ASO DIGEST - Upcoming Events, Seminars, Resources, etc.

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

Information upcoming seminars, conferences, resources, etc. FYI - please share.

- November Seminars from The Arc of Ohio

- A Resource for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

- American Association of Persons with Disabilities Presidential Candidate Forum HUGE Success!

- Information on the Buddy Bike

- Web cast - emergency preparedness for people with disabilities

- Autism Society of Greater Cleveland brings Dennis Debbault to Cleveland

- ASA 2008 Conference - CALL FOR PAPERS

- Autism Society of NW Ohio Practical Solutions Series

- From The Autism Society of America - Autism funding may face presidential veto, Contact your legislators!- From the ASA - Holiday tips for families with a loved one with an autism spectrum disorder

- New ASA Chapter in SE Ohio!

- OLRS Voter Alert - November 1, 2007: Equal Access to the Ballot

- International Conference on Self Determination

- A PBS new Autism movie coming out in April 2008

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,Barbara C. YavorcikCo-PresidentAutism 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.

November Seminars from The Arc of Ohio

Did you know that….. · You can register and PAY with your credit card online for the following trainings at

www.thearcofohio.org. We are 100% secure. · Our trainings are designed for Parents AND Professionals.· We offer CEU’s for Social Work, ODMR/DD, and Nursing (for 11/30 only).· Space is still available for you! REGISTER TODAY. Thursday, November 29th“A Symposium of Critical Issuesâ€Sponsored by The Arc of Ohio & The Arc Stark Countyin partnership with Walsh University & Akron Children’s HospitalWALSH UNIVERSITYBarrett Center2020 East Maple St.North Canton, Ohio 44720-3336Registration begins at 9amSession ends at 4:15pm Friday, November 30th“Steps to Leading a Safe & Healthy Lifeâ€Sponsored by The Arc of OhioHoliday Inn/Worthington7007 N. High St.Worthington, OH 43085Registration begins at 9amSession ends at 4pm Click http://www.thearcofohio.org/index.php?option=com_events & Itemid=50 to register today!

A Resource for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

Successful Families with Appropriate Supports and Services

Research shows that parents with intellectual disabilities can be great parents with appropriate supports.Join together with others in The Arc family working to make these supports a reality for more families.

Join a network of advocates working to improve supports by sharing information and working to solve problems.

- Learn from programs which provide support to families- Share Information on Current Research

- Participate in monthly Topical Conference Calls- Get strategies for interagency cooperation- Access resources and benefit from the experience of others

First Conference Call:November 16, 2007 1:00 PMTo register call The Arc at 1-800-875-2723or e-mail jmurray1@...

This call is hosted by MetDESKDivision of Estate Planning for Special Kids

Advocating for the Rights ofCitizens with Developmental Disabilities1335 Dublin Rd, Suite 205-C, Columbus, OH 43215Ph: 614.487.4720 I Fax: 614. 487.4725 Iwww.thearcofohio.org

Presidential Candidate Forum on Disability a HUGE Success!

Over 600 New Hampshire voters with disabilities and their families and friends showed up for Friday's historic, first-ever national, cross-disability presidential candidate forum, hosted by a variety of New Hampshire advocacy organizations and sponsored by over twenty national disability organizations.

Who Showed Up

Five presidential candidates arrived in person to share their positions on a variety of disability issues (Clinton, Biden, Dodd, Kucinich, Gravel), one candidate sent a surrogate to provide a message on his behalf (), and one joined via phone call (McCain).What They Talked About

Senator Clinton - Community Choice Act, ADA Restoration, reinstating President Clinton's executive order calling on federal agencies to hire 100,000 people with disabilities within five years.

Senator Biden - State implementation and Department of Justice (DOJ) enforcement of the Olmstead decision, education for allSenator Dodd - Help America Vote Act (HAVA), strengthening enforcement of the ADA, affordable, accessible transportation, fully funding IDEA, improving access to telecommunications and technology, his sister Carolyn, who is legally blindCongressman Kucinich - his single-payer health care plan, his childhood experience with a speech impediment

Congressman Bonior (on behalf of Senator ) - the connection between disability and poverty, improving accessible transportation, fully funding IDEA, reinstating President Clinton's executive order of hiring 100,000 people with disabilities into the federal workforce

Senator Gravel - his criticisms of representationalgovernment and his recommendation that laws be made by the people directly, his childhood experience with dyslexia and his adult experience with neuropathySenator McCain - improving services for returning veterans with disabilities, strengthening the ADATo view more photos from the forum, visit the JFActivist blog.

