www.inclusivechildcare.org || Concordia University, College of Education
Cindy Croft, Director || croft@csp.edu || 651.603.6265
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CICC E-News, Issue #12, September October 2009
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New DVD packet on Developmental Delays and Autism in the Somali Community
This packet is available for CICC trainers and consultants by contacting Chris Bentley or Dea Anderson.
In the fall of 2008, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Somali community began a dialogue regarding the number of Somali children diagnosed with the classification of autism. A need for more information was identified and, as a result, several collaborating agencies contributed to a forum for the community benefit.
The primary objectives of the forum were to:
- raise awareness in the Minnesota Somali community about developmental delays in children, specifically those diagnosed with autism engage the community
- help parents and professionals learn concrete facts about autism
- connect parents to appropriate screening, assessment, and treatment services
The forum was attended beyond capacity. Attendees and presenters included Somali parents, physicians, community leaders, educators, social workers, and mental health professionals. Translation was provided for all speakers in both Somali and English. Panel presentations were videotaped and a set of DVD's is now available for viewing.
This four DVD set features opening remarks by the Commissioner of Health as well as a panel representing parents, educators, and health professionals. Both English and Somali are included in the DVD set.
- Panel 1: What is Autism
- Panel 2: Addressing the Stigma showcasing the CICC DVD HIIL NAAFO: A Call for Inclusion and a Somali poem recorded for a Somali parent
- Panel 3 & 4: Navigating the System and What are the Next Steps
Sponsors of the Forum
- Minneapolis Foundation
- Fraser
- HEAL Institute
- Minnesota Departments of Health, Education, and Human Services
- Minneapolis and St. Paul Public Schools
- Center for Inclusive Childcare (CICC)
- PACER
- Confederation of Somali Community of Minnesota (CSCM)
- Autism Society of Minnesota
- ARC of Greater Twin Cities.
This forum was held on November 15th, 2008 in Minneapolis at the Wilder Early Education Center. The DVD set was produced by Location Images/iDream TV with funding provided by the Minneapolis Foundation and the Minneapolis Public Schools.
CICC trainers and consultants may check out the series by contacting Chris Bentley or Dea Anderson. HIIL NAAFO copies are available for purchase in the CICC Market Place. For further information, please contact Cindy Croft at croft@csp.edu. Visit the CICC for additional resources.