Dear Friend of ASO:
NEWS
FROM ASO
Proposed Rule Changes for Autism Scholarship Program
The Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio
Department of Education (ODE), is holding regional meetings in May 2008
to discuss proposed changes to the regulations governing the Autism
Scholarship Program. The rule changes in large part relate to
the fact that the ASP has gone from a pilot program to permanent
program. At the meetings, parents, districts and
other interested persons may obtain information, comment and ask
questions about the proposed rule changes. For more
information regarding the proposed changes and regional meetings, go to
the ODE Web site, www.ode.state.oh.us, and enter in the search box in the upper right
corner “Proposed Autism Scholarship Program Rule
Changes” or click here.
If you are interested in attending a session,
please register with the regional contact person listed on the Web page.
From the ODMRDD E-Newsletter PIPELINE:
As part of consolidation efforts at the ODMRDD, the Division of Constituent Services has been re-organized as the Office of Policy and Constituent Support. This reorganization realizes efficiencies gained by combining areas, as the former Deputy Director for the Division left the position to accept a post with the Governor’s Office. Constituent Services and Special Projects now are combined into one area to focus on issues that support stakeholders and the Department itself. Patrick Lanahan, Deputy Director, oversees the Office of Policy and Constituent Support, and explains, “As we discussed the day-to-day activities in which each of the members of this team are involved, it was apparent that we needed a more accurate descriptor of what we do, and what we will be doing. We will be taking our team in new directions this year, as we look toward accomplishing many far-reaching projects.” The Office of Policy and Constituent Support includes the following functions:
Strategic Policy Development
Legislative Liaison
Public Information
Family Advocacy
Rules and Laws
Special Projects
The Office of Policy and Constituent Support will continue to provide access to supports that stakeholders have come to expect from the team, and focus on improvements in other areas of interest to constituents. In addition, as a part of the staffing/organizational changes at ODMRDD’s Central Office due to budget constraints, the newly-configured group will have more opportunities to provide assistance and information to various constituencies as part of the Director’s Office ‘umbrella’. The Office of Policy and Constituent Support may be reached as noted below. In addition, all ODMRDD Administrative Staff may be reached per information located on our website at http://mrdd.ohio.gov/contacts/admin.htm and by using the ODMRDD Employee search feature at http://mrdd.ohio.gov/contactsearch/ .
Office of Policy and Constituent Support
Patrick Lanahan, Deputy Director
30 E. Broad St. 12th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-3434
Telephone: (614) 644-6300
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Federal Legislation:
Changes Pending in Medicaid - Get Information, Take Action
The Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 (H.R. 5613) passed the House of Representatives, despite a White House veto threat. This bill places a one year moratorium on seven Medicaid regulations including the rehab option, case management and school based services/transportation rules. This margin is well over the two-thirds needed to override a Presidential veto. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has “fast-tracked” the legislation, putting it on the Senate floor calendar bypassing Finance Committee consideration. The Senate may vote on H.R. 5613 next week. For more information or to take action visit the ARC Action Alert center - click here
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 (GINA, H.R. 493) passed the Senate and is slated for a revote in the House (due to Senate revisions). House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said the bill would get a vote this week, and champions of the bill say they’ve received assurances by the White House of the President’s signature. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act [H.R. 493, S. 358] is a bill that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. It was introduced to establish basic legal protections that will enable and encourage individuals to take advantage of genetic screening, counseling, testing, and new therapies that will result from the scientific advances in the field of genetics. It would also prevent health insurers from denying coverage or adjusting premiums based on an individual's predisposition to a genetic condition, and prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of predictive genetic information. Additionally, such legislation would stop both employers and insurers from requiring applicants to submit to genetic tests, maintain strict use and disclosure requirements of genetic test information, and impose penalties against employers and insurers who violate these provisions. For more information or to take action visit the ARC Action Alert center - click here
Mental
Health Parity
Negotiations continue to attempt to reach
agreement on House and Senate mental health parity legislation (S. 558,
H.R. 1424). The House approved its mental health parity bill
by a 268-148 vote on March 5. The Senate approved parity
legislation in September 2007 by unanimous consent. On March
18, Senators Kennedy (D-MA) and Domenici (R-NM) offered the House a
compromise. It was reported last week that the House has
prepared a counteroffer to a Senate proposal on mental health parity
legislation. A major sticking point has been House language
requiring employers to cover all illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV).
NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.
NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008
Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.
What: 2008 NATTAP Conference
When: November 19-21, 2008
Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OH
Early Bird Rate: $185
Parent/Family Member Rate: $100
Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100
Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org
The Autism Society
of Ohio has provided a grant to OCALI reducing the registration rate
for parents from last year's $185 to $100 for all three days of the
conference! Register NOW!
2008 ASA National Conference
July 9-12, 2008
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
2008
Keynoters:
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O., & James
Ball, Ph.D., BCBA
The Autism Society of America recognizes that
families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a
range of issues and needs. The National Conference of the Autism
Society of America is the only conference that addresses the range of
issues, including early intervention, education, employment, behavior,
communication, social skills, biomedical interventions and others,
across the entire lifespan. Bringing together the expertise and
experiences of family members, professionals and individuals on the
spectrum, attendees are able to learn how to more effectively advocate
and obtain supports for the individual with ASD. The ultimate goal is
to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum and
professionals to make informed decisions.
Registration
& Conference Schedule
Go to www.autism-society.org/conference
for the detailed 2008 ASA National Conference schedule. All session
descriptions and speakers are now listed online, with over 200 speakers
and 150 sessions. Be sure to register for the conference online by May
1, 2008, to take advantage of Early Bird Registration prices
(Individuals on the Spectrum: $150 & Full Conference Attendees:
$220).