Information on the Buddy Bike

The Buddy Bike is a fun and SAFE way for your families to get exercise. The Buddy Bike holds a total weight of up to 380 pounds. Two adults can ride together so you will be able to enjoy the Buddy Bike for many years to come. There aren't any height restrictions but it is necessary that the rear rider is able to see over the front rider's head in order to safely steer the bicycle.

The retail value of the Buddy Bike is $1295 plus shipping. You can refer any potential families to the information in our web site at www.buddybike.com. We offer a reduced special needs rate to the parents of special needs children or to non-profit organizations that provide services to the special needs community. We may require one of the following items as proof of qualification: 1) a letter from the children's physician stating the child's disability 2) a letter from the child's school stating the child's disability or 3) proof of non-profit status. The Special Needs Rate is $998 plus shipping (approximately $150). We ship to the bike shop of your choice so a professional can complete the assembly. The bike shops usually charge between $35 and $75 for this service. I would need the name, address and a phone number of a professional bike shop, as well as the billing and contact information, in order to place a shipping order. These prices are subject to change.

Please visit our Customer Comments page of our web site to see first hand what other parents have to say about their Buddy Bikes. And if you would like to see a bike in person, there is one dealer in Ohio with a bike in his showroom. You can contact:

Dan Negley

Breakaway Cycling

17 West StreetDelaware, OH 43015

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you and thank you for your interest in our Buddy Bikes!

Buddy Bike, LLC

786.489.BIKE (2453)

shelley@...

www.buddybike.com

Upcoming Milestones Events - Cleveland, NE Ohio

ABA Family Workshop

This workshop is for parents interested in learning ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) strategies to use in their home. $20.00 for one person or $50.00 for up to four family members or caretakers. Spaces are limited. Please call soon if you would like to register. 216.371.4765 Upcoming workshop dates:November 4, Monday, 1:30- 4:30 pm, Aurora, OHDecember 2, Sunday, 1:30- 4:30 pm, Middlefield, OHJanuary 6, Sunday, 1:30- 4:30 pm, Brecksville, OH February 3, Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm, Warren, OHMarch 2, Sunday 1:30-4:30 pm, Strongsville, OHIf you are interested in having this workshop come to your area, please contact us at milestonesorg@... or call Kiersten at 216-371-4765Milestones 6th Annual Autism/Asperger's ConferenceKeynote Speaker: Myles"The Hidden Curriculum-Social Skills"Monday, June 16, 20088:45 am to 4:45 pm, Landerhaven Center, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Hts. OhioThis conference is for you if you are a..special educator, inclusion teacher, classroom aide, speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, social worker, nurse, music or art therapist physical, physical therapist, school counselor,parent or relative of an individual with autism spectrum disorder and/or behavior therapist. Professional Development/CEU's will be available

2008 Milestones Awards

Nominate a parent for the Milestones Recognition Award!

Nominate a professional for a Milestones Appreciation Award! Awards will be given to individuals who have made a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs. Please contact us at 216.371.4765 or infomilestones@... to nominate an individual.

ABA Teacher Training WorkshopHow to Use ABA Effectively in the Public School SettingWeek-Long Hands-on Teacher Training WorkshopDate: Monday, June 23, 2006 - Friday June 27, 2008Professional Development/CEU's will be available

Please contact us at 216-371-4765 or infomilestones@....

Milestones Organization 3246 Desota Ave. Cleveland, OH 44118 216-371-4765 www.milestones.org

Upcoming Events - NE Ohio

Upcoming Local Events November 7, Parent Information Seminar (Achievement Center for Children)Highland Hills, 6:30- 8:30 pm. Topics include: Diagnosis of autism, early intervention services, next step intervention and treatment methods, supportive services and IDEIA. Call Peggy Lancaster at 216-292-9700 to register or for more information.November 9, Teaching the Student with High Functioning Autism or Aspergers SyndromeMonroeville, PA, 8:30 am- 3:30 pm. This full-day workshop is designed for parents, teachers and other professionals who work with students with HFA/AS and who have a working familiarity with the diagnosis. Topics include; understanding how the diagnosis can impact the school day in social behavior, in social communication, in cognitive/learning differences and in sensory issues, earning how to thoughtfully respond to agitation, escalation and meltdowns with mostly proactive and some reactive techniques, writing measurable IEP goals that target non-academic skill areas by using a variety of measurement techniques to track meaningful and informative data. Teaching and parenting strategies will be discussed throughout the day. For more information about the presenter, go to www.rebeccaklaw.com

