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June 30, 2008

Dear Friend of ASO:
 
News From ASO:
 
- Governor Strickland signs HB562 Capital and Budget Corrections Bill
- Autism Early Screening Pilot: We need your help!
- National Candidate Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus - Plan on attending! 
- NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration, Columbus
- 2008 ASA National Conference
- Federal Update
 
Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:
 
- Cleveland Area Trainings from Achievement Centers for Children
- Seminar:“Community Employment:  A Priority of First Consideration”, Columbus
- Toledo Children’s Hospital’s Boating Safety Education Project - For Children with Disabilities
- Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)'s Next Meeting Will Be July 7th.
- New Yahoo Group - Moms of Asperger Girls
- Social Skills Group-For Children with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome, A.D.H.D.,  A.D.D., L.D., or other social difficulties, Pettisville
- 2008 T-ball/Softball, Bryan
- Research: Drug Reverses Mental Retardation in Mice
- Medicaid Buy In & Individual Benefit Management, Springfield, St. Clairsville, Athens, Withamsville (greater Cincinnati), Columbus, Bowling Green
- July Meeting of Beyond Us - Families of Adults with Aspergers, HFA, & PDD-NOS, Columbus
- Online Seminar: NCLB and Students with LD:  Myths, Facts and What the Future Holds
- "Social Skills & Differentiating Instruction in Autism Spectrum Disorders", Detroit
- "Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders", Columbus
- ADA Restoration Act passes House by vote of 402-17
- Ohio Adult Sibling “Sibs” Conference, Nov. 7-8, 2008, Columbus
- Article: Teen with Asperger's syndrome prepares for life after graduation
- Ohio DD Council Seeks Applicants for Membership
- AUTISM RESEARCH OFFERS HOPE/TISSUE BANK
- A Comedy Benefit for Autism Education, Cleveland

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.
 

News From ASO:

 

Governor Strickland signs HB562 Capital and Budget Corrections Bill

Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law H.B. 562, the Capital Appropriations and Corrections Bill. Governor Strickland and the General Assembly worked together closely to achieve bipartisan agreement on nearly everything in the final bill, which passed the General Assembly.

 

H.B. 562 includes a number of provisions of interest to Ohio’s MRDD community. Highlights include the following: 

 ·        Makes $21,500,774 in capital improvement appropriations to address facilities’ infrastructure and improvement needs, and to assist County Boards of MRDD efforts to addressing community housing needs;

·        Streamlines and improves State Agency purchasing (Sec. 127.16)

·        Changes reporting regarding the autism scholarship program (Sec. 3310.42); (Note: this is a reporting change for tracking students only and makes no changes to the ASP program)

·        Adds a requirement that ODJFS report, on a quarterly basis, on a set of specified activities to increase administrative efficiency of the program and to promote better outcomes Medicaid cost control activities (Sec. 5111.091) Note:  ODMRDD and other state agencies continue to work closely with ODJFS on these activities, already underway.

·        Requires reports from County Boards of MRDD providing a child with special education and related services (Sec. 3317.20);

·        Relocates the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (“OCALI”) to the Franklin County Educational Services Center and making OCALI’s Executive Director a member of the Interagency Workgroup on Autism, being led by ODMRDD (Sec. 3323.30 et seq);

·        Provides statutory authority to accommodate providers, County Boards of MRDD, and advocates requesting or needing to increase community-based options through a one-time, voluntary process for licensure and funding of up to 100 ICFMR beds to be converted to increase slots the availability of  home and community based services (Sec. 5111.874-810);

·        Uses an increase in the ICFMR franchise permit fee to continue funding for home and community based waiver programs operated by ODMRDD, enhance reimbursement rates for ICFMRs, and to provide funds for a new program for children with intensive behavioral needs to be established by the Director of ODMRDD (Sec. 5112.31, 5112.37, 5112.371 and 5123.196);

·        Removes Medicaid case management services from the formula governing a 1.5% annual fee being charged to each County Board of MRDD to provide funds supporting ODJFS and ODMRDD Medicaid administration and oversight (Sec. 5123.0412);

·        Requires the Director of ODMRDD, working in collaboration with ODJFS and in consultation with OCALI and university-based programs specializing in services for individuals with MRDD to establish a new program for children with intensive behavioral needs, including individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (Sec. 5123.0417);

