ASO Digest: Information on seminars, resources, etc.

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Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on seminars, resources, Federal legislation, etc. FYI - please share.

- IEP Training, Akron

- Transitioning children from school to career, Independence

- Important Info for Adults receiving I/O and Level 1 Waivers from ODMRDD

- November Seminars from The Arc of Ohio

- ODMRDD Futures Committee Chair Director Invites Further Participation

- ODMRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting, Columbus

- PARENT TRAINING : Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?, Akron

- Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis and Speech Pathology: MAKING THE PIECES FIT, sburg (NW Ohio)

- Autism In The Classroom Presentation, Wooster

- Friday Night Fun, Twinsburg

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.

IEP TrainingAutism Advocates & Consultants LLC Date: 12/05/07 WednesdayTime: 9:00-11:30 am & 6:00-8:30 pmLocation: Akron Rotary Camp4460 Rex Lake Dr. Akron,OH 44319 Parents may bring their IEP’s There will be a $20.00 fee due 1/2 hour prior to scheduled event at registration table.Light refreshments will be provided. IEP Guides will be made available for purchase at $20.00Cash & Checks Accepted Only OBJECTIVES· Learn what information should be in each “Stepâ€Â· Learn how to write a Short Term Objective and Benchmark· Learn the difference between an Accommodation and Modification· Learn how to write a measurable goal Please RSVP by 12-03-07to 330-265-7931

Heading West from Downtown Akron it is 2 blocks before Hawkins and about 1 block before Hardesty park.

I hope to see you then.

CahoonVice PresidentThe Greater Akron ChapterAutism Society of America PO Box 2831Akron, OH 44309-2831330-543-3955asagreaterakron@...www.asagreaterakron.com

Transitioning children from school to career

Date: Wednesday November 14, 2007 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Independence Civic Center Greater Cleveland Asperger SupportAimee Gilman, special ed lawyer and executive director of Cleveland-based Special Education Services will discuss transitioning children affected by Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism from school to career. Ms. Gilman 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. This presentation may also be helpful to parents of children with other disabilities that affect attention span, executive function, coping and social skills. 7-9 p.m. Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Boulevard, Independence. Free but must register by e-mail: @... (preferrred) or phone: (440) 846-9845

Public Hearing on Medicaid Buy-in; Submit Feedback on Rules

Dear Medicaid Buy-In Advocates and interested parties,

We want to keep you updated on the progress of the Medicaid Buy-In (MBI)

program.

The following is the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services Public

Hearing Notice of the proposed MBI rule. The public hearing is scheduled

for Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the State Office Tower, Room 3110B,

30 East Broad Street, Columbus, at 10:00 a.m.

Also, attached please find the proposed Ohio Department of Jobs and Family

Services rule to implement the Medicaid Buy-In program (visit http://www.registerofohio.state.oh.us/).

We encourage MBI advocates to attend this public hearing to show support for

the MBI program. If you would like to provide testimony at the public

hearing, please have 5 copies of your written testimony with you on the

date of the public hearing. You may also send written testimony via email

to: rules@.... If submitted prior to the date of the hearing,

this written testimony will be read into the public hearing record on the

date of the hearing. Please refer to the attached public hearing notice

about other options to submit testimony (visit ASO website www.autismohio.org "Latest News" for complete details).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 614-228-8300 or

1-800-796-8498.

Cerebral Palsy Association of Ohio

995 Goodale Blvd., Suite 2

Columbus, Ohio 43212

Phone: (614) 228-8300, (800) 796-8498

Fax: (614) 228-2006

Email: CPOhio@...

Important Info for Adults receiving I/O and Level 1 Waivers from ODMRDD

FROM THE ARC OF OHIO:

Very Important if You or a Loved One is on the Level 1 or Individual Options (IO) Waiver and receive ADULT Day Services. You will be asked by your county board to sign a new ISP before December 31, 2007. We have advocated over the years for choice in all your waiver services so this is a good thing. After December 31, 2007, counties, providers and the state will have new billing codes for Waiver Adult Services. This means that each Individual or their Guardian, receiving Adult Day Services through a Level 1 or IO Waiver, must sign a new ISP by December 31, 2007 authorizing a new billing code. You will also receive a letter from the Ohio Department of Job and Families Services saying that your current day service is being eliminated. What it may or may not say is that it will be replaced by a new service…..So please do not panic. This change allows you to have more choice in what adult services you receive during the day, what type of services are available, including transportation to those services; who provides the service; and, how much service you receive. Please discuss this change with your county SSA. Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Ted Strickland, Governor , Director November 7, 2007 County Board Superintendents of MR/DD From: L. , Director Subject: Transition to the IO Waiver Adult Day Service Array Yesterday I met with leadership representing county boards, providers and advocacy organizations to discuss the status of two critical waiver reimbursement transitions that are underway: adult day services and homemaker personal care. This communication focuses on the status and next steps related to adult day services. Additional information regarding homemaker personal care will be forthcoming from my staff in the near term. On January 1, 2007, the service codes that county boards and private providers use to bill day habilitation services will cease to exist. It is important to understand that, unlike homemaker personal care, we will not have dual payment systems in place after December 31st and thus there will be no opportunity to obtain federal reimbursement for day services that are billed via the current habilitation service codes. It is imperative for county boards to work with individuals and guardians as well as private providers prior to December 31st in order to convert to the new adult day service codes for which federal reimbursement is available. I understand that many county boards are electing to wait until late December before implementing this transition; however, please remember that you have the option to act now if you wish. At a minimum, I recommend that you address all necessary pre-transition activities soon in order to be ready affect change the end of December. It would be nice to see some transition occur in the near term. The amount of time and staff investment for county boards to accomplish this work will vary depending on the amount of preparatory activities that have been done to date as well as the extent of change expected for each individual. In all cases, however, it is at a minimum necessary to make a change to each person’s ISP prior to December 31st in order to reflect the new service. It is also necessary to complete a PAWS revision prior to payment for these services; while it is technically possible to complete this part after January 1st, it is obvious that it’s in everyone’s interest to have this activity as soon as possible. If private providers are operating services on the adult day services array in your county, please be sure to complete both the ISP and PAWS revisions for individuals receiving services from these providers before December 31st. Training and outreach has been available on these new codes for a number of months; for more information please reference materials at the following link: http://odmrdd.state.oh.us/topics/waiver/nextsteps.htm. Our department must be accountable to help ensure our collective success during this transition process. If you identify a technical assistance need that would benefit your staff or a provider or family with whom you work, please contact your regional consultant and we will provide assistance. Additionally, if you have more general concerns or suggestions on how we might make this statewide transition as successful as possible, please let us know. The adult day services transition requires a significant investment of staff resources at a very busy time for the system. I very much appreciate everyone’s ongoing efforts in support of the waiver reimbursement transition. Additionally, I appreciate the support that was voiced at yesterdays meeting to work collaboratively to complete the transition. cc: Robin & Amy Rohling McGee, Governor’s Office Bibi Manev, ODJFSDan Ohler, OACBMRDD Maureen Corcoran & Mark , OPRA Tonks, ARC of Ohio Sonya Mawhorter, OLMR

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!

ODMRDD Futures Committee Chair, Director ,Invites Further Participation

NOTE: ASO President Barb Yavorcik is Chair of the Serving Populations with Specialized Needs Subcommittee.

The ODMRDD is committed to sharing information and discussing policy options during the Futures Committee process. Since our first meeting on August 30, 2007, we have continued to build on this public process to create venues for all voices to be heard, and for discussions about issues and options for Ohio’s MRDD system. A group of 46 people have been appointed to the Futures Committee representing a broad range of stakeholder groups and areas of interest. In addition, nearly 200 individuals and families have attended meetings hosted by the Committee -- meetings that have focused on shaping a system of quality services that are affordable and accessible to a broad population -- offering some hope and some help to everyone. As Director of the ODMRDD and head of the Futures Committee, I would like to re-state the group’s purpose, as introduced at the first Committee meeting: “The purpose of the Committee is to identify opportunities in the MRDD system to improve individual choice, support quality outcomes, and assure financially sound practices and sustainable funding resources.†To this I would add that, “The system-wide vision will be developed after we receive the input of as many stakeholders as wish to be involved, and not before. There are many difficult issues to address, and our intent is to stay focused, and make decisions based on input and data analysis. †Toward a System-wide VisionThe Futures Committee invites further participation in these efforts to maintain a strong and positive focus on issues, while assuring the most transparent and accessible public forum possible. The first round of public testimony begins on Monday, November 26 with hearings from the Financing and Serving Populations with Specialized Needs subcommittees. The Accessing Services and Supports and Delivering Quality Services subcommittees will conduct their hearings on Friday, November 30. The meetings will be held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the Columbus Developmental Center Training Room, 1601 W. Broad St., Columbus. While there is a March 30, 2008 deadline on the recommendations from this Committee, the Futures Committee is part of an ongoing process to obtain a continuous flow of meaningful input from individuals receiving services; family members; advocacy organizations; providers; County Boards of MRDD; Superintendents and their employees; and, representatives of state and county governments. I look forward to the active participation of all interested parties in the Futures Committee process and thank all who have done so to this point. Director L. More on the Testimony Process Public testimony will be limited to 3-5 minutes, but written comments of any length can be submitted in person or through the MRDD Futures Website via an email to: Futures-Feedback@.... We encourage everyone who wishes to testify to notify the Department via e-mail so that we can accommodate as many as possible during the scheduled times. More information regarding the testimony scheduled times, process and protocol, will be available on the Futures Committee website at www.mrdd.ohio.gov/futures The ODMRDD is committed to supporting this effort through MRDD Futures Committee members, the Department’s electronic newsletter Pipeline, and the Futures Committee website at www.mrdd.ohio.gov/futures Each of these communications tools are provided to make all information available, to deliver news and additional information, and to receive comments and input.

ODMRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting

Hello all. We have scheduled our next family Advisory Council meeting for Monday, December 17th at the lin County Board of MR/DD, 2879 stown Road, Columbus, OH 43219. We will meet in Conference Room A at 10:00 a.m. I apologize for the day and location change, but this was the only time to get another meeting in before the end of the year. I will forward an agenda as soon as we finalize it. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you. Michele L. Kanode Administrative Assistant Constituent Services Ohio Dept. of MR/DD 1810 Sullivant Avenue Columbus, OH 43223 614.644.0265 614.752.5302 - fax

PARENT TRAINING : Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA, GREATER AKRON CHAPTER Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh & Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Presents Dennis Debbaudt World renowned first responder speaker and trainer December 4, 2007 Rotary Camp- Akron, Ohio Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency? 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. registration 6:30 pm – 9:00pm Mr. Debbaudt, the proud father of Brad, a young man who has autism, wrote the ground-breaking booklet “Avoiding Unfortunate Situations†in 1994, the first ever look at the interactions between children and adults with autism and law enforcement professionals. Since then, he has trained and developed training materials for law enforcement, first response and criminal justice professionals throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

This training is for parents, caregivers and disability service providers.Dinner will be provided.

No Charge for this training session. RSVP not required, but is encouraged. For more information please contact 330-543-3955 or email asagreaterakron@....

Directions toRotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, OH 44319

From I-77:On I77, take the Arlington Road exit. Go south on Arlington Road (from the north, turn right and from the south, turn left). Take Arlington Road to Route 619 (Turkeyfoot Lake Road). Turn right on Turkeyfoot Lake Road. At the 4th stoplight turn left onto Dusty’s Road. Make the first right onto Rex Lake Road and the second left onto Rex Lake Drive. Rotary Camp is the first driveway on the right.

Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis and Speech Pathology: MAKING THE PIECES FIT

Presenters V. Sinclair, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCBA & Aletta Sinoff, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCBA Friday, January 18, 20089:00am –3:00pmHoliday Inn French Quarter10630 Fremont Pikesburg, OH 43551 419-874-0198 Participants will be able to describe the scientific basis of operant conditioning as it applies to the treatment of individuals with autism. Participants will be able to describe the scientific arguments regarding behavioral and developmental acquisition of language. Participants will be able to describe and identify behavioral techniques used in teaching verbal/augmentative communication to individuals with autism. Participants will be able to describe the use of behavioral techniques to increase and improve communication skills for individuals with autism. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism is an approved BACB continuing education provider. This course offers 5.0 BACB CEU credits.The Ohio Speech-Language Hearing Association is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for .5 CEUs (Intermediate level; Professional area). ASHA CE Provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures. This course is intended for parents, teachers, speech–therapists, and BCBA professionals working with children diagnosed with autism. Course Agenda8:30-REGISTRATION9:00-9:30 Overview of applied behavior analysis.9:30-10:30 Theories and constructs pertaining to language acquisition and applied behavior analysis.10:30-10:45 BREAK10:45-12:00 Language acquisition in the context of behavioral operants.12:00-1:00 LUNCH PROVIDED1:00-3:00 Behavioral techniques which promote speech, language and communication in learners with autism. V. Sinclair, M.A., CCC/SLP, BCBA Sinclair is the Program Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. has been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 19 years and Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 3 years. At the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, she is responsible for the development of center-based programs, as well as outreach, research, and development. Under her direction the school program serves 80 full-time students and serves 150 consumers affected by autism through its outreach and support program. has presented locally and nationally on the topics of Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, and Speech Pathology. Aletta Sinoff Ph.D., CCC/SLP, BCBAAletta Sinoff is the Assistant Director of the Early Childhood program at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. She has a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology, and she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has practiced as a Speech-Language Pathologist, working in a variety of settings for over 20 years. From its inception five years ago, she has run the early childhood program at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism, an ABA, center-based, Early Intervention program serving young children with a diagnosis of autism. She has presented locally and at national conferences on a variety of topics. She has two adult sons, one of whom has autism. Cost for course is $65.00 (includes lunch)Cost for course if CEU’s needed $85.00 made payable to: Toledo Hearing and Speech Center Mail or Fax Registration form to: Toledo Hearing and Speech Center3148 West Central Ave.Toledo, OH 43606419-241-6219 Fax 419-241-5912