November 12, F.U.N. Taking the Sting Out of Behavior (OCECD) FREECuyahoga County Library- Bay Village Branch, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Audience: families or professionals. Certificate of Attendance provided for professional clock hours:no CEU's. For more information contact Barb Rutt at 216-694-6402 or go to www.ocecd.org

November 13, "Practical Strategies for Teaching Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome in the Classroom" Conference (AAPC) Washington, PA, 7:30 am- 3:00 pm. Moyes is an international speaker, trainer and a former teacher. She is also the author of several books, including Incorporating Social Goals in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parents of Children with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome . This conference will provide attendees with practical strategies to teach social skills, address challenging behaviors, and specific ways to make curricular accommodations/adaptations that work in inclusive settings for children with autism and Asperger Syndrome. To view conference brochure and/or register, visit www.avidlearning.org/conferencewashington.html.November 14, Transitioning Your Asperger Child From School to Workforce, Independence (Greater Cleveland Asperger Support Group) Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Boulevard, 7:00 pm. Aimee Gilman, special ed lawyer and executive director of Cleveland-based Special Education Services (also a member of our group) will draw upon her own experience transitioning her adult son and present a variety of options for the young adult with Asperger's. There will be opportunity to discuss what the law requires regarding transition, but the focus of this talk is personal adjustment issues critical to success. Please rsvp to:@...

November 15 - 16, 2007 The Autism Spectrum: Social Skills, and Students with Asperger Syndrome1100 Crocker Rd. Westlake, OH, 7:00 am- 3:30 pm. Jed Baker, Ph.D., "Social Skills Training and Frustration Management" and Diane Adreon, Ph.D., "Strategies for Students with Asperger Syndrome"For more information go to www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/cleveland.html

Web cast - emergency preparedness for people with disabilities

'Disaster Lights' & 'Disaster Heavies:' Relevant Emergency Preparedness Information for People with DisabilitiesA two-session web castDATES AND TIMES: Friday, November 9th & 16th, 20073:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii. OVERVIEW:--Making it real - distinguishing between preparedness information produced "about and for us" versus information produced "with and by us!"--Why preparation pays--How to evaluate your skills --Building support teams--Communication and Public Warning Issues --Making and practicing plans --Importance of those dreaded drills--Collecting supplies and creating kits--Avoid avoidance by making a specific priority list that includes what you will do in: 1, 2, and 6 months and ongoing and acting on it! WHO SHOULD ATTEND?--People with disabilities and activity limitations --Advocates from disabilities and aging communities PRIOR TO EACH Web cast we suggest you print: --Emergency Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety--Tips for People with Activity Limitations and Disabilities. 2006 (Written by Kailes & Wallrich, for the Los Angeles County). PDF and TEXT versions: www.jik.com/disaster.html CLICK - on NEW--HTML version (copy and paste complete link in case it is broken in youremail):http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:Zdhz-pdWTdUJ:www.cert-la.com/ESP/ESP-Disabilities-Guide-2006.pdf+Emergency+Preparedness:+Taking+Responsibility+For+Your+Safety+-+Tips+for+People+with+Activity+Limitations+and+Disabilities. & hl=en & ct=clnk & cd=1 & gl=usABOUT THE PRESENTER:June Isaacson Kailes has a Disability Policy Consulting practice and is the Associate Director, Center for Disability Issues and the Health Professions Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California. June, since the early 1980s, is one of justa handful of people with disabilities who focuses a portion of her time on disability and aging related emergency. She works on emergency issues nationally and internationally, with community based organizations and with emergency professionals. Her work as a writer, trainer, researcher, policy analyst and advocate is widely known and respected. June's is currently working with two California departments: Social Service on a "People with disabilities and the Elderly Sheltering Plan" and Developmental Disabilities on an Emergency Preparedness Needs Analysis. She recently co-chaired The United States Department of Homeland Security's working group on Functional and Medical Support Sheltering (FMSS) Target Capabilities List. Several of her emergency preparedness publications include: --Emergency Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety - Tips for People with Activity Limitations and Disabilities, written for and distributed by Los Angeles County, Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Survival Program,--Living and Lasting on Shaky Ground: An Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities, distributed by California Office of Emergency Safety,--Creating a Disaster - Resistant Infrastructure for People at Risk Including People with Disabilities (published and used in several countries),--Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility for Your Safety A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations, available at http://www.cdihp.org/evacuationpdf.htm. She held many offices on the boards of the National Council of Independent Living and the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers and served as the Executive Director of the Westside Center for Independent Living in Los Angeles. President Clinton appointed June to the United States Access Board where she served eight years. To learn more about June, visit www.jik.com.HOW TO PARTICIPATE:To link to this Web cast and download accompanying materials visit:http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/calendar.htmlFor instructions on how to access a Web cast visit:http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/instructions.htmlFor technical assistance, please check out our FAQs (frequently asked questions) at: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/FAQ.html or contact a Web cast team member at webcast@... or 713.520.0232 (V/TTY). Support is received from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The opinions and views expressed are those of the presenters and no endorsement by the funding agency should be inferred.

