Guest guest Posted July 21, 2008 Report Share Posted July 21, 2008 Dear Friend of ASO: Visit ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section of ASO's homepage. News From ASO: - National Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus, Senator Tom Harkin to Act as Obama Surrogate ! - Update on Broadcasts of Governor's Education Forums, join Columbus Watchparty - RSC: Increasing employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities - NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration, Columbus - Autism Medical Homes - Federal Update Upcoming Events, Resources, etc: - Dayton Autism Society Bookfair With Special Guest: Lynn Hamilton author of Facing Autism - News from the ASA ASA Announces New Board at Annual Membership Meeting Thousands Gather at Gaylord Palms for 39th Annual Conference to Teach and Learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders ASA and Easter Seals Release 2008 State Autism Profiles Presidential Candidates Give Their Views on Autism and Health Care Senators Work to Get Help for Military Families Affected by Autism Study Finds New Genes Related to Autism lynn Institute Offers Caregiving Scholarship 2009 ASA Conference - Chicago AUTCOM Annual Conference, 2008 Autism Research Institute Launches Mobile Website New Story of Autism in the Family New EASe Games for Children with Autism- Autism Benefit for Families Affected by Autism, NE Ohio - Great Plains Outreach Clinic, Marietta - ARC Ohio: “Today’s Issues for Self-Advocates, Families and Professionalsâ€, West Milton - Summer edition of the DD Quarterly newsletter now available! - ADA audio conference: Serving Customers with Disabilities: Implications for the Hospitality Industry - Grants from the Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio - OLRS Strategic Planning Survey - Article: 9 Items to Be Included in a Special Education Transition Plan - Discount for parents for the August 1 Autism Benefit Concert, NE Ohio - Autism Society of Michigan Fall Conference - Foundation For the Challenged Grants Available - Comments Needed for Proposed Regulations on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - ODE Survey on Modified Assessments for students with Disabilities - New Book from AAPC - Caregiver's Conference in Hilliard, OH - Discuss Disability Police on WOSU on July 22 If you are interested in participating in research projects, ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys". 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,The Autism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...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 implied. News From ASO: National Forum on Disability Issues in Columbus - Plan on attending!National Forum on Disability Issues featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) to be held on July 26, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio. The National Forum on Disability Issues, featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) is a historic, nonpartisan forum on national disability policy to be held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. We plan to welcome over a thousand Americans with disabilities and their friends and family (registration required) to attend the event and to commemorate the 18th anniversary of our civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act. The forum will feature time slots for the presidential candidates to individually present their visions for the future of disability policy in America followed by questions from the audience, asked by Judy Woodruff, news anchor and journalist ("The News Hour with Jim Lehrer"), who will act as the Moderator. ASO is a recent sponsor of this event. For more information and to register, visit www.aapd-dc.org. Senator Tom Harkin to Act as Obama Surrogate - Late Friday, the Obama campaign confirmed that Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will act as the surrogate in place of Senator Obama, who will be out of the country the day of the event. A long time friend of the disability community, the Obama campaign cites Harkin as Obama's closest disability policy advisor, noting that before Obama released his "Plan to Empower Americans with Disabilities," he and Harkin discussed the policy, and Harkin made specific suggestions for edits. Senator Obama's staff regularly consults with Harkin's lead disability staff on key disability policy pronouncements from the campaign. Actor Hall Confirmed to Speak - We are excited that actor Hall, best known for his role as coroner Dr. Albert Robbins M.D. on the television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (CBS), has confirmed his participation in our forum! Hall will speak on the importance of raising the visibility of the disability community as a powerful political constituency. Hall, a passionate disability advocate, is a double amputee