â–¡ Vegetarian lunch requested Registration FormRegistration Deadline: December 17, 2007Name PositionCompany AddressCity State ZipPhone Fax E-Mailâ–¡ Check Enclosed â–¡ Visa/Mastercard Card No: Exp. Date: Signature:____ BACB CEU needed ($85.00) _____ ASHA CEU needed ($85.00)

Autism In The Classroom Presentation

Hello Teachers & Paraprofessionals!Next Monday evening, November 12th at 7pm-8:30pmOASIS Organization for Autism Spectrum Information & Support, Inc.Would like to invite you to a FREE mini seminarTOPIC: Autism In The ClassroomGuest Speaker: Filler/OCALIworked with Lincoln Way SERRC for many years as a consultant. She still acts as a consultant and advocate and currently works at OCALI as a Transition Specialist.We hope you come to hear and bring your questions. After she speaks there will be a time of Question and Answer.If you have a question about Autism in the classroom, send your question early to OASIS and we will pass it along to so she can take time to discuss your questions.Just place AUTISM IN THE CLASSROOM QUESTIONSee you all Monday, November 12th at:WOOSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, NORTH AUDITORIUM7PMPlease know how much we appreciate all you do with our kiddos. Know we are here to connect with you, support you and offer resources.PLEASE RSVPThis email is a resource. OASIS does not endorse nor discourage any one physician, treatment, methodology, etc. Opinions expressed are solely the opinions of the author. Thank You.Angel S. Co-Founder, Executive Dir./OASIS www.oasisautism.org OASIS is a 501©(3) non profit corp. registered with the state of Ohio, and is affiliated with AUTISM LINK

Friday Night Fun

KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center 8054 Darrow Road

Building D, Suites 5 & 6

Twinsburg, OH 44087

Phone: 330-963-8600

Fax: 330-963-8680

www.kidslinkohio.com

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Dear Friday Night Fun participants,

Over the past several weeks, we have enjoyed getting to know you! Due to weather and activity availability, we have had several changes in our Friday Night Fun calendar. We hope you had fun at Laser Tag and Bowling. Here is the agenda for the next several sessions:

Friday, November 9 – Movie Night to see Bee Movie. We will be going to the movies at the Cinemark in Macedonia. Address is 8161 Macedonia Commons, Macedonia (on Macedonia Commons Rd, across from the WalMart and Kohls). Phone number is 330-908-1000. We will meet at 7:15pm inside the entry area for ticketing. The movie starts at 7:45pm. This will give us time to get some popcorn and socialize a bit prior to the movie. Pick up will be at about 9:20 pm after the movie (this is an estimate – run time is 91 minutes; they do play some previews). Please let us know if you can make it.

Friday, November 30 – Rock Wall climbing at Appalachian Outfitters - Kendall Cliffs Climbing Center located at 60 Kendall Park Road, Peninsula (this is just off Olde Route 8 near Virginia Kendall Park) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. We had to change nights for this event to ensure appropriate staffing, equipment and instructors were available. This is a very large climbing facility. Unlike rock walls at locations like Fun N’Stuff, this one has multiple walls accommodating several people at once. You can see pictures at www.kendallclliffs.com. We will be receiving some formal instruction, so it is essential that you arrive at least 10 minutes early. The facility has their own waiver which must be signed in person by a guardian at the time of the class. Make sure to bring a water bottle! Also please RSVP as soon as possible for this event because of limited availability.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!

The KidsLink Staff

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