Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:
Happy Mother's Day to all the great mom's out there of individuals with autism - thanks for all you do!
Visit ASA-ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to
read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or
sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section
of ASA-ASO's homepage.
News From
ASA-ASO:
- Federal Update/Alerts
From the CEC: How will the economic-stimulus package affect
special education?
Upcoming
Events, Resources, etc:
- ASA-Greater Cleveland Chapter (ASGC) Summer Social Skills Camp 2009
- Autism Society Greater Cleveland Guest Speaker Barrie Galvin, May 4
- ASA-NW Ohio Workshops - Toilet Training, Keyboarding
- ASPIES Greater Akron presents "Behavioral Interventions at Home & School"
Have you
purchased your
Sincerely,
The Autism Society
of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter
( 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 ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or
services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement
by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.
News From ASA-ASO:
2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition
The premier event in autism, assistive technology and low-incidence disabilities
November 17-19, 2009 | Columbus, Ohio
Registration will Open Monday, May 4, 2009
**** Two-Week Spring Special ****
Take advantage of this limited-time rate of only $100
Available May 4, 2009 through May 18, 2009
[ http://conference.ocali.org/ ]
ODMRDD has released the MRDD Futures Progress Report, tracking the progress that has been made during the past year in implementing the MRDD Futures Committee’s 31 recommendations. To see a complete copy of the report visit: http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/futures/documents/FuturesProgressReport.pdf
Join US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Governor Ted Strickland
and other special guests at a rally for education reform in Ohio
May 8, 2009
11:45 AM
The Ohio State University
West Lawn of the Schottenstein Center
555 Borror Rd
Columbus, OH 43210
Please RSVP and sign up for updates at www.conversationoneducation.org
The Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities is seeking nominations for the ‘Advocacy Award.’ This award recognizes a person or group who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to people with disabilities, and recipients are honored for a new initiative or a significant improvement to an existing program that materially improves the quality of life for one or more individuals with disabilities.
The Advocacy Award will be presented at the annual Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities meeting August 20, 2009. Nominations must be postmarked by May 15, 2009.
For nomination forms and criteria, contact the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities at
1-800-282-4536, Ext. 1392, or visit the website at: http://gcpd.ohio.gov/AdvocacyAward.asp
Contact Person: Scott A. Hinton, Executive Director, Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, Office 614 438-1393, Fax 614-985-8967
The Ohio
Budget is currently under development and autism insurance parity legislation is
ready to be re-introduced in the Ohio House. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state
legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who
work them throughout
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 ASA-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 ASA-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.
ASA-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
Ohio BMV changes policy on
Autism Awareness License Plate
Because of privacy concerns, the Ohio BMV
will no longer be releasing the names and addresses of those who purchase the
Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate to the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio. $25
from the purchase of each plate benefits the ASA-ASO and we have been sending
thank you notes to all those who have purchased a plate. However, we will
no longer be able to do so. The BMV is currently looking into options to
add customer consent to the special license plate process so hopefully we will
be able to go back to thanking folks formally in the future. But whether
we are able to send a formal "thank you" or not, please know that the purchase
of an autism awareness license plate makes a big difference and helps us
help individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them
throughout
Federal Update
CEC is pleased to offer the latest information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the economic-stimulus package, and how it affects special education. Resources include a Q-and-A summarizing portions of the act that CEC believes to be of particular interest to its members.
Q&A: http://www.cec.sped.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PolicyAdvocacy/CECPolicyResources/EconomicStimulus/Stimulus_Q_A.htm
for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDD
The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland is very pleased to announce the start of a fantastic opportunity for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDD. With the help of a team of dedicated Special Education Teachers, experienced in autism, we have developed a Summer Social Skills Camp for July, 2009. The camp sessions will be:
Session One: July 6 thru July 10, 2009 for ages 6 thru 12
Session Two: July 13 thru July 17, 2009 for ages 13 thru 18
The camp will run from 9:00 AM till 2:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. It will be staffed with a ratio of 4 campers per certified teacher. There will also be one typical peer/student aid per four campers. The cost for the camp is $250.00 per week. There will be a limit of 20 campers with a diagnosis of autism, asperger's or PDD per session.