Exhibitors
Don't miss your opportunity to exhibit at the
largest autism conference in the U.S. this year. Network with
professionals, families, service providers and more. For more
information, contact Meg Ellacott, 2008 ASA National Conference Exhibit
Director, at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 302.260.9487. Be sure to secure your spot now.
Respite
Child Care
Bring your entire family. Orlando is a great family
vacation location. ASA is partnering with Quest, Inc., to provide
respite care onsite. For more information, contact ASA at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Continuing
Education Credits
BCBA, ASHA and CME credits are available.
For session information, contact Autism Society of America at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
The Autism Research Institute presents the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!)
Clinician Seminar for professionals on Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
For information about the conference, contact Autism Society America Conference Department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 301.657.0881, ext. 10.
Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:
- SE Ohio ASA and ARC Ohio: “Planning for your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial Future”, Athens
- Autism Society of Greater Cleveland presents "Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family"
- Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom sponsored by the Dayton Autism Society
- Upcoming Activities - Tri-County Autism Society
- OAR Run for Autism, Cleveland
- Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kent State University
- The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference
- Upcoming Events, OAR Run, NE Ohio
- 7th Annual Autism Summit of NW Ohio, BGSU
- BOOK: Two New Titles from AAPC
- Autism Summit, Cleveland
-
OASISAUTISM Bike Ride/Walk-a-
- Take Action for the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188
- 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness, NE Ohio
- Upcoming Events - NE Ohio, Complied by Milestones
- Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)'s Next Meeting Will Be May 5th
- Summer Resources
- ASPIES Greater Akron Fundraiser
- 2008 Rotary Camp Dates, Akron area
- Project iAm Scholarship Fundraiser, Toledo Area
- Autism forum allows parents to have a say
- FUTURE HORIZONS - FIRST EVER - WEB CONFERENCE
- OCECD and ODE: Accountability Improves Results for ALL Children Conference, Columbus
- LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT IN MR/DD, Medina
- Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6!
- OCALI Highlighted at Family Advisory Council Meeting
- Life Planning Seminars for Families, May 6 & 7, Butler, Warren, Clermont, Hamilton Counties
- Changes in Ohio Medicaid
- Life on the Spectrum - Feature on Jerry Newport
If you are interested in participating in research
projects, ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website.
For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org,
click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then
click on "Studies/Surveys".
Have
you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase
yours, visit www.oplates.com
and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org
for more information.
Sincerely,
The Autism Society of Ohio
701 S. Main St.
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 376-0211
fax: (330) 376-1226
email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web: www.autismohio.org
Please note: This is provided for information
purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any
providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should
not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or
impiled.
Please click the link below to register for the very important training on Saturday, May 10th in Athens, Ohio:
http://www.thearcofohio.org/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=82&year=2008&month=05&day=10&Itemid=50
This training is FREE for families and individuals.
Professionals are $75. ODMR/DD CEU’s being offered.
Sponsored in part by the SE Ohio ASA Chapter.
The ASGC meets at 6:30 P.M. the first Tuesday of every month at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center on 8001 Brecksville Rd. in Brecksville Ohio.
Directions:
Co-sponsored by: The Dayton Autism Society, the West Carrollton School District, and FATE...no child with autism left behind
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
West Carrollton High School
Auditorium
5833 Student Street
West Carrollton, OH 45449
May 14, 2008
Regular Meeting
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Officer Elections
Current Nominations
President – D. Gallagher
Vice President– L. Dripps or T. Chapin
Treasurer – Bo Cencia or Helen Aiello
Secretary – D. Houghton or C. Collins
Additional nominations will be made at the meeting
ITAM Club- Second floor
115 S. Meridian Rd.
Youngstown, OH
Bowling Camelot Lanes
628 Boardman-Canfield Rd
Boardman, Ohio
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Time: 6:30PM
Pizza and pop provided
Members: Free
Non-Members: $10.00 per family
RSVP: Dan Gallagher 330-720-2066
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cedar Point Day
Sponsored by: The ARC of Ohio
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
RSVP: Dan Gallagher 330-720-2066
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
11th Annual GOLF Outing
Yankee Run Golf Course
Brookfield, OH
June 23, 2008
9:00 AM
Contact Chuck or Sue Aldridge for
additional information at
330- 856-7338
HURRY SIGN UP NOW! Registration now closes on May 15th.
June 26th and 27th - Kent State University
Topics in Child Development: Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with a wide variety of strengths and needs. Within the context of a behavioral approach to intervention, parents, educators, and other professionals can develop and enhance positive academic and behavioral skills while simultaneously addressing disruptive behaviors. The 2008 Topics in Child Development Conference will focus on behavioral approaches to intervention that can assist in enhancing existing skills and building new skills to promote success across multiple settings. For complete details, visit: http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/PDO/conferences.cfm
For information on the 2008 conference, please contact Kathy Brown at 330.672.0537 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference
http://www.milestones.org/news_conferences.htm
Annual Conference
2008 Conference
The 6th
Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference
Life-Long
Strategies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work
At Executive
Caterers at Landerhaven
This
conference is for you
if you are a . . .
special
educator • inclusion teacher • classroom aide
• speech therapist • occupational therapist
• psychologist • social worker • nurse
• music or art therapist • physical therapist
• school counselor • parent or relative of individual
with autism spectrum disorder • behavioral therapist
Schedule
Registration
Information
Fees
|
Professional
Registration Fee (price includes CEUs, continental breakfast, lunch and
binder) |
150 |
|
Professional
Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single
payment) |
-$20 |
|
|
|
|
Family
Member Registration Fee (price includes continental breakfast, lunch
and binder) |
115 |
|
Family
Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single
payment) |
-$20 |
|
Person
with Autism Spectrum Disorder |
$75 |
|
Lunch
without Conference Registration |
$45 |
|
Binder
without Conference Registration |
$50 |
Scholarships
A
limited amount of conference scholarship aid is available. To request a
scholarship application, please email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call 216.371.4765. Download
Scholarship Form
Changes/Cancellations
Cancellations
will be accepted in writing until
Professional
Development (CEU's) Offered
6.0
continuing education hours are pending for counselors, educators,
nurses, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists and social
workers. .6 CEUs for Speech Languague Pathologists on various levels:
professional and related areas is pending through ASHA. Professional
development credit is pending toward a BCBA. General certificates of
attendance will also be available.