·        Gives more flexibility to County Boards and private nonprofit agencies working to construct housing by creating an exception to the requirements in Chapter 153 of the Revised Code;

·        Corrects the Tax Equity appropriation to mitigate the significance of changes to funding for County Boards MRDD, in the absence of this change (Sec. 337.30.43);

·        Revises the focus of the Gallipolis Developmental Center Pilot Project to test state operated smaller ICFsMR in response to unique circumstances posed by the budget recalibration plan for staffing and funding reductions, and difficulties implementing the original Pilot Project model. NOTE:  ODMRDD wants to clarify that it is NOT planning to expand this model statewide, but tailored this pilot to the unique situation posed by budget reductions and problems with the original model.
 
ASO is particularly excited about OCALI's move from ODE to the Educational Service Center of Franklin County and the opportunities for expansion of services.  Additionally, OCALI's inclusion as a partner with ODMRDD in developing programs for children with intensive behavioral needs, including individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is very exciting.  ASO will work with both OCALI and ODMRDD to assure that quality programs that meet the needs of individuals with autism around the state are developed.
 
Note: Portions excerpted from the ODMRDD Pipeline Newsletter

Autism Early Screening Pilot: We need your help!
 
As part of the Autism Early Screening Pilot, the Ohio chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), who is administering the program for the Ohio Department of Health, is looking to recruit pediatric and family practice physicians to participate in the program from the pilot counties:  Belmont, Warren, Wood, Cuyahoga and Franklin.  If you would like to suggest a practice to participate in this project - please send the practice contact information to Dan Farkas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Also, contact your practice and encourage them to participate.  PLEASE only suggest and or contact practices in the pilot counties at this time!
 
 
This project was made possible through an initiative of the Autism Society of Ohio and the support of Rep. Kevin Bacon.


 
National Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus - Plan on attending!
National Forum on Disability Issues featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) to be held on July 26, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. The National Forum on Disability Issues, featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) is a historic, nonpartisan forum on national disability policy to be held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. We plan to welcome over a thousand Americans with disabilities and their friends and family (registration required) to attend the event and to commemorate the 18th anniversary of our civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act. The forum will feature time slots for the presidential candidates to individually present their visions for the future of disability policy in America followed by questions from the audience, asked by Judy Woodruff, news anchor and journalist ("The News Hour with Jim Lehrer"), who will act as the Moderator.   ASO is a recent sponsor of this event.  For more information, visit 
www.aapd-dc.org.

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
Respite Child Care
Continuing Education Credits

Federal Update
 
After protracted negotiations with the White House, the House of Representatives approved a bipartisan $161.8 billion war supplemental spending bill (H.R. 2642).  The legislation’s domestic spending amendment passed by a vote of 416-12.  That package includes a one year moratoria on six Medicaid regulations, including the rehab option, school based administration/transportation, and case management rules. 
 
On June 20, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation-Housing and Related Agencies marked up its FY 2009 bill.  The subcommittee restored the President’s $77 million cut to the Section 811 Supportive Housing Program for People with Disabilities, added an additional $13 million for the program, and provided $30 million in new funding for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers targeted to non-elderly people with disabilities.

 
Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:
 
Cleveland Area Trainings from Achievement Centers for Children
 
July 21-25, 2008, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
“Planning a Comprehensive, Blended Method Classroom Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum”
For teachers, occupational and speech therapists and other professionals who work with students with autism Pre-K through Grade 6.  This 5-day training is designed to provide foundational training for classroom teachers and school district teams in the development of a blended method program for students with autism spectrum disorder.
The cost is $750 per registrant.
 
September 25-26, October 3, 2008, 8:30  a.m.-3:00 p.m.
“Paraprofessional Training: Working with Pre-K & K-5 Students with Autism”
This 3-day training for Paraprofessionals in Public School Districts will address autism and the developmental challenges associated with the disorder.  The role and responsibilities of the paraprofessional working with individual children within the context of the classroom and school environment will be overviewed with an emphasis on effective strategies that will enhance children’s developmental skills in the areas of social interaction, language/communication and cognitive processing/problem solving.
The cost is $450 per registrant.
 
