SPARK meeting to offer presentations on Internet safety and technology savvy

Special Education Parents Accessing Resources and Knowledge (SPARK) will hold its next monthly meeting on Monday, April 23, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Walter R. Sundling Junior High, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine.

The meeting will offer two workshops—the Palatine Police Department will present “Internet Safety for the Special Needs Child,” and Carla Oldham, a community partner with the suburban Chicago region of the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (IATTAP), will present “The $0 Factor Classroom.”

Every parent struggles with concerns about their child’s use of the Internet, as children often have a poor understanding of the long-term effects of posting information and photos online. Those concerns are magnified for parents of special needs children, as they are often less able to identify these risks, and they are frequently targeted for abuse by online predators. The Palatine Police Department’s presentation will assist parents in protecting and educating their special needs child online.

Ms. Oldham’s presentation will show parents how to use an “i-device” (iPad, iPod, iPhone) without spending tons of money. This fun, informative session will show parents how to take these devices right out of their boxes and pair them with their computers, a few free apps, and a little imagination to create visual schedules, choice boards, static communication devices, social stories, educational supports, and more.

SPARK is a committee of the Northwest Suburban Council of PTA/PTSA that serves families of children with special needs in District 15. It was formed in response to the growing needs of families whose children learn differently or have special needs. It is comprised of parents who are trying to navigate the special education system who have realized the importance of networking with families of other special needs children and sharing resources related to special education.

SPARK has representatives at each District 15 school, and all parents, educators, and administrators are encouraged to attend its monthly meeting, which feature presentations by special education experts. For a list of SPARK events scheduled for the 2011-12 school year, visit www.ccsd15.net | For Parents/Students | Parent Resources | SPARK. For more information, e-mail sparkdistrict15@gmail.com, or contact Ani Erickson, SPARK chair, at 847-907-4732 or Jen Kurrie, SPARK co-chair, at 847-963-8087.

-Story Submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15