The camp will be held at The City of Independence Old Recreation Bldg., 6200 Elmwood Ave., Independence, OH 44131. The building is located within the city park. It has access to a pavilion, playground, baseball, soccer fields and basketball courts. It includes full kitchen/bathroom areas. There are three separate rooms to accomodate teaching, play and a quiet area. It is located west of Brecksville Road, South of Rockside Road (I-77/480).
Participants in the ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp will have opportunities to practice such skills as problem solving, conflict resolution, respecting the ideas of others, cooperation and team work without direct instruction. Positive social interactions promote healthy relationships, a sense of belonging and well being. ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp's goal is for children with autism spectrum disorders to further develop social skills taught and practiced at camp into their daily life. The Summer Camp will also provide educational support as identified through the camper's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
If you have any questions or if you would like to be placed on a registration list, please call us at(216) 556-4937. This program will fill up fast, please contact us as soon as possible if you would like your child to enroll. Thank you.
The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
P.O. Box 41066
Brecksville, OH 44141
(216) 556-4937
Autism Society Greater Cleveland Guest Speaker
Barrie Galvin - From the Galvin Therapy Ctr.
Problem Solving Difficult Behaviors: Transitioning, Perseveration & More....
Monday, May 4, 2009 6:30 PM
ASGC - Meeting
The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive Independence, OH 44131
Please join us Monday, May 4, 2009, at 6:30 PM for the ASGC May Meeting. We welcome our Guest Speaker - Barrie G. Galvin - from The Galvin Therapy Center. Barrie will speak about:
Problem Solving Difficult Behaviors: Transitioning, Perseveration & More....
Barrie Galvin and Associates, Ltd is a multidisciplinary pediatric focus clinic, and founder of GERCF, The Galvin Educational and Resource Center for Families, a non-profit organization in Cleveland Ohio, with a primary mission of bringing new information to families of children with special needs.
Our meeting will be held at The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131 at 6:30 PM.
Free child care is available. Please call to register for child care at (216) 556-4937.
The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC)
P.O. Box 41066
Brecksville, OH 44141
(216) 556-493
a. Toilet Training Your Child With Autism May 14
Workshop description: If you are planning to toilet train your child or have tried to teach your child to use the toilet but have not been successful, come learn how to evaluate why your child is having difficulties, and learn specific strategies to make your child successful. Participants will: learn your child's current elimination patterns, learn how to develop a toileting plan that addresses your individual child's toileting needs, and learn procedures and strategies to teach your child to use the toilet and troubleshoot problems that may arise.
About the speaker: Kim Renner holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Behavioral Psychology, a Limited License in Psychology in the State of Michigan, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kim currently works as a private ABA/autism consultant in SE Michigan and NW Ohio and has presented workshops and lectures on various topics related to autism. She is inspired by her teenage son with autism.
Who should attend: Parents and professionals who want to try (again) to teach a young child or older child to use the toilet. Parents of children with other disabilities are also welcome to attend. This is an introductory workshop. No previous training is required.
Toilet Training: Thursday, May 14, 2009
9:30 – Noon
Lucas County Board of MR/DD Family First Zone
1155 Larc Lane
Toledo, OH 43614
Cost: $10 per parent; $15 per professional NOTE: You must pre-register for these workshops.
This workshop is partially funded by a grant from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD
b. Workshop Title: 21 Ways to Teach Your Child Keyboarding Skills: Fun with Squishy Keyboarding and More…
Workshop description: Do you know a child who struggles with producing legible written work? Maybe, you know someone who is struggling with keyboarding in school? Making keyboarding fun is essential in order to offer students the greatest opportunity for success. Multi-sensory keyboarding uses fun and creative techniques to learn keyboarding skills. You will learn 21 or more strategies to use with children at home or at school, including on-keyboard and multi-sensory off-keyboard activities, to promote learning. You will receive a Squishy keyboard to take home to use right away!
About the speaker: Melanie Criss, OTR/L is an occupational therapist who is presently on staff OT at the Autism MODEL School, as well as being an instructor and the Coordinator of Fieldwork and Professional Development in the occupational therapy department at the University of Toledo. She received her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2000 from the University of Toledo. She also received her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1998 from Campbell University in North Carolina. The majority of her clinical experience has been in the pediatric setting, particularly in the areas of school-based, outpatient rehabilitation, and early intervention.
Who should attend: Parents and professionals who want to try to teach a child to use the keyboard.
Keyboarding: Wednesday, June 3 2009
When: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium.