Workshop
Selection
Over
the course of the conference, there are three workshop time slots with
multiple options per time slot. Please choose one topic for each
workshop time slot.
Meals
Registration fees include a continental breakfast
and a buffet lunch. The meals include vegetarian options. If you
require a kosher meal, indicate your preference on the registration
form. It will not be possible to arrange for special meals on-site.
Advertising/Exhibiting/Sponsorship
Information
We
invite you to promote your organization at the 2008 Conference Life-Long
Stragegies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work.
Opportunities are available to be a conference sponsor, exhibitor at
the conference, and advertiser in the conference binder. Your message
will reach 400 attendees. Download our advertising, sponsorship, and
exhibiting participation
letter and form. Contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for further information or to indicate your interest.
Conference
Location and Directions
Executive
Caterers at Landerhaven
Questions/Special
Assistance
Please call Milestones Organization at 216-371-4765 or email at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Dr. Ellen Williams, School of Intervention Services, BGSU
Dr. Leslie Cochran, School of Intervention Services, BGSU
Ann Light, Continuing & Extended Education, BGSU
Sponsored
by:
College of
Education and Human Development
Continuing
& Extended Education
Wood County Educational
Service Center
Robert and Nancy Williams
For more information and to register, click here
Autism Today, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, University Hospitals
The summit brings together world class speakers specializing in Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, who will provide information on a diverse subject range.
Who should attend?
Jed Baker, Ph.D.
Andy Bondy. Ph.D.
Bill Davis, Parent, Advocate
Carol Gray, Director of the Gray Center
Cathy Pratt, Ph.D.
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Stephen Shore, Ed.D.
Richard Solomon, MD
Diane Twachtman-Cullen, SLP
Keri Bowers - Filmmaker
Taylor Cross - ASD
Early Bird registration ends May 30th.
For more information or to register, see: http://www.autismsummit.org/
Autism. One Mission….One Team.
Take a quick peek at the photos of last years walk and bike ride for OASISAUTISM and come be part of the fun. For more information click OASISAUTISM BIKE RIDE/WALK A THON
If you cannot see the photos click on: OASISTALK
Date: June 21st
Time: 7:30am Bike Registration
8am Bike Ride Kick off
9:45am Walk-a-thon Registration
10:15am Walk-a-thon Kick off
Location: Wooster High School
515 Oldman Rd
Wooster, OH 44691
Whether you bike it or ride it…do it for the 1 in 150!
This email is a resource. OASIS does not endorse nor discourage any one physician, treatment, methodology, etc. Opinions expressed are solely the opinions of the author. Thank You.
Angel S. Thompson Co-Founder, Executive Dir./OASIS
www.oasisautism.
OASIS is a 501(c)(3) non profit corp. registered with the state of Ohio, and is affiliated with AUTISM LINK
Ask Congress to Support the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188!
Help Parents Recover Expert Witness Fees and Level the Playing Field!
202-224-3121
PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON TUESDAY, MAY 6, AND ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE IDEA FAIRNESS RESTORATION ACT, H.R. 4188. This bill will allow parents who prevail in due process or litigation under IDEA recover their expert witness fees.
Few parents can afford the thousands of dollars needed to pay for expert testimony that is often necessary to prevail in IDEA cases. But school districts can use tax dollars to employ and pay for psychologists and other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear a greater financial burden. H.R. 4188 is necessary to restore Congress' original intent and allow parents to recover their expert witness fees. Introduced by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (Maryland) and Pete Sessions (Texas), it will help level the playing field for the parents of millions of children with disabilities.
Over 100 disability organizations, including the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, Arc, Easter Seals, the Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates, Inc., National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Learning Disabilities Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, CHADD, Our Children Left Behind, and others support H.R. 4188. But we need your help to get it passed.
Call Congress on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ask them to Cosponsor H.R. 4188
On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, please call your Congressional Representatives (202-224-3121) and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Have friends and family members call. It will only take 2-3 minutes.
If you do not know who your Congressional Representative is, go to http://www.house.gov and put your zip code into the box in the upper left corner. (You usually only need your five digit zip code.) You can also use http://www.congress.org to look up Representatives and phone numbers. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES INSTEAD OF USING EMAIL. Congress needs to hear our voices and hear from as many parents and child advocates as possible!
It helps if you ask for the Education Aide, but you can also talk to the person who answers the phone. You can leave a voicemail message. Tell them you are a constituent and would like the Congressperson to co-sponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act.
Please make a phone call on May 6, even if you've made one before. If you can't call on May 6, it's okay to call afterwards.
Why It's Important to Cosponsor the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R. 4188).
The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act would override the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District v. Murphy (2006) and allow parents who prevail in due process or litigation to be reimbursed for their expert witness fees. When prevailing parents cannot recover expert costs, the playing field is neither level nor fair, and children are denied a free appropriate public education and other fundamental IDEA rights.
• Hiring qualified medical, technical, and other expert witnesses can cost many thousands of dollars. Few parents can afford this high cost, putting due process out of reach for most parents, who struggle to afford what their children with disabilities need.
• School districts use tax dollars to pay for psychologists and other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear a greater financial burden. Approximately 36% of children with disabilities live in families earning less than $25,000 a year; over 2/3 earn less than $50,000 a year.
