News From ASA-ASO:

- From the Governor's office: Outline of Governor Ted Strickland’s Education Reform and Funding Plan, as Included in the FY 2010-2011 Biennial Budget

- News from the Ohio Department of Education - Office for Exceptional Children

- OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

- ASA-ASO has Moved to Columbus!

- Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

- ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

     Thank Rep. Doyle - Autism Insurance in Health-Care Reform

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

    

ASA-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".  CHECK OUT NEW LISTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

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.

 

News From ASA-ASO:

 

From the Governor's office: Outline of Governor Ted Strickland’s Education Reform and Funding Plan, as Included in the FY 2010-2011 Biennial Budget
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17465309/Ohio-Education-Reform-7172009

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News from the Ohio Department of Education - Office for Exceptional Children

Whose IDEA Is This now available in 10 languages:
·         Albanian
·         Arabic
·         Simplified Chinese
·         Traditional Chinese
·         Japanese
·         Korean
·         Russian
·         Spanish
·         Somali
·         Ukrainian
·         Vietnamese
To access these go to www.education.ohio.gov--keyword search Whose IDEA Is This.

Optional Forms now available
In response to requests from the field, ODE/OEC created optional forms which can be found on the www.edresourcesohio.org Web site. The use of these forms is not required; districts and schools can continue to use the optional forms now being used.
Those choosing to use any of the nine forms listed can use the forms as they are presented or the forms can be edited to include the name of the district or school or to make other changes by clicking where it says "Click here to view the tutorial for editing the content of the optional forms." Clicking on the forms listed will take users directly to the form chosen.
All the forms can also be found on the left side of the home page of www.edresourcesohio.org by clicking on Optional Forms.
    * Form OP-1: Functional Behavior Assessment
    * Form OP-2: Behavior Intervention Plan
    * Form OP-3: Manifestation Determination
    * Form OP-4: Agreement to Waive Reevaluation
    * Form OP-5: Parent/Guardian Excusal
    * Form OP-6: Progress Report
    * Form OP-7: Assignment of a Surrogate Parent
    * Form OP-8: Summary of Performance
    * Form OP-9: Attempts to Obtain Parent Participation
Click here to view the tutorial for editing the content of optional forms listed above.

The Gifted Young Child: A Guide for Families now available
The Gifted Young Child: A Guide for Families is a new resource developed jointly by the Office of Early Learning and School Readiness and the Office for Exception Children/Gifted Education.  The publication was prepared to help parents who believe their preschool child may be gifted.
This brochure describes characteristics and behaviors of gifted children and describes how parents can help develop their children’s gifts and talents. It also offers guidance on children’s social and emotional needs, the selection of appropriate schools and additional resources.
Additionally, teachers, caregivers and other early childhood professionals may find this guide useful  as they support families in meeting their children’s unique needs.
Enclosed are sample copies of the brochure.  Additional copies are available on the Ohio Department of Education Web site at www.education.ohio.gov search “young gifted child”.
Please distribute to those in your respective programs, districts and agencies who might find it useful.  For additional information, please contact the Ohio Department of Education at (614) 387-2232, (614) 466-2650, toll-free at (877) 644-6338, or at via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

 

The OCALI Statewide Ohio Conference is going to be held in Columbus November 17-19, 2009!  ASA-ASO will again be subsidizing registrations for parents and will be sponsoring a "parents corner" as part of the exposition.  The Parent's Corner will be a place where parents can go to meet and network with other parents.  In addition, there will be informal sessions on a variety of topics including the autism scholarship, early intervention, transition, adult services, etc.  For complete information on the conference, visit http://conference.ocali.org/

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ASA-ASO has moved to Columbus!

After being located in Akron and the NE Ohio area for our entire existence, ASA-ASO has moved, effective July 1, 2009, to Columbus.  Moving there puts ASA-ASO at the center of the state and no more than 2 1/2 hours from any part of the state.  Additionally, since state government is based in Columbus, it is the logical place for ASA-ASO to be located.  Our new location is in an office building on the southwest side of the city - just off of I670 and a quick drive to downtown.  Our new address is:  1335 Dublin Road, Suite 205-C, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, phone:  (614) 487-4726, fax: (614) 487-4725.

Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

 

Help raise funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card!  You can now earn funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card and it will cost you absolutely nothing!

