ASO DIGEST: Information, resources, Seminars, etc.

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on upcoming events, seminars, resources, etc. FYI - Please share.

- Urgent Lead Alert

- Special Adapted Showing of Alvin and The Chipmunks, Chagrin Falls

- Dennis Debbault to speak in Akron

- Websites with Holiday Gift Ideas

- Announcement from Summit Academies

- Holiday Party, NE Ohio

- MRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting

- MD Junction offers Support Groups

- Therapeutic ice skating in Hancock County

- Speech Therapist to present at SPARK's November meeting, Akron

- News and Events from AS Greater Cleveland

- Suggestion for Gluten Free Baking

- Dayton Autism Society Fundraiser at Max and Irmas (Thursday, Nov. 29)

- Holiday Survival Kit

- Holiday Tips

- Teen Billiards, Cleveland Heights

- Understanding the System: Supports for People with MR/DD, Athens

- Dayton Aspergers Resource Network Meeting

- Disability Resource from AUCD

- News from the ASA

ASA and Kirkman Honor Dr. Bernard Rimland with a Memorial Challenge

ASA Releases New Holiday Cards and 2008 Calendar Southeast Ohio Joins ASA - WELCOME!

Tancredo takes on $400 haircut challenge for ASA

Major Networks to Feature Autism

Dr. Martha Herbert Featured in Alternative Therapies

Family of Son with Autism is Good Morning America Finalist - FROM OHIO

House LHHSE Veto Override Fails

New Study Largest Ever to Investigate Risk Factors of Autism

Study Released on Blood Levels and Mercury Inclusion Documentary Premieres on DVD

Entry Point! Offers Science Internships to Students with Disabilities

New Online Game Designed for Children with Autism

Country Christmas at Bittersweet Farms - NW OHIO Holiday Tips for Families Living with Autism

Documentary on Teen with Asperger's Syndrome Premieres in NYC

"Marimba Man" offers Holiday CD

- Disability Resources from AUCD

- Basic ADA Building Blocks online course

- 12/18 audio session - Disability Law & Policy, Present & Future

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. Yavorcik, Caruso Co-PresidentsAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@..., dmcaruso@...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.

URGENT LEAD ALERT

IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED OR RECEIVED A WEIGHTED OR LEAD BLANKET FOR YOUR CHILD YOU MUST READ THIS

Parent Lois , whose daughter was poisoned previously by an alleged “therapy†vest – which turned out to be a lead dental vest treated with antimony – has given us the following information of great concern. On October 18, Lois was talking to a doctor at a hospital in Chicago about flame retardant and applications to medical devices. She followed up with calls to dental vest distributors to ask about flame retardant being used on a vest with foam backing. This led to Lois being led to the only company anyone knew of that made dental shielding vests with a foam backing (the type of vest that poisoned her daughter) Shielding International of Madras, Oregon. The woman who answered the phone asked why Lois wanted this information. Lois told her that she had a 5-year old daughter who had been diagnosed as autistic and, before Lois could continue, the woman said, “Oh, you have an autistic, then you want a leaded blanket.†Lois replied, “No, ma’am, I do not want a leaded blanket. You actually sell autistic children leaded blankets?†To which the woman replied, “Yep, for that weighted therapy.†Lois asked her if she was concerned about poisoning them. The woman said, “No,†that autistics do not eat them. Lois explained that it was her understanding that 67% of autistic children suffer from PICA and that they would indeed eat these and that her daughter had been poisoned by eating the foam on the backing of a vest. The woman replied, “You do not want to get the foam when you order this, you want to get a material covering.†Lois again said that she did not want to order a lead blanket; she just wanted the information on the foam component of the vests. The woman gave her the number of the foam supplier.

Lois was sickened by the possibility that children were being poisoned by these blankets, and the next day her 17-year old son offered his birthday money to help buy one of the lead blankets, which cost hundreds of dollars. Lois called back the company and told the woman she had changed her mind. The woman said, “Oh, that’s great, honey, what color would you like it in?†After the discussion about color Lois asked about ordering a lap pad, and then Lois explained there were times when she felt that more weight was needed, so she’d like to order an extra long so that she could fold the item in half and get double the weight. Lois was stunned when the woman said this was a great idea, due to the fact that the first rule of lead shielding is that you CANNOT fold it. Lois was directed to the representative for her state to finalize the order. Lois called them. They asked her what color she wanted. Lois gave them the dimensions and said she intended to fold it. The order was placed for a 5-year old little autistic girl to receive a leaded blanket with a hot pink material covering.

