Congress Passes Bill Restoring ADA Rights
Representatives Moran and Miller Introduce Legislation to Help Military Retirees Affected
Stakeholder Comments on IACC Draft Strategic Plan Due September 30
NIMH Cancels Autism Chelation Trial
CPI Announces Autism Awareness Seminar
2009 ASA National Conference to be Held in Chicago Area, July 22-25, 2009
Autism Society of Michigan Fall Conference
Environmental Health Resources
Service Dog Provider Holds Fundraiser
U.K. Bestseller Brings the Healing Power of "Man's Best Friend" to the U.S.
Model Me Kids Launches Online Social Networking Group
Draft Guidance for Special Education Operating Standards Posted for Public Comment; Public
Hearing Scheduled for Nov. 7
Measure Up
- OLRS compiles presidential candidates' positions on disability-related
issues
- Dayton Asperger Resource Network's Next Meeting Will Be October 6th.
- 2009 HELPING HAND GRANTS JUST ANNOUNCED for NE Ohio Families
- RTOI Webinar: Down Syndrome and Autism Screening: Diagnosis and Prevalence
- Article on successful young artist with autism
- Software for Easier Parenting
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 l eft side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".
Sincerely,
The Autism Society of
701
( 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 implied.
As you are aware, Autism Insurance Parity, HB170 is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The fall elections are coming and immediately following the elections it will be time to address next biennial budget for Ohio. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who work them throughout Ohio. And because of this, the Autism Society of Ohio needs your help.
We are in the process of putting together an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.
You can volunteer to participate in
two ways:
·
Team
Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is
responsible for carrying the key ASO/autism messages when meeting with the
legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter
writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district,
etc.
· Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics – ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc.
ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.
If
you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name,
address, city,
zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate
District number and whether you are interested in being a “Team Leader” or a
“Team Member” to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in
the subject line. To find your
district numbers, visit www.legislature.state.oh.us and follow the directions
under "Locating Legislators".
For more information, visit our website at www.autismohio.org
Register to Vote! Deadline to register October 6!
This is a friendly reminder that October 6 is the last day to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote this November 4.
It is very important for the future of the disability community that as many people with disabilities as possible register and vote. ADA, IDEA, and other laws and policies that protect individuals with disabilities because those individuals and their families got involved in the political process in large numbers. And people with disabilities in the United States now number 54 million and counting. So we are potentially a very powerful voting block, if we all vote.
You are eligible to register and vote this November if you will be eighteen or older by November 4, and you will have lived in Ohio for 30 days by then. You need to re-register any time you move or change your name, or if you have not voted in a general election in four years. Otherwise, if you have already registered, your registration status does not expire. Voter registration forms are available at the Ability Center, at public libraries, and at your Board of Elections, or you can download them here.
You can also download the form to request an absentee (mail-in) ballot. This form does need to be filled out again for each election for which you want a mail-in ballot. Your completed form(s) should be returned to your Board of Elections office; you can find the addresses at the link here – along with a lot of other additional information.
Visit www.abilitycenter.org, and choose “Feel the Power of the Disability Vote” for links to more voting information. After the first week in October, visit www.ohiodisabilityvote.org to learn more about the statewide effort to get people with disabilities politically involved, as well as to learn more about your local candidates.
NAMI offers information on the Presidential candidates’ positions on disabilities issues at this link.
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and
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 |
Late Registration (September 23 - October 20, 2008): $300
On Site Registration (October 20 - November 21, 2008): $315
Parent/Family Member Rate: $100
Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100
Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org
The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires group health plans to cover mental health and substance abuse conditions on the same terms as any other illness. The Senate is taking up the bill as part of a larger tax bill.
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee, held a hearing on "Covering the Uninsured: Making Health Insurance Markets Work". For more information, see: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/hearing092308.htm Also on Tuesday, the House Ways & Means Committee's Health Subcommittee held a hearing on: "The Health of the Private Health Insurance Market". See: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=detail&hearing=649
Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they
announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees
get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press
conference.