Cost: $10 per parent; $15 per professional NOTE: You must pre-register for these workshops.
(Scholarships for parents are available.)
These workshops are partially funded by a grant from the Lucas County Board of MR/DD.
Support Group assisting parents of children with
Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, and PDD-NOS
partnering with ASA- Greater Akron Chapter presents
"Behavioral Interventions at Home & School" with Kiersten Johnson of Milestones
Tuesday, May 19th - 6:30-8:30 pm
Due to limited room size and fire safety laws, RSVPs are mandatory.
To RSVP or for further info, contact Joy Spencer
330-745-5115 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NOTE ROOM CHANGE!!!!
Children's Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room
1 Perkins Sq., Akron OH 44308
(This is a parent/professional meeting only. Regretfully, children cannot be accommodated.)
They'll be around longer than any parent, teacher or therapist, but what does it mean to be a sibling of someone with a developmental disability? In this installment of Scoop Essentials, Don Meyer, director of the Sibling Support Project tackles this issue and more. Don also has a book entitled Thicker Than Water, Essays By Adult Siblings of People with Disabilities that will be published in May 2009.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/04/21/inside-the-world-of-siblings/2940/
The National Autism Association's Helping Hand Program provides families with financial assistance in getting necessary biomedical treatments, supplements and therapy services for their autistic child.
Applications will be accepted from February 15, 2009 through May 15, 2009. Only 2009 applications that are complete and legible with all required documentation included will be considered. We cannot accept phone calls asking if applications have been received. If you wish to have confirmation that your application was received, please send it with a Postal Service delivery confirmation request.
Autism is treatable.
Do not apply for this grant if you are seeking funds for respite care, fencing, trampolines, swingsets, trips to Disney World, etc. This program is intended ONLY for parents in DIRE financial need. Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2009 and will be kept eligible through the end of the year.
Please email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Frequently Asked Questions and Applications are downloadable here:
http://nationalautismassociation.org/pdf/helpinghandapp09.doc
Since IAN's beginning, we have been inundated with requests from adults on the spectrum, as well as their parents and guardians, who passionately want adult voices to be heard through IAN. They have stated -- and we agree! -- it is far past time that advocates, policy makers, and researchers had a clearer picture of the experiences, challenges, and gifts of adults with ASD.
We are therefore pleased to announce the launch of the online IAN Adult with ASD Questionnaire.
Learn more here: http://www.iancommunity.org/cs/ian_research/adult_surveys, or visit IAN Research at https://www.ianresearch.org/login to register and fill out the questionnaire.
Water Rodeo Pool Party,
Hudson
YeeeHaa! Ride em’
Cowboy! Be one of the first to try the Aqua Bucking Bronco Challenge. Ride
against other cowhands in a seahorse race, hitch up your team, and compete in
the Chuck Wagon Raft Races. Watch a classic cowboy movie and settle down for
some cowboy grub and sarsaparilla before riding home into the
sunset.
Ages:
12-18
Designed for teens age 12 and up with Asperger’s Syndrome. Activities
will be facilitated by Beth Lattime, licensed intervention specialist with
expertise in recreation and education for adolescents. Come join us for
some fun activities while making new friends in a safe and supportive
group!
Must be able to
swim one pool length - Register by May
4-Call KidsLink 330-963-8600
Friday May 8,
LifeCenter
Plus
Article: "I am not a puzzle, I am a person"
http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/04/27/autistic_culture/?source=newsletter
Study:
Melatonin can help children with autism sleep better
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415075048.htm
Parents of
teens Yahoo group: A Different Drum
I’ve long felt the
need for an outreach for area parents of teens to young adults that do not yet
have – or perhaps even need - a diagnosis, but still need support, advice
and alternative social opportunities. These teens might be in the
mainstream but “march to the beat of a different drum”, have different hobbies,
have trouble fitting in, are gifted, etc. Parents of teens with mild forms
of ADD, anxiety, Asperger’s, sensory issues, etc. are welcome.
Parents who do not identify with any of these issues, whose kids are just . .
.well . . . different . . . are also welcome.
Visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADifferentDrumNEO/
click on “Join This
Group”, create a Yahoo ID if you don’t already have one and let’s start a
dialogue. Meetings are possible if there is enough interest.
Please spread the word to other parents that may benefit.
GC-AS
members, you’re welcome even if you suspect your child has more than just “mild”
Asperger’s. We’ll see how the group evolves. You can always
unsubscribe if the group is not a good fit for you.