.. For more info, please contact: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/FAQ.html or contact a Web cast team member at webcast@... or 713.520.0232 (V/TTY).

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland brings Dennis Debbault to Cleveland

The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland, the Cleveland area’s leader in autism advocacy, is proud to present nationally acclaimed author and presenter Dennis Debbaudt to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, 8001 Brecksville Road in Brecksville, on Monday, December 3 for two very important and informative presentations:

The first, for first responders and law enforcement is titled “Autism and Law Enforcement: Recognition, Response and Risk Managementâ€. It begins at 8:30 AM and runs, with a lunch break, until 3:00 PM. More information is below or can be found at: http://www.asgc.org/flyers/Dennis_Debbaudt_Flyer_10-20.pdf.

The second, for parents and professionals is titled “Autism and Safetyâ€. It will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. More information is below or can be found at: http://www.asgc.org/flyers/Dennis_Debbaudt_Parent_Flyer_10-22.pdf.

Presentation 1

“Autism and Law Enforcement: Recognition, Response and Risk Management.â€

8:30AM – 3:00PM

These training sessions will help first responders (police, firefighters and EMS) recognize the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of both children and adults with autism, learn basic response techniques and learn about the high risks associated with autism. The program will suggest options about how to address those risks, increasing officer and citizen safety.

The rate of autism has grown ten-fold since the late 1990’s from 1 in 2,500 births to 1 in

every 150. People with autism and other developmental disabilities are approximately

seven times more likely to come into contact with police than a member of the general

population. Dilemmas and options for resolving contacts will be described and presented.

Presentation 2

“Autism and Safetyâ€

6:00PM – 8:30PM

Children and adults with autism spectrum disorders are at risk in the community in a number of ways. Parents and other caregivers must prepare for unexpected medical emergencies, natural disasters, and fire, and notify appropriate professionals before and after emergency happens. They must also teach their children skills to manage emergency situations and how to establish positive relationships with emergency responders and law enforcement professionals.

About Dennis Debbaudt:

Dennis Debbaudt is the father of a young man with autism, and has been a professional investigator and journalist for 28 years. Over the past 11 years he has trained and developed training materials for law enforcement, first response, and criminal justice professionals throughout the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

He has authored numerous articles and books including Autism, Advocates and Law Enforcement Professionals: Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders ( Kingsley Publishers, 2002) and Contact with Individuals with Autism: Effective Resolutions with Darla Rothman for the FBI Law

Enforcement Bulletin (2001).

His Autism and Law Enforcement video and handout are in use by Dept. of Homeland Security, PA State Police, Philadelphia PD, Boston Police Academy, Portland Police Bureau, Cincinnati PD, Virginia Beach PD, Palm and many other agencies throughout the U.S.

Everyone will come away with a good, practical understanding of the best

approaches when they interact with children and adults who are affected by autism spectrum disorders.

More information can be found at the links provided, at www.asgc.org, by emailing this sending address, emailing contact@... or calling 216.556.4937.