All trainings will be held at:
Achievement Centers for Children
4255 Northfield Road
Highland Hills, OH 44128
 
For more information, contact Helen Mack, 216/292-9700 x 248 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

“Community Employment:  A Priority of First Consideration”
 
Presented by the ARC of Ohio
 
September 11 & 12, 2008
 
Holiday Inn
7007 N. High St.
Worthington, OH 43085
Presented By The Arc of Ohio, Inc. in partnership with Ohio APSE – The Ohio Network on Employment, Ohio Association of Adult Services (OAAS), Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)  
 
Keynote:  “Full Employment:  What Does It Take?”  David Mank, Ph.D., Director of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University
 
For complete details, visit: www.thearcofohio.org

Toledo Children’s Hospital’s Boating Safety Education Project - For Children with Disabilities
 
Toledo Children’s Hospital is the recipient of a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to provide a safe boating experience for your child with a disability. One parent or caregiver is required to accompany the child with special needs on a free boat ride. The pontoon boat is docked at the Erie Street Market and is equipped with a wheelchair accessible ramp.  Due to the size limitations of the pontoon the ride is limited to one caregiver per child.
 
The boat ride includes:
 
An educational presentation about safe boating.
Each child and adult parent, caregiver or aide will be fitted with a life jacket.
A 45 minute boat ride leaving from the Erie Street Market dock.
 
Please complete the form below to register to reserve a space for your child and their caregiver. Please note there are two dates to choose from.  Please reply by circling your date/time of choice and fill in the personal information requested to register for the boat ride.
 
Dates:  Tuesday, July 8th           11am or 12:30pm
Wednesday, July 16th     11am or 12:30pm
 
Please call Pamela Proudfoot ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Laurie Mold, ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) at 419-291-4353 to register or if you have any questions.
Please reply no later than July 1, 2008.
 
YOU CAN RETURN THIS FORM VIA E-MAIL OR FAX TO 419-479-3269
 
Name of child             ______________________________________________
 
Name of caregiver      ______________________________________________
 
Address          ____________________________________________________
 
                       ____________________________________________________
 
Phone & e-mail ___________________________________________________     
 
2142 North Cove Boulevard, Toledo, OH 43606 419-291-KIDS

Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)'s Next Meeting Will Be July 7th.

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.

Privacy Rights
By attending a DARN support group meeting you are agreeing:

*  To respect and protect the privacy rights of every person &/or service provider present or mentioned.
*  To regard any personal information that is disclosed as being confidential. 
*  To obtain prior consent from the coordinator and those who are in attendance if you would like to use any recording devise. 

In order to protect the privacy rights of those who are in attendance or mentioned during a DARN meeting, recording devices of any kind are not permitted in or during any portion of any DARN meeting or event without the express written consent of the coordinator and those who are in attendance.


Child Care During Meetings
Since child care at the Christ UMC is inconsistent, we advise that you arrange for your own child care.

Scheduling Speakers
DARN is scheduling speakers for the year 2008 for even numbered months (ie.  Feb., April, June, August, Oct. & Dec.)    If you know of a speaker that you would like to hear speak at DARN, please contact them to see if they are available to speak.  Dates will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.

Here is the criteria: must be willing to donate that night’s speaking engagement, 1 – 1 hour and 15 minutes speaking time,  attendance ranges from 16 – 109 depending on the topic; screen & electrical available, large room, tables available. 

Sincerely,

Audrey Schilb
(937) 433 - 4505

Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website:   http://darngroup.tripod.com/

New Yahoo Group - Moms of Asperger Girls
 
Moms of Asperger Girls, (dads also welcome), is a newly formed Yahoo group similar to Greater Cleveland Aspergers Support (GC-AS), but international in scope.  If you're a parent of girl with Asperger's, please join them at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MomsofAspergerGirls/

(If you are not familiar with GC-AS, the contact information is:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Social Skills Group-For Children with High Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome, A.D.H.D.,  A.D.D., L.D., or other social difficulties

For 7 to 11 year olds
 
Pettisville Missionary Church                                             6:15 to 7:15 pm
19055 County Road D                      (Pettisville is located between Archbold & Wauseon)
Pettisville, OH
 
Skills to be covered:
Fundamental-eye contact, voice volume, tone, etc.
Social Initiation-greetings, introductions, offering an opinion, etc.
Social Response Skills-following directions, reading body language, and handling mistakes, etc.
Getting Along with Others-turn taking, apologizing, showing interest in other, etc.
 