 

For 125 years, The Kroger Co. has made a strong commitment to support the communities where its associates live and work.

In the Columbus Division (comprising most of Ohio and parts of West Virginia), the Kroger Cares program has helped more than 2,200 organizations raise funds for their own needs since its inception in 1995.

Beginning May 1, 2009, Kroger's is launching the Kroger Community Rewards Program and dedicating $5,000,000 to it! This program will enable them even more organizations, of all sizes - including ASA-ASO!

 

Remember, all of the funds raised stay right here in Ohio to help individuals with autism and their families throughout Ohio.  Visit the ASA-ASO website to see some of the programs and services that ASA-ASO offers.

 

Please share this information with any friends and family that may be Kroger shoppers!

 

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

• Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com
• Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with ASA-ASO after you sign up.
• If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
• Click on Sign In/Register
• If you are a new online customers, you must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.
• Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
• You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
• Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
• Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
• Update or confirm your information.
• Enter ASA-ASO's organization number - 83893 or name of organization as ASA AUTISM SOCIETY OF OHIO CHAPTER, select organization from list and click on confirm.
• To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.
• REMEMBER, purchases will not count for ASA-ASO until after you register your Kroger Plus card.
• Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 877-576-7587 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
• You must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

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 Ohio.   And because of this, the ASA-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 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 Ohio.

Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

AS Greater Cleveland, Dr. Max Wiznitzer to particpate in Panel Discussion, Understanding Autism
The Discovery and Wellness Center for Children (DWCC) at University Hospitals Case Medical Center would like to invite you to our educational forum, “Understanding Autism.”  This educational forum will be held on Wednesday, October 28th at the W.O. Walker Building’s Auditorium from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is open to mental health professionals, teachers, parents, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of autism. Parking is free in Lot #36, located across from the W.O. Walker Building next to National City Bank on Stokes Blvd.

Agenda:         
3:00 - 3:45       Registration & Refreshments
3:30 - 4:30       Educational Presentation (starting promptly @ 3:30)
4:45 - 6:00       Panel Discussion

Please join the DWCC, Max Wiznitzer, M.D., Elizabeth Short, Ph.D., and Rory McLean for a discussion on this important topic. Seating is limited. Please RSVP by October 21st by calling 216.844.3922 (DWCC).

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be available for $18 and a certificate of attendance will be issued at the conclusion of the forum. Please be sure to contact your institution's official for further details on how to qualify for CEUs.

The DWCC currently offers several research based treatment programs for children and adolescents who suffer from problems such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and depression.  All of these programs are provided at no cost to the family. If you would like more information about our pediatric clinical trails, please contact us at 216.844.3922 (DWCC).

For your convenience, Please click on the link below to view a copy of the forum’s flyer. Please feel free to forward the flyer and/or print it out for posting on bulletin boards. Thank you in advance and have a great day

Sincerely,
Eric L. King, M.A.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Educational Community Outreach (ECO) Coordinator
Discovery and Wellness Center for Children
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
W.O. Walker Building
10524 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio  44106
http://www.admail.net/file/6049/9f09/
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Upcoming Events from the Autism Society Greater Cleveland

G-Force on Saturday, August 1, 2009 @ 10:00 AM
“Sensory Friendly Movies” AMC’s Ridge Park Square, 4788 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144. Admission
is Reduced to $4.25. AMC Entertainment and the ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by
autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films on a monthly basis. The lights are brought up and
the sounds turned down and the “silence is golden” policy is not enforced. Outside food is permitted.

Monday, August 3, 2009 @ 6:30 PM Please join us at The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig
Drive, Independence, OH as we welcome Sandy Richman, Speech/Language Pathologist from Wickliffe
City Schools. She will speak about using visual aides and schedules for those individuals with ASD. We
have switched rooms to the Willow Room in the Civic Center. Please note that child care will not be
available for this month only. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 7:00 PM Please join us at the Lake Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake,
OH to network with other parents, caregivers, professionals and those individuals on the spectrum. This site
does not offer child care. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Saturday, August 29, 2009 from Noon to 3:00 PM - Please join us at The City of Independence Kiwanis
Pavilion for a picnic for all those individuals diagnosed with ASD ages 15 thru adulthood and their families.
We look forward to an afternoon of games and fun. Admission is free. Please bring a dish to share. Any
individual requiring assistance or supervision must have a caregiver with them at the picnic at all times.