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

PO Box 41066

Brecksville, Ohio 44141

216-556-4937

“Cleveland’s Autism Advocacy Leaderâ€

ASA 2008 Conference - CALL FOR PAPERSWe are excited to announce that the 2008 ASA National Conference will beheld in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterJuly 9 to 12 and wanted to let you know that we have just opened the 2008Call for Papers.We greatly appreciate your contribution to our successful conference lastyear, and hope you will consider joining us this year in Orlando as well. Weanticipate 2,000 attendees this year and more than 150 exhibitors, plusspeakers from around the globe. In 2007, 14 national organizations met aspart of our conference, which afforded many networking opportunities for ourspeakers, and we will once again offer continuing education credits forprofessionals.We hope you will consider submitting this year to present. For moreinformation please click on the following link or visitwww.autism-society.org/conference.If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us atconference@....Hope to see you in Orlando in July 2008!Lee Grossman ASA Board Chair and 2008 Conference Co-Chair PrattASA Board Chair and 2008 Conference Co-Chair

Autism Society of NW Ohio Practical Solutions Series

http://www.asno.org/images/practical_solutions.pdfNovember 7, 2007 6:30-9 p.m. Relaxation Training For You and Your Child With Autism - Kim Renner Toledo HospitalEducation Center AuditoriumNovember 8, 2007 9:30 a.m.-noon Relaxation Training For You and Your Child With Autism - Kim Renner Toledo HospitalEducation Center AuditoriumNovember 14, 2007 6:30-9 p.m. Toilet Training Your Child with Autism -Kim Renner UT Health Science CampusDowling Hall Room # 2315November 15, 2007 9:30 a.m.-noon Toilet Training Your Child with Autism - Kim Renner UT Health Science CampusDowling Hall Room # 2315November 28, 2007 6:30-9 p.m. Asperger Syndrome and Bullying: Empowering Adults and Students toMake a Difference - Rebekah HeinrichsUT Health Science CampusHealth Ed. Bldg., Room # 103November 29, 2007 9:30 a.m.-noon Asperger Syndrome and Bullying: Empowering Adults and Students toMake a Difference - Rebekah HeinrichsUT Health Science CampusHealth Ed. Bldg., Room # 103

From The Autism Society of America - Autism funding may face presidential veto, Contact your legislators!http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=VDhWY4JHJ9ECOwG8--glbQ..

Last week, the joint House/Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Conference Committee reported out theirversion of the FY 2008 funding bill. This legislation includes significant increases for autism related programs at the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, President Bush is vowing to veto this legislation. This veto threatens much needed increases for autism early intervention, diagnosis, treatment and research. We must work to get a veto-proof majority for this conference report in both the House and the Senate. Please email, call or fax your Member of Congress or Senator today andurge them to SUPPORT the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill. Feel free to use the sample email below, or modify it to discuss why this bill is so important to you!Click below to send an email to your Senator, urging him or her to support this important bill.http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=pT1yfmE1n0rt3IDhCWFt4Q..

From the ASA - Holiday tips for families with a loved one with an autism spectrum disorder

Make your holidays extra special with these tried-and-true tips fromthe experts--parents!The holidays are all about getting together to celebrate with familyand friends. However, the holiday period can be a stressful time forchildren and adults with autism because it is a breach in their dailyroutine. If we anticipate the holidays and what they entail beforethey arrive, the person with autism can be made more comfortable andat ease--ensuring joy for all throughout the holidays!The Autism Society of America (ASA), dedicated to increasing publicawareness about autism and addressing the issues faced by familiestouched by the condition, has prepared a special web page with helpfulinformation to make the holidays less stressful.Use the link below to go to the holidays and autism Web page:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=0yaCbIxLGvxMMfNYTVN1PA..You may also want to share this information with grandparents,extended family, and friends to help them understand how to make theholiday experience more pleasurable and positive for the family andthe person on the autism spectrum.Use the link below to pass along this email and link to family and friends:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=A3FeMGSKlOxMNAFW3smaSw..The ASA has additionally developed in-depth information on a varietyof topics related to living with autism. Please visit us online athttp://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=FEOGQOVpFeS3JmwOtb1FAA.. or call us at 1.800.3AUTISM for helpand information on autism.Sincerely,Lee GrossmanFather of a child with autismPresident and CEOMake a Donation Today:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=fLItyhA2DOn-tZ_ZsWES1A..

New ASA Chapter in SE Ohio!

A new ASA chapter has been Chartered in SE Ohio!

Southeastern Ohio chapter, the Autism Society of America

Serves the following counties covered by SST-Region 16 (Formerly SEO-SERRC): Athens, Gallia, Hocking, , Meigs, , Monroe, , Vinton, and Washington.

