Some random links...

Click on the links below each paragraph for full story.

New chapter opens up for baby boomers

JO KARAOLIS thinks enlisting the help of trained volunteers "could be the way of the future for a lot of schools".

A decade ago, when she became the principal of St Lucy's - a special school in Wahroonga for primary-aged children with disabilities - there was one volunteer. Now 133 volunteers lend a hand at the school, including 36 who are trained to provide students with intensive reading support.

The reading program is expanding with 26 more volunteers. Sixteen others are preparing to support the students' occupational therapy and handwriting skills, or speech and communication. All of them have been trained by specialist teachers at the school.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/new-chapter-opens-up-for-baby-boomers-20110901-1jo35.html

Principals 'over a barrel' schooling disabled children

Micah Wilson, 12, brings far more to Trinity Christian School than he takes from it, according to principal Carl Palmer.

But as a student with an autism disorder who needs additional assistance including a teacher's aid, Micah also costs more than the average student to educate.

Students with disabilities have historically been wedged between different funding regimes for government and non-government schools.

If they are enrolled in a government school, they attract state and territory government subsidies to cover the cost of their disability up to five times more than if they are enrolled in the non-government system.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/education/principals-over-a-barrel-schooling-disabled-children/2275976.aspx

One place for Special Needs - website
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/

"Fixing" Autism - awareness video by a father
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2B1FeS5VX4&feature=player_embedded

John Elder Robinson on The Circle - video
http://ten.com.au/the-circle-video.htm?movideo_p=40521&movideo_m=127579

A4cwsn - Apps for children with special needs - link
http://www.a4cwsn.com/

Melinda's blog - ACT & Autism related
http://circlequirk.wordpress.com/