Jan 21, 2024

HB1380 is a game changer for Indiana's special needs students!

             . HB1380 is a game changer for Indiana's special needs students!

Huge news! The passing of HB1380 out of committee is a monumental victory for fairness and transparency in Indiana's special education system. This bill tackles two crucial issues:
1. Shifting the burden of proof: Right now, families have to prove their child's school hasn't met their needs. This is a monumental task, often requiring expensive legal assistance and navigating complex bureaucracies. HB1380 puts the onus on the school to demonstrate they've provided adequate support, leveling the playing field and giving families a fighting chance.
2. Stopping schools from mandating confidentiality agreements: These agreements, often presented as a way to "resolve" issues, can be weaponized by institutions to silence victims and bury misconduct. This is especially concerning for vulnerable students with disabilities, who may be manipulated or lack the full capacity to understand the implications. HB1380 prevents schools from making these agreements a compulsory part of the resolution process, protecting children from potential abuse and neglect and ensuring families have a choice.
But the fight isn't over! We need your help to ensure HB1380 becomes law and protects our most vulnerable children. Here's how you can make a difference:
*Contact your state legislators: Let them know you stand with HB1380 and urge them to vote for it. Find their contact information on the Indiana General Assembly website: https://iga.in.gov/: https://iga.in.gov/
*Spread the word! Share news about HB1380 on social media using #HB1380 and #2024INLegislativeSession. Explain its importance and encourage others to contact their legislators.
*Connect with advocacy groups: Organizations like Decoding Dyslexia-IN, Indiana Disability Rights, and Down Syndrome Indiana have been instrumental in this fight. Learn more about their efforts and see how you can get involved.
*Attend public hearings and rallies: Stay informed about upcoming HB1380 events and show your support in person. Your presence makes a difference!
Remember, your voice matters. By speaking up and getting involved, you can help create a fairer, more transparent, and safer educational system for all Indiana students. Let's work together to make HB1380 law and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Representative Chris May District 65

Dec 13, 2023

Sensory Santa Brings Joy to Sugar Creek Christian Church in Campbellsburg, Indiana

A Magical Holiday Experience for Children with Disabilities

On December 2nd, the Sugar Creek Christian Church in Campbellsburg, Indiana, was transformed into a winter wonderland of joy and wonder for children with disabilities. The heartwarming event, Sensory Santa, was hosted by Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance for everyone.

A Calming and Joyful Atmosphere

Sensory Santa provided a unique and calming environment for children with sensory sensitivities to experience the magic of the holiday season. Unlike traditional Santa visits, which can be overwhelming for children with disabilities, Sensory Santa offered a gentle and understanding approach.

Special Time with Santa

Children had the opportunity to meet and chat with Santa in a calm setting. Some children shared their Christmas wishes, while others simply enjoyed the quiet companionship.

The event also offered fun and engaging activities for children. There were sensory play, arts and crafts! Parents were grateful for the opportunity to create lasting holiday memories for their children in a safe and supportive environment.

Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. Makes a Difference

Sensory Santa is just one of the many ways Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. is making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. The organization provides a variety of programs and events throughout the year, all aimed at creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.

If you are interested in learning more about Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. or getting involved in their future events, please Email Info@ourcia.org .










































 

Dec 3, 2023

Navigating Special Education in Indiana: Understanding Developmental Delays and Intellectual Disabilities


In the realm of special education, understanding the nuances between developmental delays and intellectual disabilities is crucial for effectively supporting children with diverse learning needs. While both conditions can impact a child's learning and development, they have distinct characteristics and eligibility criteria for special education services.

Developmental Delay: A Time-Bound Category

Developmental delay refers to a delay in one or more developmental areas, such as gross or fine motor skills, cognitive development, language development, social or emotional development, or self-help skills. This delay typically occurs before the age of nine and is characterized by a significant difference between the child's developmental level and their peers of the same age.

In the state of Indiana, the developmental delay category is solely for students who are at least three (3) years of age and less than nine (9) years of age. This age range is outlined in the Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) Section 511 IAC 7-41-6 Developmental delay (early childhood).

Children with developmental delays may exhibit challenges in areas such as:

Learning and retaining new information
Communicating effectively
Developing social skills and interactions
Coordinating fine motor movements
Intellectual Disability: A Lifelong Condition

An intellectual disability is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Intellectual functioning refers to a person's cognitive abilities, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and learning. Adaptive behavior encompasses skills needed for daily life, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions.

Intellectual disabilities are typically identified before the age of 18 and can range in severity from mild to severe. Individuals with intellectual disabilities may experience challenges in areas such as:

Acquiring and applying academic skills
Understanding and following complex instructions
Managing personal finances and maintaining a household
Interacting appropriately in social situations

Distinguishing Between the Two Conditions

While developmental delays and intellectual disabilities share some similarities, they are distinct conditions with different eligibility criteria for special education services.

Developmental Delays:

Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team using a variety of assessments.
Delays are typically present in one or two developmental areas.
Services focus on addressing specific areas of delay and supporting overall development.
Eligibility is limited to students between the ages of three (3) and nine (9) years old.

Intellectual Disabilities:

Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team using a comprehensive evaluation.
Intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior are significantly below average.
Services focus on developing lifelong skills and promoting independence.
No specific age range is specified for eligibility.
The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial for both developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Early identification and support can significantly improve a child's developmental trajectory and long-term outcomes.

If you have concerns about your child's development, it is essential to consult with a qualified professional for an evaluation. Early intervention can make a profound difference in their life.

References

Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) Section 511 IAC 7-41-6 Developmental delay (early childhood)
Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) Section 511 IAC 7-41-3 Intellectual disability
https://ichamp.doe.in.gov/article7.pdf

Nov 28, 2023

Sensory Santa Brings Joy to Ruffcut Ministries


Ruffcut Ministries was filled with holiday cheer as Santa Claus made a special appearance. The event, known as Sensory Santa, was designed to be a calming and sensory-friendly space for children to experience the holiday season. During the event, children had the chance to spend some quality time with Santa in a relaxed atmosphere, where they could share their Christmas wishes, snap a photo, and participate in fun crafts. Parents were delighted with the event's success, as it provided their children with a rare opportunity to enjoy a sensory-friendly Santa visit. Community Inclusion Ambassadors Inc. is excited to host another Sensory Santa event on December 2nd at Sugar Creek Christian Church in Washington County, Indiana. We are offering several open visit times for families with children who may need a calmer environment. Don't miss out on registering your child today by visiting https://forms.gle/PqJhvRx2rLtBzDjk8.







































Sensory Santa 2024 Photos

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