Our chapter offers:

1) Online support groups

AutismSEOhio_Parents AutismSEOhio_Parents/ (only for parents of children on the spectrum)

AutismSEOhio_ForAll AutismSEOhio_ForAll/ (for everybody interested in improving the lives affected by autism)

2) Online parent survey to assess the needs of our families.

3) E-mail provider survey to supplement OCALI database.

4) Sib-chats: for siblings (age 8-13) of a child with any developmental disabilities.

5) Trainings: we host bi-monthly trainings by OCECD (Ohio Coalition for Education of Children with Disabilities)

Established in October 2007, the Southeastern Ohio Chapter is the newest Autism Society of America. In addition to the above noted activities we have a number of future activities that we are planning. Please contact Noriko Kantake (nkantake@...) for more information.

OLRS Voter Alert - November 1, 2007: Equal Access to the BallotFederal laws protect the right of people with disabilities to vote. According to HAVA (Help America Vote Act of 2002), Ohio polling places must have at least one voting machine that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities have the right to have help at voting places from a person of their choice.The following information about voting and accessibility is provided by Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) in an effort to help protect your right to vote.1. If you choose to use help to vote, someone can help youIf you cannot vote by yourself because of a disability, or you cannot read or write, someone may help you when you vote. You can choose the person who helps you (except that the person cannot be a candidate in the election, your employer, your labor union leader or their agents).If you want, you can choose to get help from two poll workers (each worker has to be from a different political party). Any person who helps you vote must keep your vote private.You also have the right to bring any printed materials and any assistive technology device with you into the voting booth.2. Private ballotingWhile the law requires that you be permitted an assistant of your choice, recent advances in technology mean that you should also be able to vote privately and independently. Each precinct must have at least one machine available that can accommodate voters with disabilities (for example, is audio enabled, or can be lowered to a comfortable height, or has a light touch requirement). Few machines, however, allow a voter who uses Braille to read the voter verified paper trail. This is an area where the law and technology are rapidly advancing, and you may wish to call OLRS if you have a specific issue that you want advice on.3. IdentificationYou will be asked to provide identification (ID) before you vote. You will be permitted to vote by regular ballot if you have a driver's license or an official state of Ohio ID card (issued by Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You also will be given a regular ballot if you bring a government photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, pay check, government check, or government issued document with your name and current address on it.If you cannot provide one of these, then you can provide the last four digits of your social security number and vote by provisional ballot.If you do not want to provide any of these items, then you will be given an affidavit to sign and will vote by provisional ballot. You must then provide adequate ID to the Board of Elections within 10 days of casting the ballot or it will not be counted.4. Requirements for signing in when you voteWhen you go to vote, the poll worker will ask you to sign the voters' poll book. You may sign your name cursively or with a mark, or you may use a stamp or other assistive technology or augmentative device, if this is how you normally sign your name. Your mark or signature on election day should match your mark or signature on your voter registration record. If there has been any change in your signature since you registered, or you sign your name in a different way or with a different device, call your county Board of Elections as soon as possible. Even if your signature does not match your voter registration record, do not leave without voting. You still have the right to vote by a provisional ballot.You can ask for any reasonable accommodation to assist you in signing your name or making your mark. It may be as simple as asking the poll worker to place the book on your lap. Indicating to the poll worker in some manner that you want to vote and having the poll worker mark the signature space and attest that you indicated you want to vote may be a reasonable accommodation. You should be prepared to provide your signature or mark in the same way you would in your day to day life but, because the signature requirement is still relatively new, there is a lack of clear guidance on what will be acceptable under the law. Remember to ask for a provisional ballot if you are denied a regular ballot. Call OLRS if you have any questions.You may also use a power of attorney for voting if you are physically unable to sign your name (with or without accommodation). This is not required, but is a tool that a voter with a disability may wish to use. The requirements for a power of attorney are complicated, and may require you to get a sworn statement from your doctor. If you use this option, you are strongly encouraged to make arrangements prior to Election Day. Call OLRS or the Secretary of State's office if this is an option you would like to pursue.5. What to know about being challenged about being eligible or qualified to voteThe law allows a person to challenge or question whether you are qualified or eligible to vote. You only have to answer questions or challenges by official poll workers. Ohio law says that only official poll workers are allowed to question or challenge you on limited issues, such as where you live. No one else is allowed to question or challenge you about things like your age, your Ohio residence, and your U.S. citizenship. Ohio law does not allow anyone at the voting place to question or challenge you about any other information, including whether you have a guardian.6. What to do if a poll worker won't let you voteIf a poll worker won't let you vote, or sign the book, because of a disability, or because of your answer to a question, do not leave without voting. You still have the right to vote by provisional ballot.No one may deny you your vote, or require you to have another person with you when you vote, because they know or they think that you have a mental illness or mental retardation or some other disability. Do not leave the voting place. If the poll workers deny you your vote because they know or think that you have a disability, call OLRS from the voting place, right away.If the poll workers don't allow you to vote for any reason, do not leave the voting place. For whatever reason they did not allow you to vote, whether right or wrong, you still have the right to vote by a provisional ballot, with help to mark the ballot if you want help. Your provisional ballot will be counted within three days after Election Day, if your County Board of Elections finds you eligible and qualified to vote. Contact your county Board of Elections office to find out. If your vote was not counted, find out why, and how you can appeal or question this decision.7. Voting with a provisional ballotSometimes a person wants to vote but is not allowed to vote the regular way. If this happens to you, you may still be able to vote with a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot is counted if election officials can find facts, after you vote, that show that you an eligible voter.If you are not allowed to vote the regular way because of any of the reasons listed below, you can still vote by using a provisional ballot.Because a poll worker or other election official believes that you are not eligible to vote. Because the poll worker thinks your signature does not match the signature on your registration form. Because your name is not on the official voter list and the poll worker can't verify that you are registered to vote. Because you do not have an acceptable form of identification to show. Because you got an absentee ballot but did not return it. Your provisional ballot will be counted after the election if the election officials check and find that you are eligible to vote. You have a right to know if your vote was counted. Contact your county Board of Elections office to find out. If your vote was not counted, find out why, and how you can appeal or question this decision.8. Election Contact InformationOffice of the Ohio Secretary of StatePhone: 614-466-2655 or TTY 614-466-0562Secretary of State websites:Voter Information Guide www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/PublicAffairs/voterInfoGuide.aspx Your Vote Counts www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/yvc/index.htm (instructions and pictures of how to use voting booths are included on this site) When You Vote, Take ID www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/id/index.htm County Board of ElectionsCall the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State (see phone numbers listed above) or visit http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/ElectionsVoter/OhioElections.aspx?Section=boeDir Ohio Legal Rights ServicePhone: 800-282-9181 or TTY 800-858-3542Website: www.olrs.ohio.gov

