Getting Organized for Back to School: Children with Special Needs

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Jules Csillag September 3, 2013

Getting ready for the new school year can be hectic no matter what. But having a child with a disability means there are a few additional things to think about. Whether your child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyslexia, Downs Syndrome, or a physical impairment, here are a few general tips to help keep them on a track to success for the upcoming school year.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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1. Electronics: If your child uses any mode of assistive technology from an iPad to take notes to a Dynavox to communicate make sure that they are always charged. Develop a routine for charging them at a certain time every night (after your child has gone to bed, so they do not miss it). For communication devices, since they tend to have a shorter battery life, consider including an additional battery. Your child's device is essential for their academic and social success, so make sure they are always ready to be used when your child heads off to school.

2. Special Services: Your child may be in a special education classroom, but many children with disabilities receive additional services too, like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy, etc. Try to have these appointments secured before the school year begins if they offered by out-of-school providers. For in-school providers, check in with the appropriate personnel (a student services coordinator or a case manager) at the start of the school year to ensure that your child will be receiving all of the services that they are entitled to - its the law.

3. Other Extracurriculars: Extracurriculars are an important part of any child's development. Ask around for playgroups, swimming lessons, or maybe set up a regular play date. Many museums, libraries, community centers, zoos, and science centers have weekly groups for children with a range of abilities. The New York Transit Museum even has a special program for children on the autism spectrum who like trains! Setting the wheels in motion now will help reduce your stress as the school year commences.

4. Hygiene & Safety: To make things easier for yourself, try to make a checklist of essentials that your child may need during the day, whether its diapers, pureed food, or other objects to enhance their daily living. In addition, send along important contact information, and give your child an identification badge or card with contact information too, so he/she can introduce themselves, even if they are non-verbal.

5. Labels: Your child may lose their objects from time to time, so label them to make sure they find they way back! Labels can include: your child's name, a contact phone number, your child's schools name, address, room number, and/or teachers name. Make labels to put on their backpacks, lunch boxes, and assistive technology devices.

Have a great school year!

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