For all the latest news and information from ASGC, check out the latest copy of their newsletter at:
http://www.admail.net/file/6044/9f09/
DD Quarterly - Summer 2009 Now Available
News from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
 
Text version: http://olrs.ohio.gov/ddq/DDQSummer09.htm
PDF version: http://olrs.ohio.gov/ddq/DDQSummer09.pdf
 
In this issue:
1. ODDC Hosts Employment Forum
2. ODDC Announces Grant Opportunities
3. ODDC Supports Sibling Conference
4. ODDC Seeks Members
5. DD Quarterly Wants to Hear from You
6. Hold the Date: ODDC's Annual Conference
 
If you have questions or comments about the DD Quarterly newsletter, contact:
Tom Hemmert
Ohio Legal Rights Service
50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400
Columbus, OH 43215
Voice: 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181
TTY: 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Book: ADHD & Autism Cookbook

http://www.lakeside.com/details.asp?I=ALD&R=876056011ALD4&Ntt=%3FALD&N=36&EMC-090758&LNK=ALD
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United Way Family Information Network Picnic

Thursday, August 6, 2009
at 5:00pm
Walbridge Park Community Building
2701 Broadway
(across from the Toledo Zoo)

Bring Your Own picnic fair and maybe a little extra to share.
This is an opportunity for both parents and kids to have some fun. Parents will
have an opportunity to connect with other parents. There will be tables with
resources and information from the community.

Please save the date and plan to join us. RSVP’s are appreciated.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
Contact: Diane Frazee (419) 254-4645
Or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Wrightslaw Newsletter: Summer School for Advocates: Advocacy 101
http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/09/nl.0721.htm
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Conference: Developing Successful Employment Opportunities, Columbus

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
10 am – 4 pm
Hyatt Regency, Columbus

Hosted by:
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council - Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council -
Ohio Governors Council on People with Disabilities

If you would like to tell your employment story but are
unable to attend, please fill out a Registration Form and
send it along with your story. You may email, fax or mail
your story by August 24 to:

AXIS Center Fax: 614-262-8124
249 E. Cooke Rd. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Columbus OH 43214

Questions? Contact:
AXIS Center, 614-263-8076, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Information and registration form are attached as a stuffed PDF and in a word version.

Feel free to share this announcement with listserves, members and networks as appropriate.
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Article: Speak Up: Your Guide To Self-Advocacy

There's a powerful voice inside each of us. Learn how to find yours and use it.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/21/self-advocacy/4203/
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RTI Special Report Available Free By Request
Making RTI Work is a groundbreaking new guide created under advisement from recognized Response to Intervention experts Matthew K. Burns, Edward S. Shapiro, James Ysseldyke, Joseph F. Kovaleski , and others. Click here for your free copy.
http://www.renlearn.com/RTI/
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Article: Scientists hone in on genes linked to Asperger's
The identification of 27 genes linked to Asperger's syndrome by British researchers signals a possible advance in finding the cause and new treatments. "These 27 genes represent preliminary leads for understanding the genetic bases of AS and related traits, such as empathy, in the general population," said a study scientist. Business Weekly (U.K.)
http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/2009072335253/accountancy-and-advisers/gene-discovery-could-shed-light-on-asperger-s.html
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NAA-NEO Upcoming Fundraisers

http://www.autismnortheastohio.org/
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NE Ohio BIOMEDICAL PARENT SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS TO START UP AGAIN
 
To all those who are interested in joining a group of parents pursuing or investigating biomedical interventions for their loved ones with autism, please note the following meeting times for the remainder of 2009.
 
July 29
August 19
Sept 24
October 27
November 9
December 7
 
Meeting times are at 6:30 pm through 8:45 pm
 
Meeting place:
Independence Public Library
6361 Selig Drive
Independence, Ohio  44131-4926
Off Brecksville Road in Civic Center complex
Phone: 216.447.0160
 
More information to follow re. future topics.  Please let me know what medical issues/biomedical issues you'd like to learn about next. The first meeting in July will be a videotaped presentation from AutismOne Conference about Gastrointestinal Issues in Autism by Dr. Krigsman.
 