***********Pre-registration & screening required by 6/15/08*******************
                   (session subject to cancellation in the case of low enrollment)
                                     10 weekly sessions starting 7/1/08.
                         $200 includes assessment of individual abilities/needs
 Staff:
Jen Basselman is a Behavior Analyst for A.C.T. Now, and has worked with children with disabilities for the last 13 years first as a casemanager/SSA and then an administrator. She is also the mother of a boy with A.S.D.
 
Complete and return with payment to the address below.
Name:                                                      Address:
City/State/Zip:                                         Phone:
Email:
 

2008 T-ball/Softball

M.O.D.E.L. Community School
for students with Autism
218 West High street
Bryan, Ohio 43506
(419) 633-0718

M.O.D.E.L. School for Autism, in conjunction with A.C.T. Now (Autism Consulting
and Training), and the Bryan Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor a
t-ball/softball team for students with Autism (and a small number of neurotypical
children for reverse mainstreaming).
Where: Garver Park, Bryan, OH
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays in July (except 7/3) from 1pm to 2pm
Fee: None
Pre-registration is required.
Contact M.O.D.E.L. School for Autism for complete details

Drug Reverses Mental Retardation in Mice

tinyurl.com/5klnat <http://tinyurl.com/5klnat>

      Newswise - UCLA researchers discovered that an FDA-approved drug reverses the brain dysfunction inflicted by a genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Because half of TSC patients also suffer from autism, the findings offer new hope for addressing learning disorders due to autism. Nature Medicine publishes the findings in its online June 22 edition.
      Using a mouse model for TSC, the scientists tested rapamycin, a drug approved by the FDA to fight tissue rejection following organ transplants. Rapamycin is well-known for targeting an enzyme involved in making proteins needed for memory. The UCLA team chose it because the same enzyme is also regulated by TSC proteins.
      "This is the first study to demonstrate that the drug rapamycin can repair learning deficits related to a genetic mutation that causes autism in humans. The same mutation in animals produces learning disorders, which we were able to eliminate in adult mice," explained principal investigator Dr. Alcino Silva, professor of neurobiology and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "Our work and other recent studies suggest that some forms of mental retardation can be reversed, even in the adult brain."
      "These findings challenge the theory that abnormal brain development is to blame for mental impairment in tuberous sclerosis," added first author Dan Ehninger, postgraduate researcher in neurobiology. "Our research shows that the disease's learning problems are caused by reversible changes in brain function -- not by permanent damage to the developing brain."
      TSC is a devastating genetic disorder that disrupts how the brain works, often causing severe mental retardation. Even in mild cases, learning disabilities and short-term memory problems are common. Half of all TSC patients also suffer from autism and epilepsy. The disorder strikes one in 6,000 people, making it twice as common as Huntington's or Lou Gehrig's disease.
      Silva and Ehninger studied mice bred with TSC and verified that the animals suffered from the same severe learning difficulties as human patients. Next, the UCLA team traced the source of the learning problems to biochemical changes sparking abnormal function of the hippocampus, a brain structure that plays a key role in memory.
      "Memory is as much about discarding trivial details as it is about storing useful information," said Silva, a member of the UCLA Department of Psychology and UCLA Brain Research Institute. "Our findings suggest that mice with the mutation cannot distinguish between important and unimportant data. We suspect that their brains are filled with meaningless noise that interferes with learning."
      "After only three days of treatment, the TSC mice learned as quickly as the healthy mice," said Ehninger. "The rapamycin corrected the biochemistry, reversed the learning deficits and restored normal hippocampal function, allowing the mice's brains to store memories properly."
      In January, Silva presented his study at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke meeting, where he was approached by Dr. Petrus de Vries, who studies TSC patients and leads rapamycin clinical trials at the University of Cambridge. After discussing their respective findings, the two researchers began collaborating on a clinical trial currently taking place at Cambridge to examine whether rapamycin can restore short-term memory in TSC patients.
      "The United States spends roughly $90 billion a year on remedial programs to address learning disorders," noted Silva. "Our research offers hope to patients affected by tuberous sclerosis and to their families. The new findings suggest that rapamycin could provide therapeutic value in treating similar symptoms in people affected by the disorder."'
      The research was funded by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Autism Speaks and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation). Silva and Ehninger's coauthors included Yu Zhou, Carrie Shilyansky and Weidong Li of UCLA; and Sangyeul Han, Vijaya Ramesh and David Kwiatkowski of Harvard Medical School.
       Source: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Health Sciences