The private company that had previously identified the vest in Lois’s home that had poisoned her daughter tested the outside of the package containing the lead blanket with an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) machine. The inspector was astonished at how high the readings came back and stated that there was an extremely high level of lead in whatever was in the package. Subsequently, a lead inspector for the State of Michigan opened the package and tested the blanket inside, getting higher readings. He also dust-wiped for surface lead. The inspector said that with all of the recalls for lead poisoning items, that this was a “lead death†item, and that it would be like a giant “Hershey Bar†to autistic – or even neurotypical children – due to the fact that it has a sweet flavor and that if the outside was compromised a child would have access to massive amounts of lead.

Lois has made the observation that the stitching was done right through the lead. She observes that if pets get a hold of this, it will be further compromised by claws and teeth. Lois wonders if an autistic child who has suffered from seizures goes to the emergency room with seizures from a massive poisoning, will they suspect lead?

And today, the test results of the dust wipes are in. The outside of the blanket is lethal. According to the inspector from the State if Michigan, a child could die from licking the outside of the blanket. If your child has been exposed to this type of blanket, take precautions, package it, and remove it from the living space of the interior of your home.

Autism One Radio is planning on airing an interview with Lois , the videotape of the initial inspection of the blanket, and test results as they become available at www.autismone.org/radio. Our thanks to Lois for her continued efforts to protect children.

Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of Alvin and The Chipmunks."

For families like yours with children on the autism spectrum, an outing to the movies can pose an array of challenges. Many children and adolescents with autism may never get the opportunity to join their parents or siblings at the theater -- until now.

Monarch School for Children and Adolescents with Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, is hosting with Cleveland Cinemas a unique movie viewing experience for the entire family. We are inviting families who have children with autism spectrum disorder to join us for a private showing of the animated film Alvin and the Chipmunks.. The movie will be especially light and sound adapted. Children are encouraged to bring personal sensory support items and special snacks (the theater’s concession stand will be open, as well).

When: Sunday, December 16, 2007

Time: Movie begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. without trailers and ads. Please arrive at 9:30 a.m. to buy tickets and choose seats.

Where: Chagrin Cinemas

8200 East Washington Street

Chagrin Falls 44023

http://www.clevelandcinemas.com/theaterinfo.asp?id=2936

Price: Tickets are $5 each. Cash only!

In addition to the special light and sound adaptations, a designated sensory area outside of the theater will be available for anyone who needs to take a break during the screening of the film. The area will be staffed by Monarch School staff.

To prepare your child with autism for the movie, special social stories have been created. These stories are available attached here and will be placed on our web site at http://www.bellefairejcb.org/autism-education-services/

Please direct any questions or concerns to Karin Hess at Monarch School at 216-320-8658.

We hope to see you there!

Are You Prepared for an Autism Emergency?

Autism Society-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

6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. registration

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. presentation

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 to

Rotary 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.

Websites with Holiday Gift Ideas

www.SensoryResources.com and www.mindwareonline.com

Announcement from Summit Academies

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT for Nov. 28, 2007

Limited Openings Still Available at School for Alternative Learners

Limited openings are still available at the Summit Academy Schools in Akron, Canton, Lorain, Painesville, Parma, Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and Middletown for students with Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, high-functioning autism and related Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities. Summit Academy operates 28 schools in 15 Ohio communities, offering a therapeutic program that is specially designed for students who experience difficulty in a traditional classroom.

To learn more about our tuition-free, non-profit school for alternative learners from 5 to 16 years old, visit our Web site at www.summitacademies.com . There is also a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-800-442-5753.

You’re Invited to A Holiday Party!

How to join our Party! Print: this page for details on RSVP, directions and address below. At our Holiday party everyone can visit with Santa who will be bringing gifts for the children and their siblings. This will be a nice time to visit with other families who have loved ones on the spectrum, including; ASD, PDD, Asperger's Syndrome, Retts and other types of autism and related conditions. When: Saturday, December 8th from 12noon till 4:00pm. (open time) What’s happening: Lunch, music, crafts, activities and family portraits all provided by ASGC, friends and sponsors of ASGC and Members of . So stop in and enjoy meeting other families and celebrate the joy of Holidays with us! Special accommodations: There will be special accommodations for our children who have sensory needs. A cozy corner for a bit of a quite moment to unwind and relax and we anticipate to have some headphone type of ear covers for those who have sensory issues to sound. RSVP: 1. To let us know how many are coming 2. To Send your children's names, ages and genders for the gifts. For both an RSVP and For Santa to bring a gift for your special child(ren) and their siblings please send an email with your children's names, gender and ages to Holidayparty@... (if any gift should be of concern for your special needs child, you may also mention if there is any particular item one would want or not want). Address of Party Location: St 's Woodside 5025 Mills Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147 If you have any questions you can call n of at: 216-663-1453 or cell: 216-310-9692 Visit www.asgc.org - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

MRDD Family Advisory Council MeetingDecember 17th 10:00-3:00 p.m.lin County Board of MR/DD2879 stown Road 10:00a.m. Welcome 10:15-12:00 Futures Study Full Committee Presentation And Sub-Committee Reports: Director, and Committee Chairs 12:00-12:45 Director “Chats†Questions/Answer Session 12:45-1:30 Lunch Provided by the County Board Association 1:30-2:30 Rest Assured Telecare Technology Presentation Billie Hedde 2:30-3:00 Wrap Up Please RSVP to Michele Kanode at Michele.kanode@...Or call 614-644-0265

MD Junction offers Support Groups

MDJunction is a Health related social network, a center for Online Support Groups. This community is about people helping people, sharing personal experiences and knowledge.

