Surfers for Autism

Surfers for Autism (SFA) is an organization whose mission is to unlock the potential of people with development disabilities, support advocacy for autism issues and scientific research. The grassroots organization was formed in 2007 and during that time has taken over 1,000 children surfing in four coastal communities.
 
On August 28, 2010, the Daytona Beach area will be the site of the 1st Annual Fun Coast Surfers for Autism. Close to 200 children on the autism spectrum and their families will be in attendance. Surfers are provided a safe environment where trained surf instructors carefully guide them into waves. They will enjoy a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, face-painting, games, bounce houses, fire engine tours and more.
 
This event is completely free of charge for families, and an added benefit is a discounted stay at an area resort.
 
For more information, contact Don Ryan at 561-445-7154 or via email at surfersforautism@live.com; or contact Dave Rossman at 561-315-0407 or via email at dsrman747@gmail.com. For information about SFA, visit www.surfersforautism.org.

SPARC 2010 Conference

STAND (STatewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities, Inc.) is hosting the 4th Annual SPARC (STAND Pinellas Accessing Resources Conference) 2010 Conference on Saturday, September 11 at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School in Largo, Florida (6410 118th Ave - MAP).
 
A $25 registration fee will get you into the conference, a STAND tote bag, a conference program and resource guide, a hot lunch, access to over 60 presentations and over 100 national and state exhibitors. Only the first 500 registrants will receive bags and programs so register early. Childcare will not be provided.
 
Visit www.standadvocates.org for more information.

POPIN Regional Conference

Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN) will be hosting a regional conference on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Howard Bishop Middle School in Gainesville, Florida (1901 NE 9th St - MAP). This will be an all day conference full of workshops.

The conference will feature presentations on topics such as IDEA, IEP, Transition and more! There will also be information for families from a variety of local and statewide agencies.

For more information or to register for the conference, please contact:

Nicole Brown: 850-454-0221/nicole@fndfl.org

Marilyn Ruiz or Amy VandenBoogert: 800-825-5736/marilyn@fndfl.org or amy@fndfl.org

PEN Southern Regional Conference

Parent Education Network (PEN) will be hosting the Southern Regional Conference on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Sugarloaf School in Summerland Key, Florida (255 Crane Blvd - MAP). This will be an all day conference full of workshops.
 
The conference will be presented in a trilingual format. IDEA, IEP and PBS will be conducted in English, Spanish and Creole. The Florida State Parental Information and Resource Center of FND (PIRC) will have a full track that includes FCAT and Family Friendly Schools in English and Spanish. Other topics you won't want to miss are Transition Planning with Sticky Notes, Wills, Trusts and Guardianship, Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy and Getting and Keeping the First Job.
 
The day will conclude with another tree-planting ceremony in recognition of FND's 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Back to School

With school starting soon (or maybe it's already started where you live), it's important to know and understand what your rights (and your child's rights) are as relates to their education. The websites listed below can provide you with information regarding IEP's (Individualized Education Program), IDEA, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Florida ESE Policies and Procedures, Bullying Prevention and much more.
Please contact us via telephone at 727-523-1130 or 800-825-5736, via email at fnd@fndusa.org or visit our website at www.fndusa.org for additional information.