"The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the
Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care
to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our
country," said Grossman. "It also sets an example for
insurance companies in the private sector, an important step toward
getting all families and individuals affected by autism the
appropriate, medically necessary care they need."
As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating
individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs.
Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide
coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with
autism of military retirees without access to needed care.
The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by
allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of
Defense's Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO
benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per
year for this important therapy.
We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a
letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R.
6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=7Hnc6s7kFEa0K0_SbCQCDA..
The Autism Society of America is pleased to announce the appointment
of Barbara Newhouse as Chief Operating Officer (COO) beginning October 1. An Iowa native, Ms. Newhouse brings with her 30 years of successful experience in the non-profit arena with organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and American Cancer Society. With demonstrated experience in change management, public relations, fundraising, board governance and network/chapter leadership, Ms. Newhouse will lead the largest grassroots organization dedicated to autism spectrum disorders in the world into a new era of awareness and treatment for the condition. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=O6t0yhlrSqtfpPR5ra-EYA..
Congress Passes Bill Restoring ADA Rights
Last week, Congress passed a bill restoring many of the rights guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Despite passage of the ADA in 1990, many individuals with disabilities still face discrimination in the workplace. Court decisions over the last decade have excluded individuals who should have been covered under the current ADA law. These narrow court interpretations have restricted ADA coverage for people with diabetes, epilepsy, serious heart conditions, mental disabilities and cancer. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=q309xP530AL_cIrxKrNIUA..
Representatives Moran and Miller Introduce Legislation to Help Military Retirees Affected by Autism
Autism Society of America president and CEO Lee Grossman joined Representatives Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health-care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=6EzyhdvdbiELf5mo17O6UA..
Stakeholder Comments on IACC Draft Strategic Plan Due September 30
The purpose of this time-sensitive Request for Information (RFI) is to seek comments on the draft Strategic Plan from ASD stakeholders, such as individuals with ASD and their families, autism advocates, scientists, health professionals, therapists, educators, officials of state and local programs for ASD, and the public at large. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=lkZeV4CYFS22kJ5UsVljUw..
NIMH Cancels Autism Chelation Trial
A planned trial of chelation therapy for children with autism was called off by the National Institute of Mental Health last week. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=xoJrCOwCjEMF4qTcwrvZDw..
MD Public School System Introduces Classroom Inclusion Guide
Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Maryland, recently announced the newly copyrighted release of "Building Bridges--A Multidisciplinary Team Approach to Supporting Students with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism in the Classroom." This guide was developed by the school system in partnership with several community organizations, including the Anne Arundel County Chapter of the Autism Society of America. It provides a variety of materials to support the inclusion of students living with autism spectrum disorders in classroom settings. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=icwWnu43s3DB1kTnICWZpA..
CPI Announces Autism Awareness Seminar
The Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc., (CPI) has recently launched an awareness seminar aimed at helping professionals recognize, relate and respond to individuals with autism in the workplace. "Autism Matters at Work" explores how awareness of autism's unique characteristics can help promote respectful interactions, reduce tension, maximize safety and prevent crisis situations in any work environment. In developing "Autism Matters at Work," CPI collaborated with Dennis Debbaudt, an advocate for people with autism and author of "Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals." Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=c2YAGER3ekHmDtTblx80ew..
2009 ASA National Conference to be Held in Chicago Area, July 22-25, 2009
Have fun in sunny Orlando this year? You'll love the Midwest's largest entertainment resort, Pheasant Run, in 2009! Save the date for ASA's 40th Annual National Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders, July 22-25, 2009 in St. Charles, Ill., outside of Chicago.
Stay tuned for our call for papers, coming later this month. If you're interested in exhibiting, advertising in the conference program guide or becoming a sponsor (over 30 companies already have), please contact Meg Ellacott at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 302.260.9487.