International Conference on Self Determination

Hello supporters of self-determination- Please visit the October issue of the Alliance for Freedom http://www.self-determination.com/newsletters/oct2007.html for up-to-date news from the Center for Self-Determination.Feel free to share the newsletter, especially information about the international conference, with colleagues, friends, neighbors…If you’d like more information about the conference visit ICSD http://communitydrive.org/Conference.html or email me at info.icsd@... about helping promote this premiere event. Sorry if this is a duplicate email – just want to spread the word far and wide. Pat CarverInternational Conference on Self-DeterminationMay 27-29, 2008Detroit, Michiganself.determination.com810-231-6364

A PBS new Autism movie coming out in April 2008

http://www.beautifulson.com/film.htmlA documentary about one family's struggle to heal their son from autismIn 2003, Hawaii filmmakers Don and nne King realized something waswrong with their three-year-old son, Beau. Around age two-and-a-half, Beaustarted loosing his ability to speak, his coordination, and was becomingdisconnected from the outside world. Determined to help Beau, his parentsbrought him to the best doctors in the U.S. and took along a video camera todocument the results. Two months later, Beau was diagnosed with AutismSpectrum Disorder (ASD).In BEAUTIFUL SON, Don and nne take us on their journey through thelandscape of this debilitating neurological disorder as they attempt torecover Beau from autism. Along the way, through their research and personalinteraction with various medical professionals, Don and nne come tobelieve the establishment has little to offer apart from advice of "goodparenting" and behavioral therapy. Desperate to find help, they stumble upona community of doctors and parents who are experimenting with alternativetreatments and who are, they believe, successfully recovering some kids fromautism

BEAUTIFUL SON is the story of an illness reaching epidemic proportion, nowaffecting one in 150 children. And, it's the story of a grass roots movementof parents and doctors who believe that vaccines, mercury and other toxinsmay be triggering some forms of autism and demanding research be done tohelp their children.See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.