MDJunction has just launched more than 600 new support groups.You can check them out at www.mdjunction.com/support-groups

Therapeutic ice skating in Hancock County

Gliding Stars of Findlay is a therapeutic ice skating program that provides individuals who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the development of ice skating skills. Skaters range from toddlers through adults. They are fitted with customized ice skates and other adaptive equipment that they may need such as walkers, helmets, and harnesses. They are paired with trained volunteers and under the direction of skilled skating instructors, participate in lessons using therapeutic ice skating techniques. They then showcase their talents at the annual Ice Show. The program serves individuals in Hancock County and surrounding areas, and meets on Sunday afternoons at the Clauss Ice Arena in the Koehler Center at the University of Findlay. We are in preparation for our 7th annual ice show scheduled for March 9th, 2008. We have had many from the Lucas County area expressing an interest as to how to start a program like ours. We would like to invite you to learn more about Gliding Stars by attending the information meeting which is scheduled for December 9, 2008 at 2:00- 6:00pm.Agenda2:00 pm- 4:00pm Information on the program, equipment, and funding4:30pm – 5:30pm Observe Findlay Gliding Stars skating session5:30pm – 6:00pm Wrap up with questions and snacks If you have any questions, please contact Bregel at 419-423-4536 (email at fndoha@...). We also invite you to visit our National Gliding Stars program’s website at www.glidingstars.org Thank you again for your interest. We hope to see you December 9th. Please confirm your attendance by using the above contact info. Sincerely, Bregel, Chairperson Tim Montgomery, ChairpersonGliding Stars of Findlay Gliding Stars of FindlayDirections: I-75 South to exit 159 turn left (east) on Trenton Ave. go to Main St. turn right (South)The ice rink is one block down on the Right hand side. Look for the lighted sign.

SPARK's November meeting:Practical Speech & Language Strategies for Use in the Home, School, & Communitypresented by"Holly" Reimann, MA, CCC-SLPIndependent Home-based Speech-language Therapy & Contracted at Happy Day School/Portage MRDDYou will get to:1. Learn a few theories supporting speech-language pathology. I.e.: developmental theory.2. See or participate in interactive demonstrations on how to apply a variety of strategies at various communication levels (nonverbal to conversational abilities). 3. Receive informational handouts to help you remember and apply the strategies you learned. 4. Engage in discussion/Q & A for problem solving and clarification of information learned.

Time will also be provided for parents to exchange information and learn from each other.

Please contact me @ tsantilli@... with questions or to join our Group

Thursday, November 29th 6-8 pmAkron Children's Hospital, Considine Building, 2nd Floor, Rooms 5 & 6

There is no child care at this time. Snacks will be provided.All are welcome. Hope to see you there.SPARK (Sharing Perspectives and Autism Resources for our Kids)

News and Events from AS Greater Cleveland

On Monday, December 3, We welcome nationally acclaimed speaker Dennis Debbaudt for two special seminars:

The first, in the morning and afternoon, is for Police, Firefighters and EMS on how to identify signs of autistic behavior and how to most effectively deal with individuals on the spectrum.

The second, in the evening, is for parents and professionals on how to help teach those on the spectrum on the role of first responders and how to deal with them. More information is in the newsletter or at www.asgc.org. We are privileged to have Dennis as our guest and look forward to an excellent turnout for both seminars. RSVPs are required if you would like to attend at contact@... or 440-554-7372.

After numerous requests, we will at last have a Music Therapist at out December 4 chapter meeting. See the newsletter or www.asgc.org for details.

Saturday, December 8, we will have our Holiday party at St. 's Woodside from 12 noon until 4pm. Decorations, gifts, food and refreshments will all be provided along with a visit from Santa! Please RSVP at 216-556-4937 if you wish to attend. Let us know how many children, their ages and gender (for gifts) no later than December 1. Thanks!

BIG thanks to the volunteers who have helped put all of these events together! Thanks for your support, we'll catch up in December.

Sincerely-

Gus Gallucci, ASGC V.P.

Suggestion for Gluten Free Baking

Click on specialty diets, then gluten free for lots of neat, safe baking!