Autism Society of Michigan Fall Conference
Dr. Stephen Shore will keynote the Autism Society of Michigan Fall Conference on October 3 in Novi, Mich. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Isc3utB4In9oUWSyJI1CyQ..
Environmental Health Resources
Environmental toxins, such as mercury and heavy metals, have been linked to the increasing rates of autism, ADHD, allergies, asthma, and diseases such as cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. For several resources on environmental health, read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=iGKjhyO4qPu-7hNZDsXR0A..
Service Dog Provider Holds Fundraiser
4 Paws for Ability, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit agency, trains and places services dogs nationwide with individuals who have disabilities, including autism, regardless of age or severity of disability. 4 Paws is hosting its 10th Anniversary Party/Fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, 6-9 p.m. in Cincinnati, Ohio. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=66sbUah1A_UeI95eUbY9mQ..
U.K. Bestseller Brings the Healing Power of "Man's Best Friend" to the U.S.
While most people associate dogs as family pets and even helpers for those who are physically disabled, not many people think of these gentle beasts as great therapy for a disorder as complex as autism. "A Friend Like Henry" is a remarkable true story of a dog that helped a young boy overcome his disability. This is the story of a devoted golden retriever named Henry. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=zSQsQ9Ey73oC-OFWeZBo7w..
Model Me Kids Launches Online Social Networking Group
Model Me Kids has just created a social network for parents, teachers and friends to share experiences about children with autism spectrum disorders. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=0FXkzvkhE62itVxngwEEPg..
Tuesday October 21st,
7 pm, Howard Hanna Community Room, Aurora
Presented by Special Education Attorney Aimee Gilman, founder of Special Education Services
Special Education Services (SES) is a Community Parent Resource Center nonprofit organization.
SES has served over 2000 families, special education professionals, and school systems.
Aimee is back by Popular Demand! Very informative! Open time to ask your specific questions!
She will also discuss how parents, collectively, can effectuate change in their school district.
This presentation is free, light snacks and beverages served.
Howard Hanna Community Room, 195 Barrington Town Sq. Dr., Aurora.
For more information, please contact Partners for Full Potential
an Aurora Parent¢s Group ensuring that students with learning differences
reach their full potential academically, socially, and vocationally
(330) 995-4440 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
Orton-Gillingham.com
30-Hour Comprehensive Training
Covington, Kentucky Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, Ohio
October 6-10, 2008 November 17-21, 2008 December 8-12, 2008
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education's training programs
provide:
- A multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing and spelling across the curriculum that meets your Response to Intervention (RTI) needs whether implementing in a Tier I, Tier II, or Tier III setting.
- The skills necessary to teach phonemic awareness, the alphabetic principle, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.
- Instructional use of ongoing assessment to monitor individual strengths and needs.
- Methods that support classroom and special education teachers, reading specialists and paraprofessionals in presenting language instruction through a process of introduction, discovery, learning, review, practice and evaluation.
- Assessments guide educators in making decisions regarding methodology implementation in RTI multi-tier delivery model.
30-Hour Comprehensive Training
The
comprehensive program enables the learner to have in-depth understanding of
the expanded Orton-Gillingham based methodology, assessment, higher level
skills, and the tools to implement this program into an existing curriculum.
Teachers will
learn: Materials
Provided:
The 3-part drill (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) Recipe for Reading
Syllabication patterns for decoding and encoding Angling for Words
Guidelines for weekly lesson plans How to Teach Spelling
Assessment Teacher Training Manual
Reciprocal Teaching method Teacher Assessment Manual
Fluency Phoneme/Grapheme Cards
Multi-sensory techniques for sight words and vocabulary Syllable Division Cards
Fee:
On-line registration options include:
Credit card payment will confirm your registration.
Check/purchase order options are available, and will hold your seat to allow time for processing. Registrations are not confirmed until the payment or purchase order is received.