and experienced burns over 65% of his body following a car accident over twenty years ago. Several of Hall's acting roles have involved characters who share his disability. Forum Time Frame Extended - To accomodate the campaign's schedules (Senator McCain will now join us at the end of the forum, from approximately 2:55 until 3:35 PM), we have extended the forum time frame by a half hour, to end at 4:00 PM, ET. Please send notice to all your networks, update your online organizational calendars, and please help distribute the news to webcast audiences of which you are aware. Update on Broadcasts of Governor's Education Forums Broadcast times:Thank you for your assistance thus far in planning for the Governor’s conversation on education. We have recently learned that not all of the PBS stations will be able to broadcast the regional meetings live. All meetings will be webcast live at www.conversationoneducation.org. When planning your watch parties please keep this in mind, as you may need to have webcast capabilities available to watch the live broadcast. You will need flash media player to watch the webcast. Most computers will already have this installed however it is available for free at: http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash. If you want to check for system compatibility, please refer to www.ohiochannel.com, where you can test a video in a similar format. If your watch party is large, we urge you to connect the webcast to a larger screen so your audience can view it easily. For those of you working with school districts and school buildings, the buildings technical director can be of assistance with this.If the event is not going to be broadcast live in your area, we will circulate the re-broadcast times when they become available. So far, the areas where we know the broadcasts will be live (in addition to the live webcast) are: Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.As you plan your watch parties, please be sure to register them on our web-site, www.conversationoneducation.org. Columbus Watch Party What: Official Conversation on Education “Watch Partyâ€When: Tues., July 22, 2008 4:30 – 7:30 pmWhere: Oakstone Middle School/High School Building939 St. State St., Westerville, OH Please RSVP below, so we know how many people to expect. Even if you forget to RSVP and can come at the last minute, come anyway. If you have questions, contact a at ebbt@.... RSC: Increasing employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Questions regarding this meeting should be directed to Joe Dunn at Joe.Dunn@... or at .@..., 614-752-9228. Would you like the State of Ohio to be the model employer for people with disabilities?By improving existing policies, adopting better employment practices, and promoting the results to other employers, the State government can lead the way in expanding employment opportunities and building a stronger Ohio workforce.Please come join us for a discussion on how the State of Ohio can improve the recruitment, retention and promotion of people with disabilities in state service!The Rehabilitation Services Commission is committed to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities within state government. This initial meeting is to bring together a coalition of interested parties to work together towards advancing public policy that will make the State of Ohio the model employer for people with disabilities.When: July 21, 2008 10:00 AM - 12:00 PMWhere: RSC Headquarters Scioto Conference Room 400 East Campus View Blvd Columbus, OH 43235If reasonable accommodations are needed, please respond to by Friday July 18th at 614-752-9228 or via e-mail brenda.rhodes@...If you are unable to join us on July 21st and remain interested in participating, please save the date for the next meeting of this group. A follow up meeting has been scheduled for Monday, August 4th from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM.AgendaWelcome / Introductions Joe Dunn, RSC Legislative DirectorObjectives for Meeting Joe Dunn Presentation on current practices Identify best practices from other states What would fit for Ohio? Assign next stepsHR Presentation Barbara Keifer and Mike Esker RSC Human Resources Discussion on Best Practices from other states Joe Dunn / Group discussionWhat can Ohio do to improve hiring practicesfor people with disabilities in State Government? Group discussionAssign Next Steps / Action items Group discussion Identifying legislative champions Drafting a coalition letter of support Working with the Governor's Office Next Meeting agendaAdjourn NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference RegistrationThe Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.What: 2008 NATTAP ConferenceWhen: November 19-21, 2008Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OHEarly Bird Rate: $185Parent/Family Member Rate: $100Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org The Autism Society of Ohio has provided a grant to OCALI reducing the registration rate for parents from last year's $185 to $100 for all three days of the conference! Register NOW! Autism Medical Homes In December, 2007, ASO Co-President Barb Yavorcik, along with representatives from the Ohio Departments of Health, MRDD and OCALI attended a Medical Home Conference representing Ohio sponsored by the Waisman Center. The Center, in conjunction with others has created a medical home document around autism. The final document from the ASD Service Guideline Workgroup on medical homes is on the web. For a copy of the document "Medical Home Services for Autism Spectrum Disorders", visit http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/cedd/NMHAI/publications.php Federal Update Originally titled the “ADA Restoration Act of 2007,†the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 on June 25 passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The new version of the bill compromised on a key feature originally opposed by employers: it restores the requirement that a qualifying disability must cause a person to be “substantially limited in performing a major life activity.†The bill reduces the impact of this requirement, however, with language rejecting the “strict and demanding standard applied by the Supreme Court†in defining what constitutes a substantial limitation. In addition, the bill retains an item opposed by employers: it prohibits “the consideration of the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures such as medication, learned behavioral modifications, or auxiliary aids or services, in determining whether an impairment is substantially limiting.†A roundtable discussion on the ADA Amendments Act was held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee on Tuesday to address this topic: "Determining the Proper Scope of Coverage for the Americans with Disabilities Act". The ARC is asking for public comments for the proposed ADA Amendments: http://capwiz.com/thearc/issues/alert/?alertid=11589241 & PROCESS=Read+More Upcoming Events, Resources, etc: Dayton Autism Society Bookfair With Special Guest: Lynn Hamilton author of *Facing Autism The Dayton Autism Society is having a & Noble Bookfair! With SpecialGuest: Lynn Hamilton author of *Facing Autism* When: Saturday, August 16,2008, 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM*Where: The Shoppes of Beavercreek, 2720 Towne Drive # 200, Beavercreek,OH 45431**Who: Everyone!**What: Exciting activities for adults and children! Print and present yourBookfair voucher with your purchases on this date to help raise funds tobenefit the Dayton Autism Society Family Scholarship Fund. ** About thisfund*<http://www.daytonautismsociety.org/main/page_affiliateslinks_das_family_scholarship.html>**Schedule of Activities*11:00 AM; 1:00 PM; & 3:00 PM - FREE storytime for the children 10:00 AM and2:00 PM - FREE Scavenger Hunt(s) - different levels of difficulty 9:30 AM -5:00 PM - FREE games and activities for the kids. A costumed character ortwo might also pay a visit! Times & character(s) TBA - check back closer toevent. 2:00 PM FREE book signing with Lynn Hamilton (Get your books thatmorning, we will have plenty on hand! - Remember to use your voucher!)MPORTANT! Print your Bookfair vouchersHERE<http://daytonautismsociety.org/main/newsletter/6%20Bookfair%20Voucher%20Color1.pdf>*to bring with you on Aug. 16. The Dayton Autism Society will receive aportion of the net proceeds from purchases accompanied by this voucher.*This is true at ANY & Noble Booksellers across the country! Sendthe vouchers to friends and family and tell them to shop & Noble andpresent their voucher on Aug. 16 and support the Dayton Autism SocietyFamily Scholarship Fund, as well!****(not valid for online purchases). Vouchers cannot be distributed on & Noble property.*plus... A special surprise for Dayton families courtesy of the DaytonAutism Society... Lynn will be presenting FREE workshops throughout the day!- *Applied Behavior Analysis 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM *About this workshop: This workshop offers information on treating autismusing Applied Behavior Analysis. Lynn presents the fundamentals of ABA,including available research along with their personal experience.- Understanding Dietary Interventions 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM*About this workshop: Many children benefit significantly from changes totheir diet. Lynn gives practical information about using dietaryinterventions in treating autism. She presents the reasons for pursuing agluten-free, casein-free diet, as well as advice on how to make thetransition.