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/

Dayton Autism Society Fundraiser at Max and Ermas

The Dayton Autism Society is putting on another FUNdraiser. Please join usat Max and Erma's at the Mall at Fairfield Commons (Beavercreek/Fairborn) onThursday, November 29th for lunch or dinner. When you dine there and attachthe flier attached to this email to your check, Dayton Autism Society willrecieve 20% of your sale. We want to raise money to provide moreopportunities to help families with education, resources, advocacy, andsupport.

You may duplicate this flier...please distribute them to your friends andfamily! Please contact them for a copy of the flyer.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

We look forward to dining with you! Thank you in advance for your supportso that we may continue to support you!

Dayton Autism Society1410 Holly Ave.Dayton, Ohio 45410937-974-6176daytonautismsociety@...

Holiday Survival Kit

There is the holiday survival kit from SchwabLearning: http://www.schwablearning.org/banners/holiday_survival_kit.aspThe holidays can be a lot fun, but they can be stressful too. We have a created a unique "Holiday Survival Kit" to help you and your family prepare for the upcoming celebrations!

Holiday Tips from Parents Like You! a.. Parents' Top Tips: Making Family Holiday Gatherings Work for You and Your Child b.. Can't We All Just Get Along? - Three Moms on Surviving Family Gatherings Top Tips for Giving and Receiving Gifts a.. Choosing Great Gifts for Kids with Learning Difficulties b.. Rick Lavoie on Social Tips for Giving and Receiving Gifts Preparing Your Child for a Successful Holiday Season a.. Home (at Yours and Others) for the Holidays! b.. Helping Kids with AD/HD Behave during Holidays and Vacations Additional Important Tips & Suggestions a.. Talking with Family about Your Child's Learning Disability: Challenges and Rewards b.. Success Outside of School

Holiday Tips

Remember these tips from http://www.fetaweb.com/01/tips.takecare.htmRaising a special needs child can be overwhelming. If you are not careful, special education can consume your life. Many parents drive themselves until they are exhausted and burned out. Pace yourself. Listen to tapes about time management. Use a schedule to gain control of your life. Spend time with friends or family to re-charge your batteries and regain a healthy perspective. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself and your family. Tips: Taking Care of Yourself Set aside time with your partner. Use email or voicemail to stay in touch. Schedule one-on-one time with each child. Write the child’s name by a date on the calendar. Let the child pick the place and activity. Master the art of the short escape. Visit a local attraction for an afternoon or a local resort for a weekend. Short escapes will help you unwind. Nurture friendships. Make time to go to the movies, have meals, exercise, or take walks with friends. Ask friends for help. Tell friends or family when you need help with child-care and errands. Find another parent whom you can contact when you are worried and need encouragement. Share child-care with another family. Pick times each week when you can help the family and when they can help you. You will each have someone to contact when you need a break. Help others. If you spend one hour a month helping others, this will help you keep your problems in perspective. You will know that you are not alone. Set aside a block of time to do special education tasks (i.e., making phone calls and filing documents). If you stick to a schedule, special education will not consume your life. Simplify. Get rid of clutter. Your home will be more relaxing and peaceful. Take the phone off the hook. When you need quiet time, turn your phone off for a few hours. Take care of your health. Schedule and keep appointments with doctors. If you feel anxious or depressed, see a mental health professional.

Teen Billiards

Please join a group of teens for an afternoon of billiardson Sunday, December 2nd 1:30 - 3:00Jillian's(www.jilliansbilliards.com)12459 Cedar Road (near Fairmount Blvd) in Cleveland Heights216.397.0900 (telephone number for Jillian's)Cost: $6.00 or less for billiards (estimated cost - will depend on number of rsvp's)Food, drinks and games available for additional $RSVP or questions/more information: SheApple@...Please let us know if your teen will be joining us on December 2nd so we'll be sure to have enough billiards tables reserved. You are welcome to extend this invitation to other teens who may be interested.

The Arc of Ohio & the Southeast Ohio Branch of The Arc of Ohio present:

Understanding the System:

Supports for People with MR/DD

Saturday, January 19, 2008 . 9:00 AM —3:30 PM,

O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, Athens, Ohio

55 Hospital Drive, Athens, OH 45701-2302

Featuring Keynote by 92nd District State Rep. Jimmy

Chair, Human Services Subcommittee, Member of the Healthcare Access & Affordability Committee

9:00 – 10:00 Registration

10:00 – 11:30 Opening Session

“State and Federal Political Issues that Will Affect the Quality of Life of Individuals with MRDD â€

Speaker: State Representative Jimmy , 92nd District; Chair, Human Services Subcommittee

11:30 – 12:30 Lunch

12:45 – 2:00 CONCURRENT PRESENTATIONS

SESSION #1: How the System Works

Speaker: Tonks, Executive Director, The Arc of Ohio

SESSION #2: Protecting Your Son/Daughter’s Future

Speaker: Andy Kool-Tucker, Ph.D.; Kaleidoscope Solutions, LTD.