Two Autism Training Opportunities for Teachers
2-Day Training Opportunity (each training can stand alone)
Dates: Nov. 24-25, 2008 Loveland, OH
Presented by: Diane F. Black, M.Ed.
Diane Black has been working with students with ASD for over 17 years. She has presented nationally and internationally. Diane provides comprehensive consultation to schools and parents across the country. She has written a chapter in the book The Pyramid Approach to Children with Autism.
Day1: “Real Life Strategies in a Classroom Setting”
Do you want to increase learning and decrease behaviors?
Do you want to learn how to individualize a program for each student with ASD?
Participants will learn research-based teaching strategies for creating a successful classroom for students with ASD. Practical strategies, which you can use immediately, will be taught! A few are:
· Using a functional communication system to decrease unwanted behavior
· Using visual supports throughout the day (for transition, predictability, social skills, etc.)
· Using motivation to increase skill acquisition
· Teaching alternative, more appropriate responses to unwanted behavior-learning what these strategies are
· Deciding what we should teach-functional curriculum
Day 2: “How To Teach Our Students!”
(The majority of this workshop is hands-on learning)
Do You Want to Take Your Teaching to the Next Level?
Participants will learn “how” to effectively teach skills to their students using research-based strategies! Student objectives will be broken down into “how” to teach and “how” to incorporate into functional activities across the day.
You will learn:
- How to incorporate your objective into a functional lesson that the student will understand
- How to create user friendly data sheets that all team members can use to track your student’s progress
- How a student with ASD understands and acquires the skills that we teach them
- How to collect and average data on strategies learned
You will practice all of the strategies so that you can ask questions during the training!
Bring your objectives to the training, and we will brainstorm functional activities for your goals, role-play teaching strategies, create data sheets, and collect and average data.
Private Party for children with disabilities and siblings
Pump It Up of Hartville
Now that school has started, it's time to plan after school activities and Pump It Up has one just for you! Introducing Sensory Night! Designed specifically for children with special needs who will benefit from a smaller and more controlled enviroment. At Sensory Night you will enjoy talking to other parents of children with special needs while your kids let loose on our giant inflatables and make new friends! Siblings are always welcome!
1st Wednesday of every month
5:00-6:00 pm
$7.00 per child
(Siblings are welcome!)
Parents are always free & must stay during the event
330.877.7867
Pump It Up of Hartville
1135 West Maple Street
Hartville, OH 44632
www.PumpItUpParty.com
April 28 and 29, 2009
The Ohio State University's Columbus Campus
http://ada.osu.edu/conferences/2009Conf/callforpapers09.html
Session Proposals Are Due November 1, 2008 - Student Posters Due March 30, 2008
The Ninth Annual Multiple Perspectives conference continues the university's efforts to bring together a diverse audience to explore disability as both an individual experience and social reality that cuts across typical divisions of education & employment; scholarship & service; business & government; race, gender & ethnicity. This year’s theme “Change, Challenge & Collaboration” reflects the critical place in history we occupy.
Between the last conference and this call for papers the United Nations has adopted the Convention on Disability, Congress passed a new GI bill benefiting veterans with disabilities and the Higher Education Opportunity Act which includes a significant focus on disability; the Access Board is proposing changes in Section 508, the Department of Justice is in the final stages of a comprehensive review and update of the regulations for the ADA; and the ADA Amendments of 2008 are working their way through Congress.
For more information on the conference and details about paper submission, please visit
http://ada.osu.edu/conferences/2009Conf/callforpapers09.html.
University ADA Coordinator
Associate, John Glenn School of Public Affairs
Lecturer, Knowlton School of Architecture, Moritz College of Law & Disability Studies
Office Of The Provost, The Ohio State University
1849 Cannon Drive
Columbus, OH 43210-1266
(614) 292-6207(v); (614) 688-8605(tty)
(614) 688-3665(fax); Http://ada.osu.edu
designed for children with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and ADHD. Typical peers also participate in this fun, active program.