For rest of today's SAR click here:
www.sarnet.org/frm/forsar.htm


Medicaid Buy In & Individual Benefit Management
 
ARC Ohio And Cerebral Palsy Ohio
Present
Medicaid Buy In & Individual Benefit Management
 
Regional Presentations On: 
August 7, 14, 21, 28, September 10, 24 and 25, 2008

Thursday, Aug. 7th/Clark State/LRC/570 E. Leffel Lane/Springfield, OH 45505
Thursday, Aug. 14th/Belmont CBMRDD/330 Fox Shannon Ln/St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Thursday, Aug. 21st/Summit CBMRDD/89 E. Howe Rd./Tallmadge, OH 44278
Thursday, Aug. 28th/ Athens Community Ctr./701 E. State. St/Athens, OH 45701
Wednesday, Sept. 10th/The Arc of Ohio/1075 Ohio Pike/Withamsville, OH 45245
Wednesday, Sept. 24th/Educational Service Ctr/2080 City Gate Dr./Columbus, OH 43219
Thursday, Sept. 25th/Bowling Green Comm. Ctr./1245 W. Newton/Bowling Green, OH 43402
 
Registration 8am-9am / Presentation runs from 9am to 3pm
 
Presenters:                             Bev Johnson, Executive Director, Cerebral  Palsy Association of Ohio
                                                Janet Miller, Associate Director, Cerebral  Palsy Association of Ohio
Training Topics Include:
How Does MBI Work?                   Difference Between SSI & SSDI
Who Is Eligible?                              Effect of Earned Income on Benefits/Wages
How Does It Help?                         Availability & Use of Work Incentives
Does It Affect Other Benefits?
Registration Fee (includes lunch and materials):
            Family / Individuals with Disabilities          FREE!
            Professionals/Others                                            $75.00
 
July Meeting of Beyond Us - Families of Adults with Aspergers, HFA, & PDD-NOS
 
Dear Aspirations/Beyond Us Parents,

Thank you to those who came to hear the police officers from the Westerville police give their in-depth presentation on Internet Predators.  We had about 10 young adults who came with their families and I know they  "got the message" of how good the predators are at what they do and how dangerous they are. The ramifications of sexual abuse last a life time.  The officers really put so much of their energy in helping those at risk to be informed and proactive.

The young adults asked excellent questions and the parents shared their many concerns.  I will write a follow-up to the meeting but need to talk with Officer Bailey first.

The regular meeting day for Beyond Us has changed to the 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in July.   It  will no longer be the 3rd Thursday.

Our July meeting will welcome young adults, families and parents. As my daughter's FCMRDD Service Co-ordinator reminded me - she has to be the one making informed decisions about the details of her living situation and not be a passive recipient.  This certainly relates to our mission of our young adults being able to go Beyond Us.   My thought is that  probably we will encourage the young adults to attend our meetings if the services directly relate to what they do -  as our group goes forward.

 
July Meeting of Beyond Us -
Families of Adults with Aspergers, HFA, & PDD-NOS

Who - Kathy Ramey
Program Director of Supported Living
Kari Peirce - Assistant Program Director
Goodwill of Columbus

When -  Wednesday, July16th  - 7 to 9 pm

Where - COSERCC, 470 W. Glenmont, Columbus, OH   43214
COSERRC - Map to COSERRC

RSVP & Questions - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  614-267-7679

This meeting came to be as I was really curious about the program - On My Own.  It was a  Columbus program of about 20 years started by parents.  It provided supported living and social opportunities for young adults like our own.  It went out of business this past year and has been taken under the umbrella of the Columbus Goodwill.  This meeting will give us an opportunity to know what they actually do.
Hope to see you and your young adult on Wed, July 16th at 7 at the COSERCC!!