2:00 – 2:15 BREAK

2:15 – 4:00 REPEAT OF ABOVE PRESENTATIONS

Family / Individuals with Disabilities FREE!

Others $75.00

REGISTRATION FORM

You may register 3 ways:

Online: www.thearcofohio.org

Call Toll Free: 1-800-875-2723

Fax: 1-614-487-4725

NAME:

EMPLOYED BY:

POSITION:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

E-MAIL:

REGISTRATION FEES:

Individual with Disability/Family ______FREE

Professional and/or Service Provider ______$75.00

PLEASE INVOICE ME ______P.O.#

Your registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.

Applicable CEU’s available.

Your registration includes a one-year membership to The Arc of Ohio.

______Check here if you do not want to be a member.

DARN's Next Meeting Will Be December 3rd. December’s Guest SpeakersAt our next support group meeting, our guest speaker will be Bob Pawlak who is the Program Services Director for Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley. Mr. Pawlak will be discussing the purpose of the recent Autism Early Childhood Development Center Questionnaire that was emailed or mailed to DARN participants and other autism support group members. I’ve included another copy of the Autism Early Childhood Development Center Questionnaire at the end of this email.We will also have an opportunity to discuss the development of programs & services for teens and adults. Mr. Pawlak has also indicated that we can also modify the Questionnaire to communicate your ideas for programs & services for teens and adults. Mr. Pawlak will also be discussing the wide variety of other programs & services that Goodwill Easter Seals provides. As a “card holding†member of the Sandwich Generation (ie. someone who is raising a child and dealing with aging parents and / or in-laws), I am very interested in learning more about all the programs & services Goodwill Easter Seals has to offer.The fire code occupancy capacity for our room at Christ UMC is 50 people. To ensure that we do not go over our room limit, we are requesting that if you are interested in attending that you RSVP.This will ensure that we do not surpass the room capacity and that we will still have a meeting facility in the future.

RSVP - Please Register by Contacting: Audrey Schilb(937) 433 - 4505Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)Email: daytonasperger@...Website: http://darngroup.tripod.com/