• Congress intended for parents to recover their expert witness fees in the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986. Allowing parents to recoup their expert fees simply restores Congress' original intent.
• If due process is not affordable, the IEP process becomes even more one-sided and unfair. School personnel control the IEP process and often vastly outnumber parents. When the right to due process is meaningful, it helps ensure that school districts provide appropriate educations to children with disabilities.
Want more detailed information?
Download COPAA's complete brochure on the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act and enabling parents to recover expert fees, http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.copaa.or
There is also a Spanish language version, http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.cop
(Lea aqui en Espanol: Murphy y los derechos de los padres para recuperar el costo de los expertos: http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.cop )
You can read H.R. 4188 here: http://www.copaa.org/newshttp://www.c
You can read letters from over 100 disability organizations supporting H.R. 4188 here:
http://www.copaa.org/newshttp://www.copaa.or
For more information about H.R. 4188 and this alert, please contact Bob Berlow and Jess Butler of COPAA at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Together, we can make the difference and restore a balanced playing field for children with disabilities.
Let Congress hear your voice on May 6! Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Call Congress, 202-224-3121.
Volunteer Webmaster, www.OurChildrenLeftBehind.com (IDEA & NCLB reauthorization)
5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness presented by CMR/The Arc of Cuyahoga County.
The event will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The location is the Brooklyn Senior/Community Center and Memorial Park, 7727 Memphis Boulevard in Brooklyn.
Join Emcee Lydia Esparra of Channel 3 News for a walk around Memorial Park. (No fund raising - just fun!) Visit the Expo to get information about recreation programs and services for persons with disabilities.
Registration is only $5 per person that includes refreshments and admissions to all activities. Register today by calling CMR at 216-622-0755 x19.
A limited number of free registrations are available upon request. Visit our website at cmr-cleveland.org for more information.
Print off the attached registration form and mail it in to register, or call CMR at 216-622-0755 x19. Visit our website at cmr-cleveland.org for more information.
CMR, the Arc of Cuyahoga County, works with and on behalf of persons of all ages with mental retardation, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, play and be a part of the community! For information about our services, contact CMR at 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, call (216) 622-0755, or visit www.cmr-cleveland.org.
The day will be full of fun, food, entertainment, and activities for kids and adults of ALL ages and ALL abilities. There will be music, art, dancing, entertainment, and free food from Zeppe's Pizzeria, Roosters Restaurant, and Pepsi. Limited edition CMR visors available to the first 250 walkers!
The St. Ignatius Circus Company will astound you with their magic and juggling. Dance and sing with DJ Rick Cutright, and play drums with The Rhythmic Arts Project.
Check out the animals from the Cleveland Metroparks.
Something for everyone!
May 18, Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders-Relatives Perspectives (KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center) FREE, 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm. 8054 Darrow Road Building D, Suite 5 & 6, Twinsburg. For more information or to register call 330-963-8600 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
May
18, Family Autism Workshop Series: "Visual
Tools for Encouraging Communication" (Milestones Organization), 1:30- 4:00 pm. Westlake Recreation
Center (www.wlrec.org)
This series is for families, caregivers, or tutors
interested in learning about ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and
strategies to use in a home. $30 per person, $45 for two
family member/caregivers (must register) per workshop *group discounts
available! For more information contact Kiersten Johnson at
216-371-4765 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Family May
18, OAR Run for Autism (Organization
for Autism Research )
Cleveland, OH. For
questions, please contact the RUN Staff toll free
at 866-366-9710; e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Sign up now!
Family May 20, "My Favorite Things", a social opportunity for children with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder and High Functioning Autism (Greater Cleveland Asperger Support) FREE, 7:00 pm, Independence Civic Center. Kids of any age are invited to set up a table showing off their hobbies or subjects of interests. Siblings, parents and friends are encouraged to visit the tables and ask questions. Examples of hobbies or interests can be Lego block building, jewelery making, dinosaur habitats or Egyptian hieroglyphics. The target age for this activity is elementary through junior high age, but all are welcome. Please contact Theresa at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before Friday, May 16 with total number of attendees, whether your child wishes to have a table and the hobby or interest being displayed.
Family May 21, Cedar Point Day (Mayfield Village, Think Computer Foundation, Solon and Independence, in cooperation with (The ARC of Ohio) Bus departs at 8:15 am & returns at 7:30 pm (approx.) The cost is $23.00 per person. For persons with disabilities 13 years and older. For Complete Details, call 330-720-2066 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
June
Family June 1, CMR/The Arc of Cuyahoga County presents the 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. Brooklyn Senior/Community Center and memorial Park, Brooklyn, OH. Magic and juggling will be provided by the St. Ignatius Circus Company. Play drums with The Rhythmic Arts Project. DJ Rick Cutright will play your requests for music and karaoke.There will be music, art, dancing, free food and entertainment for everyone! For more information or to register call CMR at 216-622-0755 x19.
June
16, The 6th Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference:Life-Long
Strategies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work (Milestones
Organization), 8:30 am- 4:45 pm. Executive
Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven
Drive,
Mayfield
Heights,
Ohio 44124. Keynote Speaker Dr. Jed Baker. For more information call
216-371-4765.