Nancy Beu

Beyond Us - Families of Adults with Aspergers, HFA, & PDD-NOS

We are parents and families of young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, HFA,(High Functioning Autism) & PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) and related disorders.  Although our adult children have average to above average intelligence and may not appear to have a disability, they require specialized support in order to be independent contributing members of our society.  As family members we provide the daily support and guidance to help our young adults succeed.  Our mission is to help each other and the people who work with our young adults to better understand the challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorder. We will find and help develop the supports and guidance that will make it possible for them to live autonomous lives to their fullest potentials so they can successfully go forward - beyond us.

Online Seminar: NCLB and Students with LD:  Myths, Facts and What the Future Holds
Join our Next LD Talk: 
NCLB and Students with LD:  Myths, Facts and What the Future Holds

June 30, 2008
1 p.m. ET

During the next LD Talk, our expert, Candace Cortiella, will answer your questions about No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and discuss how and why the National Center for Learning Disabilities is a strong proponent for many of the provisions under NCLB, as they relate to students with learning disabilities.

Please take this opportunity to ask us your most pressing questions about assessment and instruction under NCLB -- tell us about the realities your children or students with learning disabilities face as their schools work to implement NCLB.  We want to learn more about the topics under NCLB that are most important to you.

In addition, be sure to visit NCLD's Advocacy Center in early July 2008 to get a first look at NCLD's new publication, Challenging Change, a report that highlights how several schools and school districts are seeing results as they work to improve academic outcomes for students with disabilities under NCLB.

As executive director of the Advocacy Institute, a parent of an adult child with learning disabilities and a member of NCLD's Professional Advisory Board, Candace Cortiella is uniquely qualified to answers your questions, dispel common myths about NCLB and to provide insights into implementing NCLB in the future.  Don't miss the opportunity to have this true advocate share her experience and expertise with you.

Read more about Candace Cortiella and The Advocacy Institute


Joining this LD Talk is as Easy as 1-2-3!

Since LD Talks are text-based discussions, all you'll need is Internet access to participate. You can submit your question in advance of the Talk, or during the scheduled event. In either case, participating is as easy as 1-2-3!
  1. Click here. This will take you to a page featuring a detailed description of this Talk, as well as the biography of the participating expert(s) and additional resources on the topic;
  2. Type your question in the field provided;
  3. Click "Ask your Question."

That's all there is to it. Once the Talk is live, you'll see the questions that have been asked and our expert's answers.

Did you miss something?

Don't worry if you aren't available to join the live Talk — we'll save the transcript for you, and you can visit this online resource as often as you like.

Please note: Due to the volume of questions submitted, our expert may not be able to answer each individual question.

Our discussion will be moderated by Laura Kaloi, Director of Public Policy at the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  

NCLD Talks Chat Transcripts Archive

Transcripts of previous discussions are available for your review at NCLDtalks.org. For an archive of NCLD Talk transcripts from 2000-2007, click here.


"Social Skills & Differentiating Instruction in Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Detroit, MI    November 11-12, 2008
Tuesday, Nov. 11th
Social Skills and Frustration Management
Jed Baker, Ph.D.
Wednesday, Nov. 12th
"Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms"
Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
 
 
"Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Columbus, OH     December 2-3, 2008 
 
Tuesday, Dec. 2nd
"ASDs and the House of Human Development"
Teresa Bolick, Ph.D. 
 
Wednesday, Dec. 3rd
"Social Skills and Frustration Management"
Jed Baker, Ph.D.
 

ADA Restoration Act passes House by vote of 402-17

House Bill 3195, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration Act, passed the House on June 25 with a vote of 402 to 17. The ADA Restoration Act was originally introduced on July 26, 2007 with the purpose of strengthening the definition of disability so that the "severity test" of determining a disability was not as strict as it has been defined by the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the original ADA was passed in 1990, the Court's decisions have severely narrowed the definition of disability, thus limiting who can use the law to challenge discrimination. Cases have been dismissed on the definition of disability with the courts never addressing the discrimination claim.