For more information, please contact Hilary Anderson at Western Reserve Speech and Language Partners at (216) 292-7370 or go to http://wrslp.com/
Speech + Language Partners
23875 Commerce Park Road
Suite 105
Beachwood, OH 44122
phone: 216.292.7370
fax: 216.292.7042
An amendment to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) likely will mean
that more employees will be considered disabled under the law - a
development that could prompt more people to seek workplace accommodations,
and at least initially, to file more lawsuits. But experts say employers
that are already following the law don't have anything to worry about - the
resulting changes will simply restore the ADA to its original intent and
more clearly define "disability" under the law.
Passed by Congress last week, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 now awaits
President Bush's signature. Experts say the president is expected to sign
the bill, which will amend the original ADA. In addition to more clearly
defining "disability," the measure also is designed to reverse some of the
narrow standards that the U.S. Supreme Court used in recent years to
determine who was considered disabled. The new legislation states that
"disability" should "be construed in favor of broad coverage" so that
individuals with legitimate disabilities are protected under the ADA.
"This could become law in a couple of weeks," said Michael Eastman,
executive director of labor policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, adding
that he's confident that the president will sign the bill into law. Even so,
the law is not likely to go into effect until Jan. 1, so employers and HR
professionals still have some time to get familiar with it.
The amendment is a win-win for businesses and those with disabilities, said
Michael Layman, manager of labor and employment for the Society for Human
Resource Management. Passage of the legislation also is "a big moment" in
employment law, marking the first landmark change since the ADA was passed
in 1990.
Despite some significant changes, however, it's likely that most businesses
won't feel much of an impact - financial or otherwise, Eastman said. It
still allows employers to define the essential functions of a position, and
it doesn't change the fact that an individual still needs to be qualified to
do a job. It also doesn't change any requirements involving what employers
have to do to provide reasonable accommodations to a disabled employee.
"I don't think this is going to affect employers who are doing the right
thing," said Antoinette S. Gilbert, an associate labor and employment law
attorney with Karen Smith Kienbaum & Associates in Detroit. The businesses
that will feel the most impact from the change will be those that haven't
complied with the existing law - the ones that have made discriminatory
decisions based on disabilities. "I think it'll have a big impact on cases
that are currently being litigated. It's going to result in a higher cost
for employers who are currently in litigation."
Now, with existing law and the U.S. Supreme Court's narrow definition of
what constitutes a disability, roughly 90 percent of all ADA claims are lost
by the plaintiff, and only 3 percent receive any kind of remedy, Gilbert
said. Under the new guidelines, employers won't be able to get away with
making decisions based on disability anymore. And with more legal backing,
people with disabilities will have an easier time proving discrimination,
she said.
In years since passage of the ADA, court decisions have eroded protections
for those who otherwise might have been considered disabled. Lawmakers have
said that as a result, people with a variety of disabilities, including
cancer, epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and mental illness have been
improperly denied protection under the law - in many cases because people
were able to control those conditions by medications or other means. In a
Texas case, for example, a federal judge ruled that a worker with epilepsy
was not disabled because he was able to control his seizures with
medication.
The bill, however, says that courts should not consider "mitigating
measures" such as prescription drugs or other remedies in cases involving
disabilities. According to the bill, an impairment that is in remission or
episodic is considered a disability "if it would substantially limit a major
life activity when active." Also included in the bill is a list of major
life activities as defined by the law (e.g. learning, communicating, seeing,
walking), as well as body functions (e.g. immune system, normal cell growth,
and neurological functions) that are required to perform major life
activities.
In addition to defining a disability as an actual mental or physical
impairment and one that limits one or more major life activities, the bill
also provides protection in situations when someone is discriminated against
because they are "regarded as" having a disability, Eastman said. For
example, if an employer fires a person because it is believed that he or she
has HIV, the employee would be protected under the law - regardless of
whether an actual disability exists or not.