June 23- 27, How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School Setting (Milestones Organization), 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. A Week-Long Hands-on Teacher Training Workshop. Graduate Credits and Professional Development will be available
Teacher Training 2008 Information (Download) - for more info
June 26- 27, Topics in Child Development: Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Kent State University) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with a wide variety of strengths and needs. Within the context of a behavioral approach to intervention, parents, educators, and other professionals can develop and enhance positive academic and behavioral skills while simultaneously addressing disruptive behaviors. For information on the 2008 conference, please contact Kathy Brown at 330.672.0537 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
June 27, Effective Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Hattie Larlham Research Institute and Akron Children's Hospital), 9:00 am- 12:00 pm. Akron Children's Hospital, Conference Rooms 1 and 2. Cost is $35.00 per person, university students are free. The guest lecturer is Dr. Dennis Russo, Chief Clinical Officer of the May Institute and National Autism Center. The session will feature Dr. Russo's lecture and a panel discussion with other local experts in the field. For information contact Phylliss Steiner at 1-800-233-8611 or Phylliss.steiner@hattielarlham
The Center for Mental Retardation/The Arc of Cuyahoga County’s People First will host a Northeast Ohio Regional Conference, June 6 &7, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotel in Independence, Ohio. Presentations from self-advocates, community leaders, and others will address topics of interest that affect adults with developmental disabilities. Registration is $160 per person which includes hotel accommodations, conference materials, and meals. Deadline for registration is Thursday, May 15. Register today!
For registration information contact CMR at 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115; call (216) 622-0755 ext. 13; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or, visit www.cmr-cleveland.org.
General Meeting Information
DARN meetings are usually scheduled for the 1st Monday of each month except when there is a National Holiday on or close to the first Monday of the month (ie. New Years, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend). When this occurs, we advance the meetings to the following Monday. Our meeting are from 7:00 to 8:30 at Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) located at 3340 Shroyer Road in Kettering, OH (adjacent to the Fraze Pavilion, Fairmont High School, Kettering Municipal Building). CUMC’s contact information is 293-3151 and http://www.Christumc.org/. Parents, family, professionals, adult individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS), and mature youths with AS are all welcome to join our discussions which cover issues and concerns related to AS, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism (HFA), and related disorders.
Sincerely,
Audrey Schilb
(937) 433 - 4505
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://darngroup.tripod.com/
| Directories of
Camps for Children with Autism Where can you find a summer camp for your child with autism? This article includes links to the best directories of summer camps for kids with autism and Asperger |
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Extended School
Year (ESY)
What is Extended School Year (ESY), and how does it apply to children on the autism spectrum? Can ESY provide your child with a great summer experience? Find
a Summer Program for Your Child with Autism
Kids with autism need an appropriate structured program all year round. But finding the right summer program can be a challenge. Follow these steps to find and fund that perfect summer experience. ASPIES Greater Akron Fundraiser
ASPIES Greater Akron
(along with Dragonfly Academy and Challenger Baseball) is to be a
benefactor in Fashion Sense, a July fashion show fundraiser (info
below).
Does anyone you know have a business that might want to advertise in a professionally produced brochure that will highlight the event, the charities, those responsible and the designer, Juliette Longuet? Business card size blocks of advertising are being sold for $25 for this brochure. If anyone is interested in purchasing advertising for the event brochure, Zaleski Productions who are coordinating this event for free will have a contract sent to them. Please pass this info along. 100% of the proceeds from this event will be returned directly back into our non profit organizations for direct help with our programs. Zaleski Productions, in cooperation with Juliette Longuet Fashions, presents Fashion Sense Benefiting charities that provide services to children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome July 20, 2008 The Bertram Inn and Conference Center 600 North Aurora Road, Aurora, OH 44202 11:00 a.m. VIP Pre-Party Sunday Brunch Corporate Sponsors, VIP ticket holders and the press covering the event Ÿ Breakfast and Lunch delights from the creative chefs at the Bertram Inn and Conference center Ÿ Meet the designer of the fashion show, Juliette Longuet Ÿ Plus, several secret gift box giveaways 1:00 p.m. The Juliette Longuet Fashion Show - The Main Event! Ÿ Featuring fashions by Paris/New York Designer, Juliette Longuet Ÿ Hosted by WKDD’s Matt Patrick Ÿ Including a silent fashion segment featuring children that have Autism and Asperger syndrome. Ÿ Everyone in attendance receives a gift bag including items from many of the events contributors Champagne Reception to follow Ÿ Meet & greet with the event organizers, Designer Juliette Longuet, and the leaders of the charities that the proceeds of the event will be going to support · Complimentary champagne served by the Zaleski Productions Modeling team for all ticket holders Ÿ A serve-yourself Candy Bar where all can fill up a take home bag as our gift Closing out the event...The Juliette Longuet Trunk Show · All ticket holders will be invited to look, try-on and buy the garments shown in the fashion show · Designs shown from her new Fall & Winter line (not currently available in any stores in the U. S.) · You will be able to meet with designer and get her advice on the styles that best suit your look. $500 Corporate Sponsorship: 4 VIP passes, Champagne Reception Visual Screen Advertising, Event Brochure Advertising and all promotional advertising used to promote the event $75 VIP Tickets: Brunch, Show, Reception and Trunk Show (including 1st chance to purchase fashions) $25 General Admission Tickets: Fashion Show, Reception and Trunk Show All proceeds and donations for this event will education grants and specialty programs for children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Charities that will benefit from this event are as follows: ASPIES Greater Akron, Dragonfly Academy of Stark County, Challenger Baseball League, and The Autism Society of America For more information on the organizations listed above or the designer of the fashion show, please go to: www.zaleskiproductions.com You can visit with Juliette Longuet at her website: www.juliettelonguet.com 2008 Rotary Camp Dates
The Rotary Camp for
Children with Special Needs, in cooperation with the Akron Area YMCA,
offers camping experiences for children and adults with
disabilities. Rotary Camp is American Camping Association
(ACA) accredited and provides a nurturing and enriching atmosphere
where campers develop friendships, skills and memories that will last a
lifetime.
Resident Camp-
Can choose 1 or up to 3 weeks
We will bill 3rd party
agencies. If you need financial assistance please contact us.
$350.00 a week
Ages 6-17
June 15-20
June 22-27
July 6-11
July 13-18
July 20-25
July 27- Aug 1
Adult Camp-
Can choose 1 or both weeks
We will bill 3rd party
agencise. If you need financial assistance please contact us.