Negotiations to accommodate the concerns of both the disability and business community were made on May 23, 2008. The negotiations led to draft language that was included in the House bill that was passed. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

(This announcement is also available on the OLRS Web site at http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/olrs_InTheNews.asp#jun26)


Ohio Adult Sibling “Sibs” Conference, Nov. 7-8, 2008

The Eighth Annual Ohio Adult Sibling Conference will be held November 7-8, 2008, at the Columbus Airport Marriott Hotel. The conference's goal is to promote sibling awareness and activity in the life of their brother or sister with a developmental disability. For registration and conference information, visit the wwebsite at www.ohiosibs.com.  For additional information contact Tom Fish, Ohio SIBS, The OSU Nisonger Center  257C McCampbell Hall 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210.  Phone (614)-292-7550 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Article: Teen with Asperger's syndrome prepares for life after graduation

Teen with Asperger's syndrome prepares for life after graduation


DD Council Seeks Applicants for Membership
***(Note applications due by August 1st)***
 
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is currently seeking applicants for membership terms beginning in October, 2008. Council membership must comply with categories listed in the federal DD Act. Openings this year will be for the following categories:  a) two (2) individuals with a developmental disability, and/or b) two (2) parents or guardians of children with a developmental disability. It is possible that one (1) representative will also be selected from a non-governmental agency or private nonprofit group concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
 
All candidates for DD Council membership should have experience serving on committees, boards, or organizations. Such experience concerned with persons with developmental disabilities would be especially relevant. Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about developmental disabilities in Ohio. 
 
It is very important that applicants have time to attend six meetings per year and serve on at least two committees. Each meeting of Council occurs over a two-day period.
 
Serving as a member of Council provides the opportunity to get involved and work in a collaborative manner with state and federal policymakers, state and local providers, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. Council advocates to improve the system of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and it conducts grant activities for the same purpose.
 
Governor Ted Strickland will appoint members for three-year terms beginning October 1, 2008 and ending September 30, 2011. Application packets are available from the ODDC office and must be completed and returned to the office by August 1, 2008. Applications may be requested:
 
·        By mail:  ODDC, 8 East Long Street, Suite 1200, Columbus, Ohio 43215
·        By phone:  (614) 466-5205or toll-free (800) 766-7426. If you are leaving a message, please spell out your name, and give your address including zip code, and phone number.
·        By email by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Please distribute this announcement widely, and if appropriate and timely, include in your newsletter.


AUTISM RESEARCH OFFERS HOPE/TISSUE BANK
To view images in this message click here.
 
Dear Autism Research Institute Friends,

The Autism Research Institute is working closely with scientists and clinicians throughout the country in an effort to find effective treatments for this devastating disorder. According to these experts, limited availability of tissue from children who suffer with autism is hampering research because without actual tissue it is difficult to determine the basic biological defects responsible for this disorder. In an effort to increase research, the ARI has entered into a partnership with the Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders at the University of Maryland in contract to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to support tissue donations.
 
Anyone Can Be a Donor
Anyone, regardless of age is invited to register as a tissue donor. The tissue bank is just as much in need of control tissue as tissue from those with autism. Tissue must be recovered within 24 hours because after this time the tissue has lost most of its usefulness for research purposes. Therefore, advanced registration is especially important in that it enables the intricate process of tissue recovery to occur in a timely manner.

 
Even if a person is not registered in advance, tissue donation may still be possible by calling the toll free number above. The Brain and Tissue Bank will make every attempt within its means to ensure successful tissue recovery.
 
To register: 
Call 1-800-847-1539 or 1-410-706-1755 (from outside the continental U.S.) to request a packet or discuss any questions or concerns relating to tissue donation.
 
Spread the Word:

     •    
Forward this e-mail
     •    
Download the brochure (.pdf)
     •    
Request some brochures

Contact the NICHD Tissue Bank:
University of Maryland
Department of Pediatrics
655 West Baltimore St., 13-013 BRD
Baltimore, MD. 21201-1559
Toll free 800-847-1539
Ph. 410-706-1755
Fx. 410-706-0038
Send an E-mail
Visit the NICHD Website
 
Learn More
Autism Research Institute Website


A Comedy Benefit for Autism Education
To Reserve Tickets Call 440.840.3546 or E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Details: http://fwbimprov.com/ 
Our Next Show:   There's No "I" in Improv 
July 11, 2008
8PM
Borderline Comedy Club
1572 West 117th St.
Lakewood, OH 44107
$10
 
All profits go to the Milestones Organization  which provides education and training for Cleveland's Autism Community

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