ASA NEWSASA and Kirkman Honor Dr. Bernard Rimland with a Memorial ChallengeA year ago, we lost a tremendous pioneer in autism diagnosis andtreatment with the death of Autism Society of America founder, Dr.Bernard Rimland. Now, Ken Humphrey, who was a founder of Kirkman and Bernie Rimland's longtime friend, has come forward with a$15,000 challenge grant. Every gift sent to the Bernard RimlandMemorial Matching Gift Challenge by the grant deadline of December15th will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $15,000.Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=1-K5KyXxcQFdTXVjHWq6Tg..ASA Releases New Holiday Cards and 2008 CalendarWith the Holiday season fast approaching, the time to buy greetingcards and calendars is now. This year, ASA offers a new design inholiday cards by Iliou of Long Island, N.Y., who has autismspectrum disorder and designed last year's card. Check out 'scard or order other designs at www.brightdoc.com/asa.Southeast Ohio Joins ASAASA welcomes its newest affiliate! The Southeast Ohio Chapter ofAutism Society of America is located in Athens. They started gatheringmembers last April and became official in October. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=doLwYeCnbPwI1RGhqhAg3Q..Tancredo takes on $400 haircut challenge for ASALast week, Republican Tom Tancredo became the second presidentialcandidate to get a $400 haircut for autism. Holden, a NewHampshire stylist and father of a 12-year-old with autism, challengedpresidential candidates - and any other local candidates - to stop byhis salon on the campaign trail. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=tm0HQFWDwBGFROyxc9keOg..Major Networks to Feature Autism"The Early Show" on CBS and " 360" on CNN are bothairing specials on autism this week. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=CTo1Nl-deRTpMi6LqQL8Bw..Dr. Martha Herbert Featured in Alternative TherapiesThe November-December issue of Alternative Therapies features anextensive interview with Dr. Martha Herbert, a member of ASA's Panelof Professional Advisors and co-chair of ASA's Environmental AdvisoryBoard. Dr. Herbert discusses transcending the gaps in autism research.Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=AH5U1dOR0Iweh0fulgEJXg..Family of Son with Autism is Good Morning America FinalistHolly Hollins is a single mother of three whose youngest son, Micah,was diagnosed with autism two years ago. The stown, Ohio family isone of three finalists out of more than 3,500 hopefuls for GoodMorning America's "Family Paradise Contest." Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Px1eeN5E8AWnzISFZhW4Vw..ADVOCACYHouse LHHSE Veto Override FailsThe house was just two votes short of overriding President Bush's vetoof the FY 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Educationappropriations bill on November 15. The failed legislation includedfull funding of the Combating Autism Act and would have brought incritical financial support for autism research, services andawareness. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=qq1MgY7a6e1IfoJVG3Yj4g..RESEARCHNew Study Largest Ever to Investigate Risk Factors of AutismLast week, The Centers for Disease Control began the largest study todate investigating the genetic and environmental factors that maycause autism and other developmental disabilities. The Study toExplore Early Development (SEED) will last for five years and hopes toinvolve 2,700 children and their families. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=fDyJICOY4L_YDiHDZA9WiA..Study Released on Blood Levels and MercuryA study published in the November 2007 issue of the Journal of ChildNeurology found that "a significant relation does exist between theblood levels of mercury and diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder."Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ffT_p3TuU3TaDLMR-mu6kg..EDUCATIONInclusion Documentary Premieres on DVDIn "Elementary Ed," filmmakers Andy Genovese and Grogin tellthe story of and Cory, two 5th graders on the spectrum at Ed Elementary in Syracuse, N.Y. Like many other urban publicschools, it educates many children on a small budget, but Ed hasbeen recognized for its total inclusion of children with special needsin a mainstream classroom. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=UJNgAKBFdZ9heTDLMFR66A..Entry Point! Offers Science Internships to Students with DisabilitiesGraduate and undergraduate students with disabilities can land a10-week paid summer internship through Entry Point!, a program of theAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science. The program isopen to students studying science, math, engineering, business orcomputer science. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=-0bbCGF0-9UInfkW6s_RGw..RESOURCESNew Online Game Designed for Children with AutismMoPro Software, a company specifically created to design games forchildren with autism, launched the new online game PECS PLACE lastweek. The program is based around the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), an alternative therapy designed to help initiate communication. In the game, children explore a virtual town,collecting PECS identification cards. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=uJARGxqbCtiVRdXGceC16Q..Country Christmas at Bittersweet FarmsBittersweet Farms, a farm-based community in northwest Ohio thatprovides residential, supported living, vocational and specializedservices to people with autism, hosts its annual "Country Christmas"event December 1, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ride a horse-drawnwagon, hear Christmas carolers, visit Santa in his woodshop, or roastchestnuts on an open fire. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=94tOs1do_FyoDuZPIXhzpg..Holiday Tips for Families Living with AutismThe holiday period can be a stressful time for those on the autismspectrum because it is a breach in their daily routine. However, if weanticipate the holidays and what they entail before they arrive, theperson with autism can be made more comfortable and atease--ensuring joy for all throughout the holidays! Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=oTrMljmKo7U9hnNKd3P5_g..Documentary on Teen with Asperger's Syndrome Premieres in NYC the Kid, a new documentary on a 15-year-old with Asperger'sSyndrome growing up in small-town Maine, will open at the IFC Centerin New York City on December 5, 2007. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=6FCEpT4-UPo78DRVaHnzbw.."Marimba Man" offers Holiday CD Vasquez is a Madison, Wis. marimba player and percussionistwho has autism. Since the third grade, music has been animportant part of his life he learned language, reading and mathskills through musical connections. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=NUlGN07W40c9VJtqSSi92w..

Disability Resource from AUCD

AUTISM

1. American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines on Autism Identification and Intervention

Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders - Provides detailed information to help pediatricians recognize early, subtle signs of ASDs in young children. Introduces universal screening, recommending pediatricians conduct formal ASD screening on all children at 18 and 24 months regardless of whether there are any concerns.

http://www.aap.org/pressroom/AutismID.pdf

Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders - Reviews therapies and educational strategies for treatment for ASDs and strongly advises intervention as soon as an ASD diagnosis is seriously considered, rather than waiting until a definitive diagnosis is made. Recommends that the child be actively engaged in intensive intervention at least 25 hours per week, 12 months per year with a low student-to-teacher ratio allowing for sufficient one-on-one time.

http://www.aap.org/pressroom/AutismMgmt.pdf

2. Special section in November AJMR Dedicated to Autism and Intellectual Disability

The November 2007 issue of the American Journal on Mental Retardation (AJMR) contains four articles on current behavioral research in the field of autism and intellectual disability. Topics explored include quality of the relationship between a mother and child with autism; results from an early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism conducted in the United Kingdom; the relation between the level of intellectual functioning and risk for co-occurring psychological disorders among children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; and a study on parental stress and autism. Print copies will be available starting November 12, 2007. Email AJMR@... to purchase print copies.

To read the introduction to the special issue from the editor, Dr. E. MacLean, Jr: http://www.aaidd.org/Reading_Room/pdf/AJMR2007autismintroduction.pdf

DISABILITY IN AMERICA

3. New UCP Report On the Status of Disability in America

United Cerebral Palsy has released State of Disability in America, an evaluation of the disability experience in America. The 65-page document examines existing research on the overall state of affairs for individuals with disabilities in America in the areas of disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, housing, and organizing for change. The report paints a troubling picture characterized by poverty, government dependence, lack of educational and employment opportunities and outcomes, and low homeownership.

http://www.ucp.org/uploads/StateofDisability.pdf.