$415.00 a week
Ages 18 and up
June 29-July 4
August 10-15
Any questions please
contact Michelle Cahoon at 330.644.4512 or email me at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit www.gotcamp.org
Project iAm Scholarship Fundraiser, Toledo Area
Pampered Chef®
Fundraiser Show benefiting the Project iAm Scholarship fund. The show
will be online from May 1st – June 15th. The show will close
on May 18th, May 31st and June 15th so that orders placed will arrive
within a reasonable amount of time of the order being placed.
Father’s Day gifts ordered by May 31st will arrive on time.
Your products should arrive within 7-10 days of closing. The products
come from Chicago so the closer you are to Chicago the faster you will
get them.
We'll raise funds two ways: Donation of up to 15% of sales generated by the fundraiser. A $3 contribution for each future Show booking from the fundraiser. This is all being done online. Please follow the following instructions to make your purchase so that Project iAm will receive a donation from The Pampered Chef based on your product purchase amount. 1. Go to www.pamperedchef.biz/JenniferMenon 2. Click on Our Products 3. Click on How To Purchase 4. Enter the Organization’s name: Project iAm 5. Click Search for Host 6. Click the words Project iAm Nicole Khoury, this will take you to the products 7. Begin Shopping (click on whatever category you are interested in or Search for a specific item) 8. All products will be shipped directly to you. When you checkout please select the option Ship to Customer. If you have any questions please email me or Jennifer Menon, Independent Consultant with the Pampered Chef, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Thank you for your continued support! |
Autism forum allows parents to have a say
By Dorsey Griffith - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, May 2, 2008
Parents of autistic children want answers, and in an unprecedented move, federal health officials will be in Sacramento on Saturday to ask how they can help provide them. At a daylong "town hall" meeting at the UC Davis Cancer Center, a wide range of autism stakeholders will brainstorm about the kind of federally funded research needed on the neurodevelopmental disorder. "This is the trial balloon," said Isaac Pessah, a UC Davis toxicologist and autism researcher who directs the UC Davis Children's Center for Environmental Health and Disease Prevention. "This is the opportunity for the public (affected) by autism to have their view of what should be researched included in a strategic plan." That plan is being developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a group of representatives from various federal health agencies charged with coordinating autism research activities nationwide under the Combating Autism Act of 2006. Those who attend Saturday will represent several autism advocacy groups with different agendas. While some view the disorder as a "difference" that does not need to be cured, others see the answers in special diets, behavioral therapies or alternative treatments such as the removal of metals and other toxicants from the bloodstream. Many parents with autistic children distrust federal researchers, who generally dispute the potential role of childhood vaccine components in causing the autism epidemic. Some also argue that the government's spending on research so far hasn't yielded many helpful answers. "I think we ought to be spending more time listening to parents and what they experience with their kids," said Rick Rollens, an autism activist who has a son with the disorder. Learning to distinguish the differences and commonalities among those affected with autism will allow researchers to better address individual kids' needs. Rollens cited gastrointestinal and immune system problems common to many children with autism as areas ripe for research. "There are literally hundreds of interventions that parents and others have tried over the years," he said. "Yet everyone is thrown into the same category, so when you study different interventions, you find that while it may not be a great success overall, certain groups do benefit." For Connie Lapin of Northridge, whose 40-year-old son has autism, the town hall meeting is an opportunity to talk about the long-term consequences of the diagnosis. She said it's a conversation many parents don't want to have because they believe their child can be cured of the disorder well before they enter adulthood. "I would be the first person in line for a cure or recovery," she said. "But what that does to a family is takes away their planning and their vision of what is really possible, even if it isn't perfect." Lapin said she would like the federal government to fund research into the kinds of accommodations that are most helpful to people of all ages with autism. "This focus on cure and evidence-based treatment is making us lose our way in terms of long-term care and life-span issues," she said. "The person who has these challenges is still a person with the same needs as you and I." Christine Flowers, a spokeswoman for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, one agency involved in the strategic planning project, acknowledged and welcomed the diversity of views on the subject. "This is an opportunity to share information both ways," she said. "Sometimes that process is challenging, but everyone in their own way is trying to contribute to finding answers."
back by popular demand
sponsored by A.I.D., PO Box 1363, Medina, Ohio 44258
330-723-8838
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
June 5 and 6, 2008
Early Fee $125.00 per day
(10% Discount for Multiple Registrations for Both Days)
NEW CENTRAL LOCATION - Knox County Board, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mt.
Vernon, Ohio
(DIRECTIONS SENT UPON REGISTRATION)
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Day One: 6/5/08
8:00 am - 8:30 am: Registration
8:30 am - 10:15 am: Understand normal brain development and what happens
in the brain when children have varying forms of MR/DD: Down Syndrome,
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Fragile X
Syndrome. Sally Albrecht
10:15 am - 10:30 am Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Learn to develop and implement effective cognitive
interventions to enhance and facilitate learning in children with
developmental delays. Intelligence is 50% genetic and 50% environment.
Learn how to make the best of your environment. Cindy Holland
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Understand seizure disorders and learn to recognize
non-convulsive partial seizures. View video examples of very subtle partial
seizures in infants and children. Understand what vaccinations are risky
and why. Sally Albrecht
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Break
2:15 pm - 4:00 pm: Activity development, transition from school and
work opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardation
and developmental disabilities. Learn about grants from the Ohio DDC for
disabled adults to start their own businesses!
Cindy Holland
Day Two: 6/6/08
8:00 am - 8:30 am: Registration
8:30 am - 10:15 am: Understand Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome.