To start preparing for the changes in the law, HR professionals and
employers should consider the following advice, Gilbert said.
* Read up on the changes. Employers need to have a good understanding
of the original ADA, as well as some of the changes that will go into
effect as a result of the amendment. People can visit govtrack.us,
www.ada.gov, or the EEOC to read more about the ADA and the amendment.
* Scrutinize existing polices and processes. It's important to know
how your company qualifies someone as having a disability. And it's
really important to recognize that some of the disabilities that
formerly were rejected during that process may now be covered under the
amended law. Take a close look at your processes and policies and make
sure they're in compliance with the amendment.
* Update handbooks and policies. Take a look at your written policies
and employee handbook, to make sure that the language in both is in line
with changes in the law (e.g. guidelines about short- and long-term
disabilities).
* Provide training. Make sure your diversity training is up to date.
Before changes in the law go into effect, it also might be a good idea to
provide updated diversity training to all employees and supervisors.
Employees need to understand what actions are considered discriminatory and
that they are not to discriminate against others on the basis of age,
disability, religion, or other characteristics.
Written by Jenny Cromie, certified human resources specialist (CHRS)
Source: http://www.wwj.com/ADA-Changes-Coming/3015762
Make sure voters know about these important resources.
Ask the media to report on crucial resources for voters.
Election Protection 2008 has put together an unprecedented set of resources to protect voters:
The 1-866-OUR-VOTE Hotline, which connects voters with trained volunteers to answer any question they have, from registering to vote, to finding their polling place locations, to reporting Election Day problems and more.
The Election Protection website, www.866OurVote.org, engineered to be a resource for voters and volunteers in all 50 states, with easy-to-find tips, up-to-date news, and much more.
Our legal field program, with legal volunteers on the ground at polling places cross the country
Election Protection will be there for voters if they struggle with an overwhelmed system, poorly trained poll-workers, registration roll problems, or outright intimidation and deception. But we can't help if they don't know about the resources available to them!
The right to vote is too important, and the potential obstacles too real, for us to fail to make sure every voter knows about Election Protection. You can help: tell the media to report on and publicize the Hotline and www.866OurVote.org!
Make sure that voters are aware of the resources available to them. Tell the media to report on the Election Protection Hotline and website.
The more voters know about these resources, the more votes Election Protection will be able to save in November. So after sending your message, please forward this email to your friends and family and ask them to join you!
Together, we can make sure that when voters face problems at the polls, they know where to turn. Thanks for your help
Sincerely,
Jonah Goldman
Director,
National Campaign for Fair Elections
Legal Leader of the Election Protection Coalition
What: Parent Advocacy & Candidate Forum
When: Monday, October 13 from 6pm - 9pm
Where: The Cafe at Xenos Christian Fellowship
1340 Community Park Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43229
RSVP: By Oct. 5 to Patty Lyons at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Why: Regardless of our political affiliations and our candidates of choice, it is crucial that each one of us participate in this election. And not just at the national level!!!
In Ohio, we are experiencing a total budget cut of $1.27 billion, which for my family, means the very programs and services that I depend on for daughter's health care and education will be affected.
Please be sure to "vote down ticket" and thoughtfully consider your candidates for State Representative & Senator, County Commissioners and your US Congressional candidates.
Patty Lyons
Parent & Founding Member
Public Relations & Programming
CP Parent Columbus, A Family Resource Group for Cerebral Palsy
Reaching For The Stars Central Ohio Chapter
www.cpparentcolumbus.org
www.reachingforthestars.org
Roller Skating for EVERYONE!
Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and shoes permitted in the rink.
No fee. Free skate rental. Refreshments provided. Costumes welcome.
