Vermont Family Network

Hinesburg Community School Puppet Presentation
2022-05-17 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Anxiety/Worry puppet presentations generously sponsored by Sawyer Chevrolet

Poultney Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-05-10 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry puppet presentations generously sponsored by VT Department of Mental Health

William Barkley School Puppet Presentation
2022-05-09 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Mangino Chevrolet

Watch: Add to your Medicaid Toolkit: Understanding EPSDT* for youth under age 21
2022-05-04 11:00 - 12:00
Watch the “Add to your Medicaid Toolkit: Understanding EPSDT* for youth under age 21” recording here.
This workshop provides information about Medicaid’s legal requirements for *Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT), Medicaid’s comprehensive health benefit for people under 21 years old. EPSDT is specifically targeted to meet the needs of low-income children and youth who, as a population, are disproportionately affected by numerous health problems, e.g., vision, hearing and speech problems; obesity; untreated tooth decay; elevated lead blood levels; asthma; behavioral health problems, etc.
Presenter:
– Linda McLemore, Staff Attorney, Medicaid Policy, Department of Health Access (DVHA)

Braintree Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-05-04 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by National Life Group Foundation

BFA Fairfax School Puppet Presentation
2022-05-03 08:00 - 17:00
Generously sponsored by Bokan Automotive of St. Alban’s

Woodstock Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-04-20 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry virtual presentations generously sponsored by Vermont Department of Mental Health

VFN Conference - Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy
2022-04-14 09:00 - 16:30 | Delta Hotel by Mariott Burlington, 1117 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT, 05403, United States
This year we are excited to welcome Pete Wright, Esq. from Wrightslaw to present on “Special Education Law and Advocacy.” This full-day training program is designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates and attorneys. It will focus on:

Special Education Law, Rights & Responsibilities
Tests & Measurements to Measure Progress & Regression
SMART Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Introduction to Tactics & Strategies for Effective Advocacy

Please visit our 2022 Annual Conference page for more details including a full agenda and link to register!

Molly Stark School Puppet Presentation
2022-04-13 08:00 - 17:00
Puppet presentations generously sponsored by Bennington Chevrolet

Folsom Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-04-12 08:00 - 17:00

April Sibshop - Opening the Senses
2022-04-09 13:00 - 15:30
Join us to create your very own mini–landscape dish garden for a fairy or agnome or just a place for your mind to wander! Rachel Boyers (VFN’s Trainingand Outreach Coordinator and certified Horticultural Therapist) will guide usthrough this amazing activity as we choose mini–plants, moss, stones, colorfulglass and other natural items to design a beautiful dish garden. The theme ofthis Sibshop activity is Mindfulness. What do you see? What do you smell?What can you feel? How does being aware help you in your sibling relationship?
Location: Vermont Family Network, Williston, Vermont
For more information and to register, visit the Sibshops section on our website. Email mindy.deibler@vtfn.org with questions.

The Flynn puppet presentation
2022-04-09 08:00 - 17:00

Fort Edward Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-04-06 08:00 - 17:00
Virtual puppet presentations generously sponsored by Ross Hometown Chevrolet

Weathersfield School Puppet Presentation
2022-04-05 08:00 - 17:00

North Hero Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-30 08:00 - 17:00

Parent Support Training - Part 2
2022-03-23 18:00 - 19:30
Vermont Family Network (VFN) is seeking Support Parent volunteers! If you are at a point in your parenting journey where you are ready to support another family, please consider becoming a trained VFN Support Parent with our Parent Matching Program. This three-hour, interactive Zoom training will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to support other parents, all from the comfort of your own home!
The next training opportunity will be held virtually in two parts: March 16th and 23rd from 6:00-7:30
Please email marie.fetterhoff@vtfn.org if you would like more information or are interested in registering for this training.

Guilford Central School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-23 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry virtual presentations generously sponsored by VT Department of Mental Health

Sara Marie School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-21 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry virtual presentations generously sponsored by DePaula Chevrolet

Watch: The Vermont Assistive Technology Program: An Overview and Feature on Sensory Tools
2022-03-17 10:00 - 11:00
Watch The Vermont Assistive Technology Program: An Overview and Feature on Sensory Tools recording here.
The Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) is pleased to present an overview of what assistive technology (AT) is, the core services of their program, how to access their services, and will even demonstrate a few relevant examples of assistive technology, free to borrow from their lending library. For example, they will be highlighting available sensory tools to support the Confident Care for Kids initiative for less stressful vaccinations and health appointments. The turtle massager, pillow, fiber optic light, ocean wave drum, and wearable TouchPoints for Calm all vibrate and can help children self-soothe. Squishy stress balls, a gel maze lap fidget, or stretchable, bendable tubes that make a sound can distract and comfort before, during, or after an appointment. VATP’s presentation will feature an introduction to the team of AT professionals, information on the methodologies they use in assessing how AT can benefit their clients, and plenty of time for questions from the audience.
Presenters:

Phillip Seiler, VATP Program Director
Phil has been director of the AT program for 3 years after a 20+ year career in software development and IT. Phil believes strongly in the mission of providing accessibility to work, recreation, and daily living to all Vermonters, no matter the challenges they face.
Quinby McLellan, VATP AT Specialist
Quinby has been with the AT Program for over a year after working as a certified occupational therapy assistant. She has experience with individuals with diverse needs across the lifespan in community, school-based, and physical rehabilitation settings. Quinby strives to offer the most holistic, empathetic, and resourceful perspective when problem solving assistive technology solutions with consumers.