Identify curable types of dementia, such as delirium and depression from
Alzheimer's Disease. Sally Albrecht
10:15 am - 10:30 am: Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Learn to develop and implement Snoezelen®
Multi-Sensory environments for people with severe/profound cognitive
disabilities. View examples of assistive technology. Cindy Holland
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Understand Behavior Support in Dementia Care by
using retained Implicit Memory. Learn successful ways to communicate with
people with dementia. Sally Albrecht
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Break
2:15 pm - 4:00 pm: Transition to Retirement Activities and
Complimentary Therapies: Experience Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, Color,
Animal, and Aroma Therapy. Cindy Holland
Workshops include many handouts and how tos. 6 CECs are available for day
one and 4.5 for day two (10.5 total) for OH Counselors,SW & MFTs, and 6
CEUS for both days for NCCAP Activity, OH Nurses, MR/DD Co Bo ODMRDD
Employees.
INSTRUCTORS
since 1982. She has a Master's Degree in Cognitive Psychology with
extensive training in Applied Cognitive Aging and a Graduate Certificate in
Gerontology. She currently is a Psychology Professor at Lorain Co.
Community College in Elyria, Ohio. She is a presenter at NADD's Regional
Conferences and has written a series of articles for the Activity Directors'
Quarterly. Sally is the author of Managing Dementia: Improving Quality of
Life for Older Adults with Dementia. She serves on the Editorial Board for
the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Disorders, and is the
Chairman of the Montville Township Board of Zoning Appeals.
Cindy Holland, M.S., Owner, Holland Consulting has been working with people
with varying disabilities for over 20 years and is a devoted advocate for
her friends with disabilities. She has a Master's Degree in both Special
Education and Outdoor Education and has a Certificate in Recreational
Therapy. She was instrumental in bringing the Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory
concept to the forefront in the US for individuals with MR/DD and older
adults with dementia. She was a presenter at the 3rd World Snoezelen®
Conference in 1999. Her company, Holland Consultants develops and
implements Snoezelen® activities for older adults with dementia and
individuals with MR/DD. Her publications may be read in the Activity
Director's Quarterly Journal.
Early Registration Fee: $125.00 per day before 5/25/08; $145.00 per day
after 5/25/08
TO REGISTER:
CONTACT A.I.D.,
PO BOX 1363, MEDINA, OHIO 44258 AT 33O-723-8838
OR This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
/a national voice for special education rights and advocacy/
PO Box 6767 , Towson MD 21285 www.copaa.org <http://www.copaa.org>
email: protectidea@... mailto:protectidea@...
*Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6!
Ask Congress to Support the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188!
Help Parents Recover Expert Witness Fees and Level the Playing Field!
202-224-3121*
*PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON TUESDAY, MAY 6, AND
ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE IDEA FAIRNESS RESTORATION ACT, H.R. 4188.
*This bill will allow parents who prevail in due process or litigation
under IDEA recover their expert witness fees.
Few parents can afford the thousands of dollars needed to pay for expert
testimony that is often necessary to prevail in IDEA cases. But school
districts can use tax dollars to employ and pay for psychologists and
other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear a
greater financial burden. H.R. 4188 is necessary to restore Congress'
original intent and allow parents to recover their expert witness fees.
Introduced by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (Maryland) and Pete Sessions
(Texas), it will help level the playing field for the parents of
millions of children with disabilities.
Over 100 disability organizations, including the Consortium of Citizens
with Disabilities, Arc, Easter Seals, the Council of Parent Attorneys &
Advocates, Inc., National Disability Rights Network, National Down
Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Learning Disabilities
Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, CHADD, and
others support H.R. 4188. But we need your help to get it passed.
*Call Congress on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ask them to Cosponsor H.R. 4188
*
On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, please call your Congressional Representatives
(202-224-3121) and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness
Restoration Act. Have friends and family members call. It will only
take 2-3 minutes.
If you do not know who your Congressional Representative is, go to
http://www.house.gov and put your zip code into the box in the upper
left corner. (You usually only need your five digit zip code.) You
can also use http://www.congress.org to look up Representatives and
phone numbers. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES INSTEAD OF USING
EMAIL. Congress needs to hear our voices and hear from as many parents
and child advocates as possible!
It helps if you ask for the Education Aide, but you can also talk to the
person who answers the phone. You can leave a voicemail message. Tell
them you are a constituent and would like the Congressperson to
co-sponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act.
Please make a phone call on May 6, even if you've made one before. If
you can't call on May 6, it's okay to call afterwards.
*Why It's Important to Cosponsor the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R.
4188).*
The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act would override the Supreme Court's
decision in Arlington Central School District v. Murphy (2006) and allow
parents who prevail in due process or litigation to be reimbursed for
their expert witness fees. When prevailing parents cannot recover expert
costs, the playing field is neither level nor fair, and children are
denied a free appropriate public education and other fundamental IDEA
rights.
* Hiring qualified medical, technical, and other expert witnesses
can cost many thousands of dollars. Few parents can afford this
high cost, putting due process out of reach for most parents, who
struggle to afford what their children with disabilities need.
* School districts use tax dollars to pay for psychologists and
other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must
bear a greater financial burden. Approximately 36% of children
with disabilities live in families earning less than $25,000 a
year; over 2/3 earn less than $50,000 a year.
* Congress intended for parents to recover their expert witness fees
in the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986. Allowing
parents to recoup their expert fees simply restores Congress'
original intent.
* If due process is not affordable, the IEP process becomes even
more one-sided and unfair. School personnel control the IEP
process and often vastly outnumber parents. When the right to due
process is meaningful, it helps ensure that school districts
provide appropriate educations to children with disabilities.
* Most parents turn to due process and litigation only as a last
resort. In 2003, the GAO reported that there were only 5 hearings
per 10,000 special education students. But when parents are
forced into due process, they should be able to afford expert
witnesses.