Wednesday October 15, 2008
6:00-8:00 pm
Springfield Lake Roller Rink
1220 N. Main St.
Akron, Ohio
Sponsored by Springfield Lake Roller Rink and Southeast/Field Parent Mentor Program.
For more information contact Sandy Craft at (330) 325-3061 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Robin Howard at (330) 677-2509 x 3017 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Directions: Rte 224 to Canton Rd/Rte 91 South, go 1/4 mile, turn right on Springfield Lake Dr., follow road to rink
has helped more than 3,000 school-age children with Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism and other related conditions improve their social skills,
self-control and self-confidence.
We offer a free, 30-minute program for your organization.
Summit Academy’s Sensei Joseph Bove explains the many benefits of
Therapeutic Martial Arts, followed by a demonstration of skills by Summit Academy students!
Summit Academy takes marital arts and all its inherent good and brought it to a new level, dealing with emotional, psychological and physical challenges that our students face. TMA improves cognitive and emotional skills in students, enhancing concentration, self-discipline, social skills and coordination.
If you are interested in this lively program for your next meeting, contact Sensei Bove by calling: 330-351-9848 or 800.442.5753
Or e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.SummitAcademies.com
UPCOMING AREA SEMINARS / TRAININGS / EVENTS - NE Ohio
SEPTEMBER
Sat.,
09-27 Free
Sun.,
09-28 - Autism Speaks Walk (
OCTOBER
Wed., 10-01 Experiencing Loss
(Brecksville)
Wed., 10-01 Pump It Up Sensory
Night (Hartville)
Thurs., 10-02
"Social Skills Training" (What's It All About?) - ASPIES Greater Akron
Adult Group
Thurs., 10-02 FREE Viewing of "Including Samuel"
(
Tues., 10-07 Parent's Rights
OCECD
(
Tues., 10-07 Preventing Meltdowns (Brecksville)
Wed., 10-08 Understanding-Writing IEPs OCECD (Cleveland)
Thurs., 10-09 A Formula-Parents
Rights and 504 OCECD (Warren)
Fri., 10-10 Understanding-Writing
IEPs OCECD
(
Fri., 10-10 to Sun., 10-12 Autism
Sat., 10-12 Market Seed GF Taste Fair
(
Mon., 10-14 Updates on New
Wed., 10-15 Halloween Costume Unskating Party
(
Thurs., 10-16 SIBSHOPS
(
Mon., 10-20 Pump It Up Sensory
Night (
Tues.,
10-21 IEPs - It's All About the
Wording! ASPIES
Monthly Parent meeting (
Tues., 10-21 Partnering for
Progress OCECD+ODE
(
Thurs., 10-23 Career & Employment Development Strategies for
Individuals with Autism (
Thurs., 10-23 Understanding Individuals With AS or HFA (Cleveland)
Fri., 10-24 College info session
(
Update from Ohio Department of Education - Office for Exceptional Children
Draft Guidance for
Special Education Operating Standards Posted for Public Comment; Public Hearing
Scheduled for Nov. 7
The public comment period for the Ohio
Department of Education's (ODE's)
draft manual titled
<http://www.edresourcesohio.org/ogdse/> Procedures and
Guidance for
Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities is
now open. ODE
will receive comments about the Web-based document through
Nov. 7 when the
Department's Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) will hold
a public hearing
on this topic.
The guidance draft provides districts with support for
implementing newly
revised operating standards or "rules" that serve as the
framework for
providing services to Ohio's children with disabilities.
Effective July 1,
the rules were revised in response to changes in the
Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004. The
intent of these
requirements is to ensure that children with disabilities
have equal
opportunity, full participation in education, independent living
and
economic self-sufficiency.
To access the
<http://www.edresourcesohio.org/ogdse/> Procedures and
Guidance for
Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities,
click here
<http://www.edresourcesohio.org/> or go to
www.edresources.ohio.org.
