Family Events and Resources

A variety of virtual and in-person networking for the families of children registered with NEC. Learn about various topics and connect with other parents.

NEC Storytime Series

You’re invited to join family story time, a family-only online space for story time and crafts! Each story time will feature 45 minutes of story and songs, followed by a 15-minute craft session.

Storytime is FREE and you will receive a box with all of the needed craft supplies. The program will be recorded and can be viewed at a different time once you are registered with the group.

Location: Virtual Zoom meeting and private Facebook Group

Spring Bike Event

Join other NEC families for an afternoon of adaptive biking.

Date: TBD Time: TBD

Day at the Zoo

Join other NEC families for an afternoon of fun and excitement at the Southwick’s Zoo.

Date: TBD Time: TBD

Professional Development

Online Learning Modules in Deafblindness, OPEN HANDS OPEN ACCESS (OHOA) MODULES

Facilitator: Amanda Crayton

Paraprofessionals, teachers, and related service personnel working with children who are deafblind often need specialized training to support instruction and learning. These FREE online self-paced modules are an exciting opportunity to learn about Deafblindness, and engage with a cohort of service providers from CT, ME, MA, NH and VT. Upon completion of each group of modules, participants will receive a certificate of completion documenting their time.
(6 certificate hours per module)

Created by the National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB), the modules provide an overview of support strategies and also incorporate training for those wishing to continue additional training to become a certified Intervener through the NICE (National Intervener Certification E-Portfolio). What is an Intervener? An intervener is a trained staff member who works one-on-one with a child who is deafblind to provide critical connections to other people and the environment. The intervener supports communication between the child and others, provides access to information, and facilitates opportunities for learning and development.

The OHOA Training is designed to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills related to intervention for students (ages 3 through 21) who are Deafblind. In addition, the NEC OHOA Training program helps participants identify effective strategies for children with whom they are currently working.

Audience: Paraprofessionals, Aides, Teacher Assistants, Teachers and Related Service Providers working with Deafblind students. We encourage teams to participate (i.e., one classroom teacher and one paraprofessional/aide), and parents and individual service providers are also welcome!

Modules are hosted by a Facilitator and participants will be provided support and feedback during engagement in each module. The modules can be completed at a time most convenient for you and at your own pace.

Spring Cohort

OHOA Trainings

Sign up to join our Spring OHOA Trainings Cohort!


Professional learning community in deafblindness, virtual leadership series

Goals:
Contribute to and learn within an ongoing “Community of Practice” for providers working with children who are deafblind or at risk
Receive access to Deafblind Leadership Toolbox with resources and specific instructional content
Engage in collegial interaction and share among practitioners working with children and families
Receive individual coaching and support to develop and achieve professional goals and interpersonal skills connected to your current or future job placement
Develop leadership and consultation skills in deafblindness, related fields, and with local and state agencies
Develop and implement a Leadership Action Plan to address the needs of children and youth who are deafblind, their families, and service providers

Facilitators: Sulina Mohanty, Tracy Evans Luiselli, Kristen Layton-Campagna

*Attendance and Leadership Action Plan Required
*Certificate Provided Upon Successful Completion

Professional Learning Community in Deafblindness, Virtual Leadership Series

Professional Learning Community in Deafblindness

May 5, 2022 12:00 pm EDT to 3:00 pm EDT

Topic: The Power of Effective Meetings and Team Leadership