Any questions, please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
RSVP to me by July 26
Thank you so much.
Andrea Pattison
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
216.544.1231
www.autismnortheastohio.org
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Presentation: Health Care For All

Stow-Munroe Falls Library, 3512 Darrow Rd, Stow
Aug. 10 @ 7 PM
TOPIC:   Health Care For All
Power Point Presentaion on health care reform, the benefit of a single payer system, how it works and how we can make it happen. Learn what Congree isn't telling you.
 Guest Speaker is Gwen Fischer Ph.D., SPANOhio, Portage Co. Chapter Coordinator.
 
Thank You
Debra Haley
SPANOhio.org
330-962-0980
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Toilet Training Class, Independence

Tuesday, August 13, 2009  -  7:00 pm

Jennifer Smith, Behavior Curriculum Intervention Specialist from the CCBDD will present on "Understanding Your Child's Needs While Teaching Them To Use The Bathroom."

Participants will receive information on toilet training readiness, strategies for success, visual supports, family participation, and coping strategies. This lecture will address toilet training needs across a wide range of ages and challenges.

Cleveland Clinic Community Room - Independence
5001 Rockside Road Independence, Ohio 44131
please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Transition Planning Workshop, NE Ohio
From the moment a student walks through the school door for the first time, most people are already thinking about what that student will do the day they graduate.  For students who have challenges in their learning styles, social skills, and behavior management, the transition from the school setting to adult life must be well planned.

This presentation for parents addresses the steps to developing a successful Individual Education Program for students with disabilities who are of transition age (14+).  Topics will include how to develop a future plan, courses of study in high school, and what is involved in writing goals for post-high school experiences.  The outcome is to increase a student’s opportunities for successful transition from the school setting to adult life.

Speaker:  Edward G. Flegel, Regional Transition Coordinator, Ohio Secondary Transition Improvement Grant
Date:  Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Check in:   6:15-6:30 pm
Time:                                    6:30-8:30 pm
Location:                             ESC-CC Building, 5811 Canal Road, Room 105, Valley View
Cost:                                      $10.00
Advance Registration is Required:      Please call Linda Kresnye at 216-229-5757, Ext. 126

Tools for Today and Tomorrow workshops are designed for parents and caregivers. Professionals are also welcome to attend. Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional advice or guidance for individual issues. For individual issues, consult with a qualified professional of your choice

Please help spread the word by forwarding this email or the attached flyer to others. Thank you.
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Midwest Innovations Walk-A-Thon for OASIS, Autism, Wooster

August 15, 2009, Wooster
For complete information, visit: http://www.oasisautism.org/
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Article: Solitude of swimming can be a plus for children with autism
Swimming is a sport that offers competition for individuals, making it ideal therapy for children with autism, according to an expert. The experience of one boy with autism who competes on a swim team suggests that children with the disorder thrive on the exercise, competition and social interaction without being overwhelmed by the stress of team play. The Washington Post - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/21/AR2009072101560.html?hpid=artslot
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Biodynamic Skills Workshop for Parents, Caretakers and Caregivers of Children with ADHD, Autism and other Special Needs, NE Ohio

The Star Institute
25901 Emery Road, Suite 100
Warrensville Hts., OH 44128
www.starinstitute.us

Saturday, September 12, 2009 and Sunday, September 13, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Cost $100 for one day or $180 for both days

Presenter: Gary Peterson, RCST, a registered Craniosacral Therapist and an approved teacher with the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America. He has been teaching and practicing energetic therapies for over 25 years and works with babies, children and adults in private practice.

Biodynamic Skills are gentle and non-invasive and are highly effective in working with a wide range of emotional and physical challenges. It helps to balance and restore the nervous and immune system as well as assist relaxation, focus, felt-sense awareness and sensory processing.

Learn skills used by craniosacral and energy therapists to help yourself and your family to experience greater health and well-being.

To register, contact Gary Peterson – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (303) 817-6189 or Linda Moran at (440) 668-7412.
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Article: Study on empathy development may aid autism research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yale University researchers believe that areas of the brain responsible for considering the thoughts of others may be developed as early as age 6. The results of a study on how typical children develop empathy could have implications for children with autism, who frequently display difficulty with social interactions. Forbes/HealthDay News - 
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/07/15/hscout628809.html