To submit feedback on the
manual:
* Make comments online within each section of the Procedures
and Guidance
Manual. (Note that OEC already has completed the public review
process for
all but two forms that appear in section two; instructions for
commenting on
recently revised forms PR-06 and PR-07 will be posted in
October.) Comment
forms have been placed at the top of each section.
Please send your
comments on each section on the comment form for that
section. This is so
your comments can be understood as they relate to
specific sections of the
Guidance Document when the comments are taken into
consideration by OEC
staff members. Please note that when you are ready to
send your comment,
your must type "GUIDE" in the box above the Send Comment
box in order for
the comment to be sent. This step is for spam protection
purposes. You will
receive a reply - Mail sent successfully.
*
Submit written comments to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or Office
for
Exceptional Children, Attention: Shirley Crabtree, 25 South Front
Street,
Columbus, OH 43215.
* Attend the public hearing from 1 to 3
p.m., Nov. 7, at the Dublin
Metropolitan Library, 75 North High Street,
Dublin, OH 43017.
Following the review of comments,
the revised manual will be posted in
January.
Please be advised that links are
in the process of being connected and PDFs
are also in progress.
If
you need an interpreter or other services at the public hearing,
please
contact Shirley Crabtree at 614-387-2250 at least 48 hours prior to
the
hearing.
The Office for Exceptional
Children would like to thank the OSU-Center for
Special Needs Population for
their assistance in creating this Guidance
Manual.
Measure
Up
Measure Up now includes the latest 2007-2008 ODE data and is
available for
free download at http://www.ohioschoolleaders.org/.
How does your school Measure Up? presents visual displays and
explanations
of data included in the Local Report Card for school buildings
and districts
in Ohio. Measure Up is designed to assist in delivering
key messages about
the performance of districts and schools. Critical
questions are included
throughout to guide the analysis of data.
The
latest version of Measure Up includes value-added data, achievement
data, and
the growth model that is another way for districts and buildings
to meet
AYP.
Measure Up is produced with funds from a grant awarded by ODE/OEC to
the
Center for Special Needs Populations (CSNP) at The Ohio State
University.
Robert Reece of CSNP is responsible for designing and developing
How does
your school Measure UP?
OLRS compiles presidential candidates' positions on disability-related issues
The Ohio Legal Rights Service has prepared a side-by-side comparison chart of the presidential candidates' positions on disability-related issues. The chart is based on information from the candidates' Web sites, their Senatorial Web sites and supplemented by other sources.
Read the "2008 Presidential Candidate Positions on Disability-related Issues" chart on the OLRS Web site at http://www.olrs.ohio.gov/prescompare.htm .
This information is provided for educational purposes only. OLRS does not support or endorse any political candidate or party.
Dayton Asperger Resource Network's
Next Meeting Will Be October 6th.
Speaker
The
Technology Resource Center (TRC) will be our guest speakers during our October
meeting. The TRC or “The Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley Assistive
Technology Services provide assistive technology for people of all ages with
autism, learning disabilities, Asperger Syndrome, physical disabilities, visual
impairments and deaf/hard of hearing through our Product Lending Library.
Our Assistive Technology Practitioner provides training, assessments,
refurbished computers and grants for the blind. The Career Center Employment Lab
at Elizabeth Place is a free placement service for people with
disabilities.”
Kevin Leonard, the TRC’s Coordinator and and Toni Ramsey,
the TRC’s Assistive Technology Practitioner, will be presenting the TRC’s
services and demonstrating some of the assistive technology on loan through
their lending program. Kevin’s assistant, Harley, may also be in
attendance at the meeting as well. (see the TRC website).
:)
Technology Resource Center
Goodwill - Easter Seals
1133 Edwin
Moses Blvd
Dayton, OH
45408
(937)461-3305
http://www.trcd.org/
We may also have guests
from the WSU School of Nursing who may attend either the October or the November
meeting (or both) to participate in our discussions and garner insights into the
lives of twice exceptional individuals.
For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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