Must-Have’s For Every PWS Family!
Below are two wonderful resources PWSA (USA) is offering to our amazing community. Learn more about them below.
Essential Early Childhood Behavior Management Strategies
Three weeks ago, Lisa Graziano, MA, LMFT, presented a webinar entitled, Essential Early Childhood Behavior Management Strategies. Parents found it very helpful in understanding behavior strategies that work, and don’t work, for our children. Many have asked to have this presentation available for future reference, to share with families, and to share with educators. One parent spoke to her child’s school, and they will be using the webinar as an in-service training for their staff.
As one parent stated: “Just wanted to let you know that the webinar was amazing. I’ve heard a lot of this behavior information before but the way Lisa explained it was better. (Or maybe the 5th time was the charm?!) She had the right speed for me and maybe because she was a parent who used it, it made more sense or I believed it more or something?! I don’t know. But it was really good. This should be sent to every new family. ”
$15
Click Here to purchase.
Transition Planning and Resource Guide
Transitioning into the adult world can be frustrating, intimidating, and overwhelming for both the person with PWS and their families. That’s why it’s important for parents and their children to begin transition planning when children reach 14-16 years of age. PWSA (USA) is now offering an updated publication on this topic. It was developed especially for parents and guardians of young adults with PWS.
This 104-page booklet will help you answer questions about a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Vocational evaluation and transition from school to work for the students with PWS, Residential living options/considerations and services, Transportation issues, Important legal and financial issues, Personal health education, Transitioning to the adult health care system, Educating health care professionals, and Health insurance coverage.
$25
Click Here to purchase.

Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on variousย aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education.ย He writes a regular column for NAESPโsย Principalย magazine and NASPโsย Communiquรฉย newsletter, and he did so previously forย Phi Delta Kappanย andย Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Childrenโs Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated fromย Duquesne University receiving her Bachelorโs and Masterโs degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Programย (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Childrenโs Hospital in Denverย supporting families and school districts around the United Statesย with their childโs Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.