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Swimming upstream

By JohnL on Jun. 18, 2008.

In “A Disabled Swimmer’s Dream, a Mother’s Fight,” Alan Schwarz of the New York Times reported about an athlete who has disabilities, Kendall Bailey, is qualified to swim in Paralympic events.

As Kendall Bailey swims, his praying-mantis limbs flapping him forward, something about the water disguises his many maladies: cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and more. Only in a swimming pool do they dissolve and allow his troubled body and mind to be all but normal. He is happy, safe and possibly the fastest disabled breaststroker in the world.

The issue apparently is whether Mr. Bailey’s is eligible because of his cerebral palsy or ineligible because of his intellectual disabilities. Read Mr. Schwarz’s extended article for additional discussion.

Cambridge Center post-doc

By admin on Jun. 17, 2008.

Post Doctoral Position Available at the Cambridge Center

The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies is looking for a Post Doctoral Fellow (Post Doc) to assist with grant supported research starting August 16, 2008. The Post Doc will work with Philip N. Chase, Incoming Executive Director of the Cambridge Center on an evaluation project involving a Web-enabled middle school mathematics curriculum.
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NACCD CEO

By JohnL on Jun. 12, 2008.

National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Chief Executive Officer
Alexandria, VA

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead a national network of state and territorial organizations focused on improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
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Bogus bowling

By JohnL on Jun. 10, 2008.

Over on Teach Effectively, Bogus Bowl III is about to close and Bogus Bowl IV is about to open. Click here to vote in (or see the results of) BB III; voting is open until about 5:00 AM (US East Coast) 11 June. The new poll will appear in a post 11 June just after BB III closes.

Update: Here’s the link for the new BB.

IDA executive director

By JohnL on Jun. 9, 2008.

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is searching for an executive director.

Dear Colleague,
As you may be aware, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is undertaking a strategic initiative to identify a broad group of highly qualified candidates who could potentially serve in the position of IDA’s next Executive Director. IDA is seeking an individual who is familiar with the language of educational research and practice, passionate about the IDA’s mission and who recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of children with dyslexia and related disabilities with efficiency and effectiveness. Our Executive Director is expected to develop and implement a long-term strategy to help IDA achieve its mission and financial objectives.

You and the IDA are partners in mission and purpose. As such it is likely that you may be aware of individuals that may be interested in providing the necessary leadership which will allow IDA to continue on its successful trajectory and allow the organization to effectively address the needs facing parents, professionals and individuals with dyslexia in today’s world. If you know of any candidates that you feel may be interested in the opportunities that the position of Executive Director of IDA offers, we would appreciate it if you would bring them to our attention. Please refer them to the position posting on our website at http://www.interdys.org/NewsAnnouncementsIDAExecutiveDirector.htm.

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

With every good wish,

G. Emerson Dickman, III
IDA President

Optional IDEA alternative dispute resolution

By JohnL on Jun. 5, 2008.

Project Forum has released a new document that some professional special educators will find of interest and importance. Here’s part of the notice:

This In-Depth Policy Analysis is the result of findings based on a survey sent to all special education units of state education agencies. The survey requested information about the use of 10 alternative dispute resolution processes not specifically required under IDEA, the extent of their use, and other information. The 10 processes studied are:

• Conflict resolution skills training;
• Stakeholder management or oversight council;
• Parent-to-parent assistance;
• Dispute resolution case managers;
• Telephone intermediary;
• IEP facilitation;
• Third-party opinion or consultation processes;
• Early complaint resolution; and
• Resolution meeting facilitation.

Each of these processes is defined and findings are described under each process. Factors that impact the use of these processes are discussed and conclusions are drawn.

Download a PDF of the document on the Project Forum Web site.

Down Syndrome education group

By admin on Jun. 3, 2008.

Here’s a message I got.

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust is now Down Syndrome Education International. We have adopted a new name that better reflects the wide reach of our work. The charity now reaches many thousands of frequent web site readers in over 170 countries, customers in over 60 countries and donors in nearly 40. Our new Open Access publishing initiative will bring all of our books, teaching materials and films online by the end of 2009.

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Asst prof at Hopkins

By admin on Jun. 3, 2008.

Johns Hopkins University
School of Education
Department of Special Education

Severe Disabilities and Autism
Assistant Professor Position

The School of Education invites applications for a special education faculty position in severe disabilities and autism. Responsibilities include teaching graduate courses, advising master’s and doctoral students, engaging in scholarly activity, participating in school and university committees, developing and coordinating partnerships with area school systems, and seeking external funding for creative initiatives.
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Missouri research position

By Janine Stichter on Jun. 2, 2008.

University of Missouri

Assistant Research Professor – Behavioral Disorders

The Department of Special Education, University of Missouri is seeking applicants for a grant funded Assistant Research Professor position within the Center for Effective Practices in Behavioral Disorders at the High School Level. The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing day to day research activities among research school sites in Columbia and St. Louis schools. Twelve month salary will be commensurate with experience ($55,000- $64,000) with a stat date of August 1, 2008. The successful applicant will be eligible for annual renewal up to five years contingent on satisfactory job performance and continued federal funding.
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IASE 09 rfp

By JohnL on Jun. 2, 2008.

The International Association of Special Education (IASE) will hold its 11th Biennial Conference in Alicante, Spain, from Sunday, 12 July through Thursday 16 July 2009. The conference organizers have requested proposals for presentations; proposals must be submitted by 1 September 2008.

Link to the IASE Web site.