IDEA

4. OSERS Report to Congress on IDEA Part B and C Implementation

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) recently released the 27th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Parts B and C. It is now available online at

http://www.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/osep/2005/parts-b-c/index.html

5. Final IDEA Part B Regulations Issued

On August 14, 2006, the Department of Education published final regulations in the Federal Register to implement changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004). That document inadvertently included minor technical errors and on October 30, 2007, corrections to these final regulations were published in the Federal Register. They are available at

http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2007-4/103007a.html.

EMPLOYMENT

6. Job Accommodation Network Webcasts

The ODEP Job Accommodation Network and U.S. Business Leadership Network have teamed up for the 2007/2008 series of educational webcasts on a range of employment topics and with a variety of speakers, including, in December, Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner . Webcasts are held the second Tuesday of the month at 2 pm Eastern. For topic schedule and registration, visit website.

http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/.

7. Professional Certificate Course in Employment Support

Online professional development courses in Disability, Workplace & Employment Support Practice are now available from the Employment and Disability Institute (EDI) at Cornell University's ILR School. These are online professional development courses and certificate programs in Disability, Workplace & Employment Support Practice.

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/

PARENT RESOURCES

8. Partnering with Your Child’s School: A Guide for Parents

A booklet designed to help parents of children who have been diagnosed with health or mental health care needs to learn about available resources and to develop a partnership with their children’s schools. It was developed by The HSC Foundation, in partnership with Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development. It is available online and in hard copy and in English and in Spanish.

http://www.hscfoundation.org/whatwedo/familysupports.php

9. Reflections From A Different Journey: What People With Disabilities Wish All Parents Knew

A new McGraw-Hill book co-authored and co-edited by D. Kemp and Dr. Stan Klein.

www.disabilitiesbooks.com

Basic ADA Building Blocks online course

Questions???Pamela on, Director of Training and Technical AssistancePhone: 404-541-9001 (v/tty)Email: sedbtacproject@...The Network of ADA Centers is pleased to announce that beginning January,2008 the Basic ADA Building Blocks Webcourse will be offered in amoderated version. The Great Lakes ADA Center is pleased to announce that Berg, Coordinator of Technical Assistance will be serving as one ofthe moderators for this course.When: January 8-March 3, 2008How Much: $295.00 per personWhere do I go to register: www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/register.phpRegister early! Limited number of slots available.Course has been approved for 14 CRCC credit hours and 1.5 CEU Credits. by Southeast DBTAC

ONLINE COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT

Basic ADA Building Blocks

Course Fee: $295 per person

For more information: www.sedbtac.org/ada/training/register.php

What People Are Saying

The course was great and full of new information for me!

I just cannot say enough about my great experience with this course. I strongly recommend this course to co-workers, colleagues, and friends. The course included lots of information in a well-organized format. It gave me what I needed to know about ADA. This course provided me not only with a review of what I learned in college but also added to my knowledge about the ADA. The examples really helped me understand the concepts.

Course Overview

The Basic ADA Building Blocks webcourse is an eight-week, moderated introductory online course about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) that explores the legal requirements and the "spirit" of the ADA. The course emphasizes the thought process required to answer questions about the ADA. Interactive application exercises are provided throughout the course to help participants apply newly learned concepts.

Course Objectives

This course, moderated by a team of ADA experts, will provide you with the basic knowledge necessary to broaden your understanding of the ADA. Participants will learn how to:

Discuss the ADA using a civil rights framework. Define the general non-discrimination requirements of the ADA.

Explain each non-discrimination requirement using 1-2 real life examples.

Identify the defenses or limitations of each non-discrimination requirement.

Locate and use a variety of resources to provide information and technical assistance on the ADA.

Content of Course

The course may be accessed at all times via an Internet connection. Course content is organized into ten structured topics that require completion in an assigned time frame. Each topic contains relevant information and examples followed by application exercises and self-tests to help you apply your knowledge to real-life situations. Where possible, relevant court cases are cited and links to additional resources on specific requirements are provided.

The course is designed to be studied in order and requires an eight-week commitment. Course participants should allow a minimum of two hours each week to complete the assigned topic(s). Each section must be completed within a designated timeframe; otherwise, you will not be allowed to progress through the course.

DBTAC: ADA Center staff moderate the course, Monday-Friday, except for holidays. Course moderators review responses to Practice Questions posed in each module and post follow-up comments within one (1) business day after you submit your answers. . A Discussion Forum is available at all times throughout the course, and course participants are encouraged to interact via an email discussion list.