*- *Biomedical Interventions: A Parent's Perspective 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM**About this workshop: This workshop presents practical information aboutbiomedical interventions available for treating autism, including vitaminsand supplements, antigen-specific transfer factors and detoxifying mercury.*You MUST register for these FREE workshops. There is a limit of 30 per workshop.No walk-ins accepted. Register HERE! http://www.signmeup.com/61437 *If the links embedded in the text do not work, check the files section ofthe DAFEAT listserv for vouchers. You can print and distribute to everyoneyou know! Go to our website for the link to register for the workshops...For questions regarding this event, emailinfodaytonautismsociety (DOT) orgorcall 1-206-984-5760. News from the ASA ASA Announces New Board at Annual Membership MeetingASA is pleased to announce its national Board of Directors for 2008-2009. The new Board was convened at the Annual Membership Meeting at the ASA National Conference in Orlando July, 11, 2008. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=1giEAvEFVtoPY1OJBOh1UQ.. Thousands Gather at Gaylord Palms for 39th Annual Conference to Teach and Learn about Autism Spectrum DisordersMore than 2,000 parents, professionals, individuals on the spectrum, and others affected by autism joined the Autism Society of America last week in Orlando, Fla. for the 39th Annual Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders. "One of the key things we'll see from this conference is that we actually know everything we need to know about treating autism. The best experts are right here, today, with solutions and best practices and tried and true techniques," said ASA President and CEO Lee Grossman in his welcoming address. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=chAshbtJc4hFO1kc-6ynNw.. ASA and Easter Seals Release 2008 State Autism ProfilesEaster Seals and the Autism Society of America have partnered together to prepare a state-of-the-state report of autism legislation in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=h3-6y6JJ6MFw_PrfXXsUPA.. Presidential Candidates Give Their Views on Autism and Health CareBoth leading presidential candidates have responded to ASA's request for statements on autism and health care issued in conjunction with the NHC town hall rally "Putting Patients First" at our National Conference last week. Read the statements from McCain and Barack Obama on ASA's Vote for Autism page: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Haki6mybgNqClrLUtMiOMw.. Senators Work to Get Help for Military Families Affected by AutismSenator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have agreed to lead an effort to improve coverage for autism services under the TRICARE program, which is the U.S. military health program. They have drafted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act which would increase the current cost-share program limit for dependant children of military personnel who have been diagnosed with autism from $2,500 to $5,000. This amendment mirrors a similar effort in the House of Representatives in May. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Nbpvi3w7f2K2eBmOop3Ozw.. Study Finds New Genes Related to AutismA new study published in the journal "Science" has identified at least six new genes related to autism. "We're showing, on the one hand, that autism seems to have a large genetic component," study co-author Walsh, chief of genetics at Children's Hospital Boston, told "Scientific American." "But, the genes that are involved are actually those that are involved in responding to the environment and learning." He added that this highlights the importance of early intervention, especially in terms of behavioral therapy. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=VgPWXa5wI3JM0BOsjBaS2Q.. lynn Institute Offers Caregiving ScholarshipThe purpose of the Mattie J. T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to family, professional, or paraprofessional caregivers of any age who are seeking training or education in specific skills, procedures and strategies that lead to more effective care at the same time that they serve to protect the health and well-being of the caregiver. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=v4Lev0I7dI7fWbaIEoDFlQ.. 2009 ASA Conference - Chicago Have fun in sunny Orlando this year? You'll love the Windy City in 2009! Save the date for ASA's 40th Annual National Conference and Exposition on Autism Spectrum Disorders, July 22-25, 2009 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. , Ill., outside of Chicago.AUTCOM Annual Conference, 2008The AUTCOM Annual Conference 2008, "Embracing the Hope and Joy of Autism," will be held Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 in Ann Arbor, Mich. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=frfw3GTR0hgADzmVy1jcKg.. Autism Research Institute Launches Mobile WebsiteThe Autism Research Institute has launched autism.mobi, designed specifically for users of mobile devices and mobile phones. According to Steve Edelson, director of the San Diego-based research and education group, this is the first .mobi Web site created and maintained by a national autism organization, and is in response to consumers' desire for "practical" mobile content. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=cGRpSNNQjzpiSpwrgNyOXw.. New Story of Autism in the Family"Knowing ph" is the story of two boys, and his brother, ph, a six year old with autism. is embarrassed by ph's public meltdowns. He screams when normal sounds are too loud for him, and doesn't play well with other kids. constantly finds himself defending ph from the school bullies. It takes a new friend for to begin to understand autism, and really know ph. In addition, a school project reveals some interesting new secrets about the class bully. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=A_ZoCoGi7E_oTDru-UkSvw.. New EASe Games for Children with AutismVision Audio Inc. has announced the release of "EASe Off-Road," the first video game designed to help train children with autism to cope with sensory integration challenges. The first in the EASe Games video game series, "EASe Off-Road" further expands on EASe's sound-based therapy. The games employ a virtual vestibular game environment to train a child to develop the integrated systems responsible for organizing balance and body awareness the visual/vestibular/cochlear triad. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=AE6tZzwN_uQs4kjchpCq6A.. Autism Benefit for Families Affected by Autism, NE Ohio An evening with todd snider with special guest garrison starr Buy tickets Tuesday through Friday noon and be entered to WIN $25 Visible Voice Books Gift Certificate and limited edition signed Todd / Garrison poster. Please join us for fun and fundraising to benefit families with children with autism. What: Autism Benefit for Families Affected by AutismWhere: Beachland Ballroom map it!When: August 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a benefit concert opening with Garrison Starr and featuring Todd Snider, who earned a spot on Rolling Stone's top album list for 2006. Get a sneak peak of their performances by checking out the videos on our site. There will be munchies and a raffle. The raffle includes the following great prizes: signed CDs and limited edition posters by Todd and Garrison limited edition R.E.M. concert poster signed by the entire band limited edition Wilco signed poster and goodie bag with t-shirt, DVD signed Book by notable British Author Nick Hornby, author of About a Boy and High Fidelity local hand-made arts and crafts other gift baskets and gift cards Enter to WIN $25 Visible Voice Books Gift Certificate and limited edition signed Todd / Garrison poster Buy tickets between Tuesday, July 15 through Friday, July 18 at noon and be entered to win. Each ticket purchased will be entered into the raffle. Buy your tickets today!$30 in advance / $35 at the door Why help?In just a little over a year, the National Autism Association Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) has awarded 65 families residing in Northeast Ohio dealing with the high cost of autism treatments through its Helping Hand Grant Program. NAA-NEO has given $36,000 directly to these families. The goal of the August 1 benefit is to raise funds for (NAA-NEO) 2009 Helping Hand Grant Program. This program funds autism treatments, respite, and programs for Northeast Ohio families struggling with autism. More information available at our website. Buy your tickets today! Email: apattison@...Phone: 216.544.1231 Great Plains Outreach Clinic, Marietta For Children with Autism, PDD, AD(H)D, Allergies, Immune dysfunction, and Behavior Disorders. Coming to Marietta, OH July 26 & 27, 2008(Saturday & Sunday 8:30 am-6:00pm) Broughton Health Center 210 7th Street Marietta, OH 45750 Please contact Chasity or Olson if you have any questions and/or to schedule appointments at 913-341-8949. Dr. Deborah Nash will be seeing patients on Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-6:00pm. Our goal is to improve the health and well being of individuals using integrative medicine and, in particular, biomedical treatment options. Specialized testing, not available at traditional labs, will be offered. These tests are designed to determine abnormalities associated with heavy metal toxins, intestinal pathogens, food allergies, immune deficiencies, and more. Deborah J. Nash, MD, a native of New Carlisle, Ohio, graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1978. She completed a three-year family practice residency at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Columbus, OH and is board certified by the American Academy of Family Medicine. In addition to general family medicine, Dr. Nash has special interests in functional medicine, heavy metal