WATCH Case Study Discussion

Topic: Serving Families Where One Parent has a Diagnosed Mental Illness

Date: Thursday, April 23rd 1:00-2:30

Videoconference Host site locations:

Community Partnerships and the Tammy Lynn Center

Beginning this month we will be starting a monthly case study video conference session facilitated by a WATCH site on the topic of their choice.

This months inaugural case study comes from the EI team at Community Partnerships. Many of you may remember the WATCH list serv question about a month ago about providing resources for a family who had both a child with a special need and a parent diagnosed with a mental illness. The format of this session will include a confidential overview of the case, strategies that have been used to help the family and a question and answer time to share ideas and resources.

We would like those with experience in mental health issues and experience in this area to participate. I will get all handouts and information to participants by Monday, April 20th so everyone can come prepared with questions and resources.

I thank CPI and Ashley Hedrick, in particular, for bringing this question to the WATCH network and for agreeing to lead our first case study conversation.

To sign up to attend this session or to be a host site, please email me directly at jsimpvos@med.unc.edu.

Topic: Helping Families Cope with the Early Diagnosis of a Special Need with their Child

This session is being offered as a collaborative effort of WATCH, The Wake County Young Children's Mental Health Collaborative and Wake AHEC.

Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 12:30-2:30

Videoconference Host Site Locations:
The Raleigh CDSA, The Tammy Lynn Center, Community Partnerships and The TelAbility Office in Timberlyne

Description: The diagnosis of a special need in a young child is a difficult and life altering event for every family member caring for that child. How that news is delivered to a family, the relationships built between the family and members of the child's care team and the resources provided for that family has a tremendous impact on how well the family and child is able to navigate and succeed in the early intervention system and throughout their lives. Recognizing that families continue this journey through several stages of their child's life, this session will focus on the continuum of coping. By highlighting the different transition points a family experiences, this session will offer practitioners strategies to effectively communicate with families, build trusting and successful relationships, and martial the necessary resources to equip a family with the tools they may need to manage their child's care, leading to the best outcome for the child and family.

CEUs and Infant Toddler Credit will be offered for this session. The cost for this session is $10. You must register through Wake AHEC to participate in this videoconference session.

Topic: Therapeutic Ambulatory Orthotic System (TAOS) Demonstration and Discussion

This session is being offered as a collaborative effort between WATCH, Libby Rogers, Regional PT Consultant and the Wilmington CDSA.

Date: Thursday, April 30th, 10:30-1:00

Videoconference Host Site Location:

Pediatric Therapy Associates and the Wilmington CDSA

Description: The Taos is a new system developed by Sky Medical to help children with neurological disorders such as Cerebral Palsy gain access to an upright, hands free world. This session will:

-provide a clear understanding of the role a Taos can play in a child's overall therapy plan

-show a variety of videos of children in using the Taos

-provide a hands on experience of fitting 2 new patients

-show a model of cooperation between orthotist, PT and manufacturer to enhance the success of utilizing this product

-provide a engaging environment open to questions and dialogue about the system

CEUs will be offered for this course. To register email Juliellen at jsimpvos@med.unc.edu.