Course Outline

Week 1—Introduction and Topic 1: Purpose of the ADA

Week 2—Topic 2: Structure of the ADA and Topic 3: Enforcement Week 3—Topic 4: Definition of Disability

Week 4—Topic 5: [Pages 5.1-5.4]: General Non-Discrimination Requirements of the ADA [Part 1]

Week 5—Topic 5: [Pages 5.5-5.7]: General Non-Discrimination Requirements of the ADA [Part 2]

Week 6—Topic 6: General Non-discrimination Requirements of the ADA [Part 3]

Week 7—Topic 7: Title Specific Non-discrimination Requirements of the ADA

Week 8—Topic 8: Facility Access and Topic 9: Course Wrap-Up /Post-Test

Certificate of Completion, CEU, and CRCC Requirements

Certificate of Completion Requirements

All participants who meet the course requirements will receive a “Certificate of Completion†for the Basic ADA Building Blocks webcourse. You may also document your completion of this course by printing the results of your Post Test, which identifies your name, date course completed, and Post Test score.

To earn a "Certificate of Completion," you must:

Post responses in the Discussion Forum to all "TA Practice" and any moderator feedback until marked "completed."

Finish all 10 sections within the designated timeframe; a section is finished after all its pages are viewed, its "Apply Your Knowledge" is scored and its TA Practice are "completed". Score 90% or better on the Post Test.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Requirements

The Basic ADA Building Blocks webcourse has been approved by the University College at Syracuse University for 1.5 continuing education units (CEU), which equates to 15 contact hours.

To earn 1.5 CEUs, you must:

Post responses in the Discussion Forum to all "TA Practice" and any moderator feedback until marked "completed."

Finish all 10 sections within the designated timeframe; a section is finished after all its pages are viewed, its "Apply Your Knowledge" is scored and its TA Practice are "completed".

Score 90% or better on the Post Test.

Submit the University College CEU Form. Instructions will be provided upon successful completion of the course.

Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Requirements

The Basic ADA Building Blocks webcourse has been approved by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for 14 CRCC credit hours. You may apply for CRCC Credit if you meet the eligibility requirements established for rehabilitation counselors and wish to extend your certification status as a CRC, CCRC, CRC-MAC, CRC-CS or CRC-MAC-CS.

There is no fee for CRCC credit, but you are responsible for completing and mailing to CRCC a "Verification of Completion" form.

12/18 audio session - Disability Law & Policy, Present & Future

Please note: Registration is required so that adequate space for participants can be arranged. Please do not just show up for this session. NOTE BELOW NEW SITE AVAILABLE IN TOLEDO, OHIO.

If you live outside Columbus, OH, anywhere in the U.S., please see the last paragraph of this message for information on how to access the following ADA audio conference series session within your area of the country. The session will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 2-3:30 P.M., ET, (earlier time of day, depending on time zone) and will be presented by the DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center in Chicago, IL, via speaker phone.

December 18th, 2007 » Disability Law and Policy, Present and Future

Reviewing previous research efforts, this session sets out a blueprint for the role of research, policy, and law in advancing the civic, economic and social participation of persons with disabilities in a global society. It reviews past public policy efforts and research findings regarding workers with disabilities. It discusses current and future research initiatives on the cutting edge of promoting successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The discussion presents promising research methodologies in multidisciplinary field disability and employment research. Finally, our presenter will put forth challenges and opportunities for research, policy, and legal initiatives, framing a blueprint for the next quarter century.

Speaker: Blanck, JD, Ph.D, Chair, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University

Guest Moderator: Kaplan, Director, DBTAC-Southeast ADA Center

Time:2:00-3:30pm ET

The cost for the session is $25 for nonprofits and $40 for other entities for each location, regardless of the number of participants at each location (multiple people can attend at one location for the same flat fee). There is no charge to participants who come to the following locations in Ohio: Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in Columbus, OH; Ability Center in Toledo, OH; Linking Employment, Ability & Potential (LEAP) in Cleveland, OH; and Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL) in Lancaster, OH. There may be other free locations in the US - please contact Great Lakes at adagreatlakes.org for those locations. Sessions are 90 minutes in length and delivered via audio conference. Participants are in a "listen-only" mode until the question and answer period. The sessions are offered real-time captioned on the Internet, and a transcript is developed and posted to the Internet following the session. In addition, a digital recording of the session is archived on the DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center web site at adagreatlakes.org.

If you wish to come for no charge to RSC in Columbus, OH, please let us know by December 11 by sending an email to adaohio@... Registration is required to attend the session. Please provide your name, organization, address, email address, and telephone number. Please do not send a check to ADA-OHIO. If you wish to come for no charge to The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, OH, please call 419-885-5733. If you wish to come for no charge to LEAP in Cleveland, OH, please call 216-696-2716, ext. 129, for more information. If you wish to come for no charge to SOCIL in Lancaster, OH, please call 740-689-1494 for more information. If you wish to attend elsewhere, please go to web site ada-audio.org to register.

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