toxicity, and the biomedical approach to treating autism and ADD/ADHD. In addition to her own educational efforts, she has had practitioner training through The Great Plains Laboratory in Lenexa, KS and the Defeat Autism Now! Organization. She became fascinated with autism spectrum disorders through her experiences with her own children. She has found this personal experience invaluable in diagnosing and treating her patients, not to mention understanding some of the frustrations their parents face in dealing with these problems. Finding underlying causes of autistic and ADHD symptoms and watching those symptoms improve, often dramatically, with treatment has been very exciting and rewarding. The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc will provide an experienced Pediatric Phlebotomist that will perform all laboratory procedures for blood collection at the Outreach Clinic. The fee for phlebotomy is $30. We encourage ALL patients to increase their fluid intake at least 24 hours prior to appointments. All other specimens, including urine and stool will be collected at home. Any other recommended test kits will be given to parents to take home from the clinic. All kits will have a prepaid FedEx envelope to send back to The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc once specimen collection has been completed. Results of testing will be sent to Dr. Nash’s office and to the patient within 4-6 weeks. www.greatplainslaboratory.com “Today’s Issues for Self-Advocates, Families and Professionals†Friday, August 15, 200810 a.m to 3 p.m.W. Milton United Church of Christ Social Hall106-108 S. Main St.West Milton, OH 45383 AGENDA 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The Future of MR/DD Services in OhioSpeaker: To Be Announced 11:00 a.m. – Noon Medicaid, Waivers and Your RightsSpeaker: Tonks, Executive Director – The Arc of OhioMr. Tonks will present an overview of Medicaid; what can be accessed through a Medicaid Card, a summary of Waivers available in Ohio and due process rights associated with Medicaid and Medicaid Waivers. Noon – 1:00 Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 Children’s Buy-In Program http://www.caresource-cbi.com/AboutUs.aspx Speaker: Christie Pepe, Ohio Department of Job and Family ServicesOhio’s Children’s Buy-0IN (CBI) program is a state-funded health care program for certain uninsured children in families with income over 300 percent of the federal poverty level. Enrollment began on June 1, 2008 to provide affordable health care for children. 2:00 – 3:00 Medicaid Managed CareSpeaker: Christie Pepe, Ohio Department of Job and Family ServicesOhio Medicaid has incorporated the use of managed care since 1978 to enhance system accountability for access and quality as well as to achieve greater cost predictability. Managed care offers an opportunity to assure access to a primary care provider, emphasize preventive care, and encourage the appropriate utilization of services in the most cost-effective settings. Learn how Medicaid managed care is affecting Ohioans with disabilities and their families. You may register 3 ways:ONLINE: www.thearcofohio.org under “Event Calendarâ€FAX: 1-614-487-4725PHONE: 1-800-875-2723 Summer edition of the DD Quarterly newsletter now available! Welcome to the Summer edition of the DD Quarterly! Read the newsletter online to learn about issues relevant to Ohioans with disabilities. Articles in the Summer edition cover topics such as community integration, self-determination, news from other agencies and organizations, events, and more. See below for the list of articles. The DD Quarterly is produced for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council by the Ohio Legal Rights Service.=========================DD Quarterly - Summer 2008News from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities CouncilText version: http://olrs.ohio.gov/ddq/DDQSummer08.htm PDF version: http://olrs.ohio.gov/ddq/DDQSummer08.pdf =========================In this issue:1. ODDC Executive Director Zwyer Announces Retirement2. Cincinnati's Advocacy Legacy Continues3. Chairman's Message4. Do Ohio Initiatives Support Community Inclusion and Self-determination?5. Self-determination: Choosing the "Stuff of Life"6. Cultivating Youth Leadership7. To Have Sight But No Vision: Inclusive Congregations8. Emergency Preparedness for People with Functional Needs in Southwest Ohio9. Studies Aim to Help Children with Autism and Other Behavioral Disorders10. Will Unionizing Efforts Support People with Disabilities in the Community?11. Knight Named Interim Director at ODDC12. A Tribute to Sonya Mawhorter13. Meet ODDC's New Members14. ODDC Seeks Applicants for Membership15. Finding Affordable, Accessible Housing Using Ohio's Rental Housing Locator16. Preliminary Injunction Prevents Loss of Medically Necessary Services17. OLRS Seeks Input for Long