*Want more detailed information?
*Download COPAA's complete brochure on the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act
and enabling parents to recover expert fees,
http://www.copaa.org/pdf/MurphyBrochure.pdf
There is also a Spanish language version,
http://www.copaa.org/pdf/MSSpanish.pdf
(Lea aqui en Espanol: Murphy y los derechos de los padres para recuperar
el costo de los expertos: http://www.copaa.org/pdf/MSSpanish.pdf )
You can read H.R. 4188 here: http://www.copaa.org/news/IRFAct.html
You can read letters from over 100 disability organizations supporting
H.R. 4188 here:
http://www.copaa.org/news/organizations.html
For more information about H.R. 4188 and this alert, please contact Bob
Berlow and Jess Butler of COPAA at protectidea@...
<mailto:protectidea@...> Together, we can make the difference and
restore a balanced playing field for children with disabilities.
*Let Congress hear your voice on May 6! Ask your Representative to
cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Call Congress,
202-224-3121.*
The April 15 meeting of the ODMRDD Family Advisory Council yielded spirited discussion on subjects including: Developing a good, workable Individual Service Plan; Services offered by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI); Progress underway following the 31 recommendations of the Futures Committee; and, an assortment of thoughtful questions for ODMRDD Director John Martin during the ‘Director’s Chat’ portion of the agenda.
Director Martin addressed the group, comprised of about 55 attendees, and responded to families inquiring, “What can we look forward to as a result of the recommendations of the Futures Committee?” … “What are National Core Indicators?” … and “How is the Department managing the issue of employee morale during budget cuts and reorganization efforts?”
Director Martin pointed to the work of the Futures Committee as a stabilizing and focusing influence. He shared, “The Futures recommendations are giving us direction on what we should be doing with our resources. I believe that the work of the Futures Committee actually gives us some hope in times of crisis, such as we are dealing with now -- with painful budget cuts. It is helping us to lay the groundwork for when things get better.” He added, “We are committed to the work that was done by the Committee, and are now putting together an implementation plan to help us move forward most effectively.” Director Martin also explained that a systematic approach to surveying individuals and families, and further defining and prioritizing system strengths and weaknesses, will be the focus of the ODMRDD National Core Indicators project. (See Pipeline Extra! April 4, 2008.) The results will show us where Ohio stands in relation to 27 other states’ MRDD systems, as defined by the people served. “Next year at this time, we will have some good data to share with you,” he stated.
Donna Owens, spokesperson for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), addressed the Family Advisory Council describing OCALI as an organization that serves families, educators, and professionals working with students with autism and low-incidence disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, and traumatic brain injuries. She noted that OCALI's mission is to build state- and system-wide capacity to improve outcomes through leadership, training and professional development, technical assistance, collaboration, and technology. In addition, Owens stated that, “ Families, as well as professionals, play a critical role in promoting the highest possible achievement of each child. To that end, we see connection and partnership with families as vital to the success of each individual at school and in the community.”
The meeting also hosted a group of ODMRDD Regional Consultants who presented information on the development of useful and workable Individual Service Plans, and discussed other day-to-day service issues.
For more information about the Family Advisory Council, contact Peggy Martin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by phone at (614) 466-8706.
A consortium of service providers, governmental agencies, and advocacy groups has collaborated to help families understand more about the benefits available to them.
Amy Tuell, Benefits Specialist with the Hamilton County Board of MRDD, will offer a total of four seminars titled, "Benefits for Individuals who have Disabilities," May 6 and 7 (see below).
Tuell is knowledgeable in the area of government benefits including Social Security Insurance (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid and Medicare. The presentations are designed to be easily understood by families and staff, and the same information will be given at each session. CEU's are pending, and the program is funded in part by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.
The planning group includes the Hamilton County Board of MRDD; Butler County Board of MRDD; Clermont County Board of MRDD; Warren County Board of MRDD; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hamilton County; NAMI Warren County; NAMI Butler County; NAMI Clermont County; PLAN of Southwest Ohio; ARC of Southwest Ohio; Community Fund Management Foundation; and, the Brain Injury Support Association of Ohio. The presentations will be:
• May 6, 1-3 PM, Nathaniel Green Lodge, 6394 Wessleman Rd., Cincinnati
• May 6, 6:30-8:30 PM, Butler County Mental Health Board, 5963 Boymel Dr., Fairfield
• May 7, 1-3 PM, Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Rd., Clermont County
• May 7, 6:30-8:30 PM, Workforce One, Young Conference Room (2nd floor), 300 E. Silver St., Lebanon
All information sessions are free. A donation is encouraged so that more presentations can be offered. Registration deadline is May 2.
Call Kathy Morris at (513) 559-6701 for a registration form. For more information call Rosalyn Dadas at (513) 697-1857 or (513) 695-3650.
TurnAround
This toolkit provides helpful information
about recent changes which expanded health coverage to certain Ohioans
without health insurance. Feel free to use the items below to
educate those who are uninsured about the increased availability of
health coverage.
Health
care expansions:
- Increased
income limit for pregnant women from 150% of the federal poverty level
to 200% FPL. (Began January 2008)
- Coverage for
certain youths between ages 18-21 who have aged out of foster care.
(Began January 2008)
- New program
providing coverage workers with disabilities. (Began 4/1/08)
- New program for certain children with
special needs or higher monthly premiums who are in families with
income above 300% FPL. (Began 4/1/08)
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Jerry is a savant. He is able to perform extremely difficult mathematical calculations in his head. He is world renowned for his books and is the subject of the Movie "Mozart and the Whale" based on the brilliant book about an Asperger couple. Despite his achievements, Jerry still faces many of the challenges of autism. Come and learn from the real experts! Note: Jerry works with and advises the Autism Society of America. http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-jnewport.htm
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