

Interest and Activities. Describes personal preferences, gifts and interests, as well as conditions to avoid.

ISP Plan. A living document that provides details about what is important to an individual with developmental disabilities. It reflects a person-centered planning process.

Natural Supports. Personal associations and relationships developed in the community that enhance the quality and security of the life for people including family and friends.

Provider Program. The name of the voluntary agency delivering direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities. Providers may offer a variety of services and supports.

Habilitation Service. Services that help you keep, learn or improve skills and functioning for daily living skills

Individual Service Environment. Provides self-directed, individualized assistance and support to individuals living on their own, either alone or with roommates in their own home or apartment.

ISP Meeting

ISP Revision. Revisions and changes to the ISP can occur when an individual experiences a change in need throughout the year and must be reflected in the ISP. It is not necessary to wait annually to make the revisions. The date of the revisions should be reflected in the ISP.

HCBS Waiver Services.  A Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) Waiver is a Medicaid program designed to meet the needs of children and adults who prefer to get long-term care services in their home or community, rather than in an institutional setting.

Medicaid. is a jointly funded, Federal-State health insurance program for low-income and people in need including children and adults with disabilities. It is a government insurance for people whose income and resources are insufficient to pay for healthcare. A Medicaid number is needed for an ISP and is used to bill services.

Person-Centered Planning (PCP). An ongoing problem-solving process used to help people with disabilities plan for their future. It allows individuals to be engaged in the decision making process about their options, preferences and values.

Protective Oversight. is a documented and approved plan used for the sole purpose of enhancing individual safety. It list the key activities that affect health and wellness of an individual.

Safeguards. a measure taken to protect the individual from harm by providing information on how it will be addressed. An example is fire evacuation. If a person is not able to evacuate independently from a fire emergency, protections are put in place to ensure his or her safety.

Service Provider. The name of the voluntary agency delivering direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities. The provider may offer a variety of services and supports.

Value Outcome. Statements that represent what is important to the person. It may include what the individual needs, wants to change or would like to maintain in his/her life. Outcomes are developed through the ISP process.

 

Increased resources, support needed for individuals with autism as they age: report

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Published By: Global News
Written By: Michelle McQuigge

A think tank formed to understand the challenges faced by autistic seniors says there are few resources in place to address their specific needs.

A new report from the Aging and Autism Think Tank says the vast majority of research and programming geared toward autism focuses on children, leaving adults almost entirely out of the conversation. The study – compiled by academics, clinicians and autistic adults from five different countries and released by Autism Canada – says autistic people lose access to key resources once they age out of childhood and contends the problem intensifies the older they get. Click here to read the rest of the story.

 

Teaching Students with Angelman Syndrome

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Angelman Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, characteristics that include developmental delays, intellectual disability, and speech impairments. Angelman syndrome generally go unnoticed until the age of 1 year. Children typically have a happy demeanor and have a fascination with water

Symptoms
  • developmental delay
  • intellectual disability
  • epilepsy
  • microcephaly
  • short attention span
  • happy demeanor
  • hyperactivity
  • hand-flapping
Associated Behaviors
  • tongue thrusting
  • feeding problems during infancy
  • sensitivity to heat
  • frequent drooling
  • attraction to water
Prevalence

Angelman Syndrome  is  a rare disorder and affects 1 in 12,000 to 20,000 a year. Equally to less than 200,000 case a year. Affects all ethnicities and sexes equally.

Angelman Syndrome-Bridges for Kids

Angelman Syndrome Educational Material

Angelman Syndrome– Ontario Teachers Federation

Angelman Syndrome– National Association of Special Educators

Angelman Syndrome in the Classroom- Puzzle Place

Communication strategies for children with Angelman Syndrome– Cleveland Clinic

Education Resources- Angelman Resources

Some Angelman Tips– Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs

Working with a child who has Angelman Syndrome– St. Cloud State University

Writing instruction for students with Angelman Syndrome– PracticalAAC

Identifying Street Signs Worksheet

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This is an introduction to identifying street signs for children and young adults learning how to cross the street safely. The worksheet includes signs needed in teaching street crossing safety.

Learning Objectives:

  • Will match the traffic sign correctly
  • Will identify the traffic sign correctly
  • Will name the traffic sign correctly

Material Needed:

Traffic sign worksheet
laminated (optional)
laminator paper(optional)
Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Once you have printed the worksheet, cut the individual traffic signs and laminate.
  2. Explain each traffic sign and have the individual repeat.
  3. Once the signs are separated, mix them up and have the individual point to the correct ones.
  4. Have the individual state the traffic signs correctly and match

Traffic Signs Worksheet_ID Signs

 

Indepedence In The Morning

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Published By: Rainbows Are Too Beautiful

Mornings in our home are a sort of regimented chaos.  Three kids who all require some form of supervision, two schools to get to and all their gear. Although my kids may seem old enough to be doing a lot of the morning routine themselves, they have a few challenges

Anthony is 10 with autism and ADHD and although he goes to a mainstream school, he needs a lot more support than his peers to focus on and do things.  David is seven, and he attends a specialist autism unit.  His communication is extremely limited which can make doing anything challenging. Jane is five years old – she’s just entered Year 1.

In the past year I’ve learned more and more although the responsibility of getting all my kids out of the house and to school lies with me – I don’t have to do everything.  And the best way of doing this is to help each of my kids be more independent in their morning routine, helping each where they need it most.  Doing this means thinking about ways to help them develop their own skills.  Here’s some of the ideas we have used. Click here to read the rest of the story.