Fall Reading Conference
Central Ohio Branch of the
International Dislexia Association (COBIDA) Presents:
Fall Reading
Conference
Capital Day
Friday, October 16, 2009
8:15 AM - 5 PM
at
Columbus Convention Center
Featured Key Note Speaker Louisa Moats
http://www.cobida.org/documents/Fall_Save_Date.pdf
Discovery of common autism genes "a big step"
Many people with autism share similar genetic variations, according to research that compared the genetic makeup of thousands of people with the disorder against thousands without it. Most of the variations involved connections among brain cells and may lead eventually to better treatments, researchers say. This is "a big step" for research, said Thomas Lehner, chief of the Genomics Research Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-autism-genetics-29apr29,0,6754959.story
School Choice Rally Details:
Wednesday, May 13, 10 am – 2 pm
Meet at Veterans Memorial (300 W Broad St, Columbus 43215)
Free parking and free lunch
Online comment: I was worried that this movie might be a little too sentimental, but the trailer is charming, with a few moments that made me laugh out loud nestled between the emotional scenes. The reviews out of Sundance were generally positive, with one critic describing it as "extremely touching and sweet."
The movie also stars Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, and Mark Linn-Baker and will hit theaters July 29.
Bookshare.org, funded by an award from the U.S. Department of Education
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), provides accessible electronic books and materials to individuals with a legally-qualifying
disability. If you are a K-12 student in the U.S. who has an Individualized Education
Plan (IEP) with a specific language learning disability and a need for text
accommodations, your school should be able to confirm that you qualify and
sign you up for Bookshare membership. Post-secondary, adult, or non-U.S.
students should be able to obtain equivalent qualifications if they have a
significant learning disability that affects reading.
Bookshare offers more than 45,000 digital books, textbooks,
teacher-recommended reading, periodicals, and assistive technology tools. Volunteers
scan books and proofread them and they are added to the Bookshare library
for use by subscribers. Persons with a verified disability receive a free
subscription. It is also free to all US public school systems. There are
books for readers of all ages. There is also software you can download from
the Bookshare website that will read the books aloud through the computer
for non-readers or the visually-impaired, screen magnifiers, and more.
Please check it out at their website http://www.bookshare(dot)org.
MAY
Mon., 05-04 ASGC Problem Solving Difficult Behaviors (Independence)
Tues., 05-05 Ohio’s 5th Annual Resiliency Ring (Columbus)
Wed., 05-06 Basic Rights (Akron)
Wed., 05-06 Pump It Up Sensory Night (Hartville)
Thurs., 05-07 ASPIES Greater Akron Adult Support Group
Ready! Set! Drive! (Understanding, Self-Help, and Well-Being) - Mental Health America
Lisa Oswald
Thurs., 05-07 Therapeutic Martial Arts starts (Lorain)
Thurs., 05-07 Parents Only IEP Support & Review (Medina)
Fri., 05-08 Water Rodeo Pool Party (Hudson)
Tues., 05-12 Behavior Focused IEPs (online audio - OCECD)
Fri. and Sat., 05-16 + 05-17 Day Out With Thomas (Boston Mills)
Tues., 05-19 ASPIES Greater Akron Parent Support Group ****RSVPs REQUIRED****
Behavioral Interventions at Home and School - Milestones - Kiersten Johnson
Fri., Sat., and Sun., 05-22 thru 05-24 Day Out With Thomas (Boston Mills)
Sat., 05-23 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (KidsLink activity)
Tues., 05-26 IEP Training by ESC (Medina)
Wed., 05-27 Teen Dating Violence (LaGrange)
Fri., 05-29 Deadline for July 30th Mary Poppins at State Theater (Cleveland)
This month's meeting will focus on stress. How do you handle it? What works, and what doesn't? If you have any tips, please feel free to share them.
As always, please feel free to join Comforting Ties on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1576525839&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=40490797772
Or on my blog: http://comfortingties.blogspot.com
Soon enough, I'll be able to include the website for the autism resource center.
If you feel you have received this e-mail in error, please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will remove you from the list. Thanks!
This Disability Law Handbook is a 50-page guide to the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability related laws. Written in an FAQ format, The Disability Law Handbook answers questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Social Security, the Air Carrier Access Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Fair Housing Act Amendments.
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