A request from ASGC

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO;

A request from the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland regarding the Winkleman Case. You may be familiar with this case - the parents were denied the right to represent their minor child with autism in court in an IDEA dispute with their school district.

The ASO and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities have teamed up to file an amicus or "friend of the court" brief with the US Supreme Court in support of the parents right to represent their children in these types of disputes - if they so choose. The brief takes no sides or makes any statement regarding the parent's dispute with the school district.

For more information on this case, you can visit our website and click on "autism news".

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...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.

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Happy New Year!

We had a successful first meeting at our new digs at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center last evening. Thanks to all who attended. Our next meeting will be on February 7.

As many of you may know, the Winkleman family out of Parma will be taking their parent advocacy case to the United States Supreme Court next month. They are struggling mightily with keeping their son at Monarch JCB for the special care that he needs while they continue to fight for the advocacy rights for all parents with a disabled child.

The ASGC has a general education fund for matters such as these at any key branch location and we encourage you to support us as we assist families who strive to give their children the special help they need to better function in society.

At the family's request, I offer a copy of their letter below after my signature. Thank you as always for all that you do, in your actions or your prayers to support the ASGC.

Sincerely,

Gus Gallucci

VP, ASGC

The Winkelman Family has been fighting for the rights of all parents across the country. They need our help today. Please consider giving back to this heroic family in their time of need. http://www.parentadvocates.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=article & articleID=6942

Tuition Assistance Fund Imagine waking up in a foreign land and not being able to speak or understand the language around you! How would you operate in a world truly different from the one you lived in? Welcome to the world of autism…

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, impairing normal development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. One in 166 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes. There is no cure for autism and no understanding of what causes it.

The Cleveland area is fortunate to have several critically needed services available for families who have children with autism, including the Monarch School. Unfortunately, tuition at a school for autism is very expensive. Most families cannot afford to pay private tuition and depend on their local school systems for help. (See http://www.yaleherald.com/article.php?Article=1350 ) article by ph Leone: Autism on the rise and in need of attention.) There are times, however, when schools refuse to fund programs and provide services for children with autism. To litigate a school district, families can face attorney fees of $100,000 or more each year. Where does a family turn?

You can help! A group of parents has just started the Tuition Assistance Fund. Right now there is a little boy named who has been at Monarch School since 2003 and has made remarkable progress at miracle levels. Due to funding, remains at home with no school to attend. needs to get back to school today. Please help this family bring their child back to school. We need to raise 60 days of tuition. We need sixty people to reach in their hearts and help keep in school while his family continues to litigate for his rights.

Please consider a tax-deductible gift.

Send checks made out to: ASGC (Autism Society of Greater Cleveland)

P.O. Box 41066

Brecksville, Ohio 44141

Please Note Name in Memo Area:

Winkelman

Questions contact: Shane M.D. , 216.622.0755, at CMR, 1331 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114; OR E-mail Shane at: SMD@...

Shane has strived to create a ‘posse’ to support the Winkelmans and has been appointed by the Winkelmans as the†Lead Winkelman Family Advocateâ€.

Please consider making a donation and or by passing this along to others who have a heart for children. For more info on Monarch School go to: www.bellefairejcb.org Click on Monarch Services. --0-1675204981-1167864909=:25610--