Support Parent Training - Part 1
2022-03-16 18:00 - 19:30

Watch: The New Face of Vocational Rehabilitation: HireAbility VT
2022-03-16 13:30 - 14:30
Watch The New Face of Vocational Rehabilitation: HireAbility VT recording here.
VocRehab VT has changed their name to align with their career focus and to better reflect the services that they offer. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has been dedicated to helping Vermonters living with disabilities achieve employment and vocational goals for years. The services that they provide are not just about finding jobs, but also obtaining training, education, and credentials needed for higher wage career opportunities. It’s about working together to navigate a path to grow and learn about their dream career. Please join this webinar to find out about all they can provide for youth and young adults with disabilities!
Presenters:
– Diane Dalmasse, Division Director, HireAbility VT
– Hibbard Doe, Field Services Manager, HireAbility VT
– Tara Howe, Transition Program Manager, HireAbility VT

Salem Central School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-16 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry & Kindness/Stress virtual presentations generously sponsored by Upstate Chevrolet Dealers

St Monica - St. Michael's School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-15 08:00 - 17:00

March Sibshop - ECHO
2022-03-12 13:00 - 15:30
Reptiles, amphibians, and fish… Oh My! Join us as we discover and explorethe many exhibits at this amazing science and nature museum andexperience the wonderment of our very own Lake Champlain.The theme of this Sibshop is Exploration. How does it feel to discoversomething new? What qualities do explorers have? How can some of thosequalities serve you in your own life or in your sibling relationship?
Location: ECHO, Burlington, Vermont
For more information and to register, visit the Sibshops section on our website. Email mindy.deibler@vtfn.org with questions.

Watch: Restraints and Seclusions in Vermont Schools: What Rule 4500 Means for You and Your Child
2022-03-10 13:00 - 14:00
Watch the Restraints and Seclusions in Vermont Schools: What Rule 4500 Means for You and Your Child recording here.
This workshop was presented with parents/caregivers as the intended audience. The purpose of the rule, what is and is not permitted, and details regarding reporting, evaluation, and debriefing was discussed. Hypothetical scenarios were used for illustrative purposes.
Presenter:
– Tracy Harris, Coordinator for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Supports at Vermont Agency of Education

Rutland Northwest School Puppet Presentation
2022-03-08 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry virtual presentations

Watch: Advocacy 101 - Basic Training on Effective Advocacy for Change
2022-03-02 13:00 - 14:15
Watch the recording of Advocacy 101 – Basic Training on Effective Advocacy for Change here.
Advocacy Story Structure PDF
Join us to learn how you can elevate your personal story to create meaningful change that will improve support for children with developmental disabilities, special health needs and mental health challenges. VFN is offering this online training to help you become a powerful advocate to influence decision makers on important policy issues that impact you, your family and community.
We will discuss and explore:
– How the Vermont legislature works.
– Effective ways to advocate for change.
– Steps to take to find out who your legislators are and how to develop a relationship with your legislators.
– How to craft your powerful personal story for change.
This training is for you if you’ve NEVER contacted a legislator or if you’re uncertain who your legislators are and/or if you feel overwhelmed by the thought of getting started in advocacy. Participating in this training is a great way to connect with other families and learn new skills that drive change forward.
Presenter:
– Robyn Freedner-Maguire from RFM Strategies has nearly 3 decades of experience on issue-based campaigns, successfully leading change by leveraging grassroots organizing and strategic communications for effective advocacy. As the former Chief of Communication for Let’s Grow Kids (LGK), Vermont’s child care campaign, Robyn launched LGK in 2014 to raise awareness about the importance of the early years for healthy development and to build a broad base of support for more investment in childcare. With her leadership, LGK enlisted over 14,000 supporters and nearly 400 activists that organized in their community for change. Additionally, Robyn successfully led the field and communications efforts with Vermont Freedom to Marry to achieve marriage equality in Vermont in 2009 and led the field efforts in Massachusetts for marriage equality in 2004.

Hoosac Valley Elementary School puppet presentation
2022-03-01
Generously sponsored by Bedard Brothers Chevrolet
Virtual Kindness (Stress) puppet presentations

Partners in Adventure Puppet Presentation
2022-02-22 08:00 - 17:00

Coxsackie Elementary School Puppet Presentation
2022-02-18 08:00 - 17:00
Anxiety/Worry virtual presentations generously sponsored by Sawyer Chevrolet