Range Planning18. Conference Announcements: Ohio Self-determination Association 2008 Conference; The Brain Injury Association's 27th Annual Conference; Be Prepared Ohio Conference=========================If you have questions or comments about the DD Quarterly newsletter, contact:Tom HemmertOhio Legal Rights Service50 W. Broad St., Suite 1400Columbus, OH 43215Voice: 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181TTY: 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542Email: newsletter@... ADA audio conference: Serving Customers with Disabilities: Implications for the Hospitality Industry Please note: Registration is required so that adequate space for participants can be arranged. Please do not just show up for this session. 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, August 19, 2008, 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. August 19th, 2008 » Serving Customers with Disabilities: Implications for the Hospitality IndustryA 2001 survey conducted by Open Doors Organization/ Poll in cooperation with the Travel Industry Association of America and the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality indicated that disabled persons annually spend $13.6 billion on travel - including $3.3 billion on air travel and $4.2 billion on lodging. A second study showed that 75% of people with disabilities report dining outside of their home at least once/week representing an annual expenditure of $35 billion. Serving customers with disabilities has become a business necessity. Join this session and learn more about what is being done to assist business in meeting their obligations to customers with disabilities.Speaker: TBAGuest Moderator: n Vessels, Director, DBTAC-Mid Atlantic ADA CenterTime:2:00-3:30pm EDT, earlier for those in other time zonesCEU Credits:CRCC 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 August 12 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. ADA-OHIO (The Americans with Disabilities Act)700 Morse Road, Suite 101Columbus, OH 43214800-ADA-OHIO (800-232-6446)800-ADA-ADA1 (800-232-2321) TTY614-844-5537 FAXadaohio@... http://www.ada-ohio.org/ ADA-OHIO is a nonprofit 501©(3) organization. Grants from the Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio The Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio will be hosting the second round of grants for the families of students with Autism on August 7, 2008 at Schnee Learning Center on 2222 Issaquah Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221. The eligilibity requirements for grants will be discussed as well as break out sessions for parents to share what is needed to assist families affected by Autism. Last year $5,500.00 was awarded to families as well as teachers. This year a total of $ 5,750.00 will be provided with a cap of $500.00 per grant. Our Foundation's mission is to provide financial as well as emotional support for family members dealing with Autism. We will also be establishing a North East Ohio school-wide initiative for philanthropic service projects for organizations titled " Angels For Autism" for the Foundation. A website is being developed to address our mission, donation base , and volunteer base. Martucci, Treasurer ( 330) 688-1028Barb Hudak, President ( 330) 864-4414 OLRS Strategic Planning Survey The Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) has developed an online survey for strategic planning purposes and to improve client services to Ohioans with disabilities. You received the original announcement about 2 weeks ago. If you already submitted the survey, thank you. If you haven’t, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete it. Here is a link to the online survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=LKz6Jw1U6MHtFng2wPvMVg_3d_3d We also encourage you to forward the survey to members of your organization or any other interested individuals. If you would like paper copies of the survey or more information, contact Tom Hemmert by e-mail at themmert@... or by phone at 1-800-282-9181 (voice) or 1-800-858-3542 (TTY). The mission of OLRS is to protect and advocate, in partnership with people with disabilities, for their human, civil and legal rights. Article: 9 Items to Be Included in a Special Education Transition PlanBy JoAnn Do you have a child with autism or a learning disability that is 16 years or above, and still in high school? Do you worry about what will happen to your child when they graduate? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requires that each child with a disability, 16 years or above must have a transition plan. This article will discuss the 9 items that need to be included in a transition plan. Transition Services means a coordinated set of activities, designed in a result oriented process that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of children with disabilities. Below are the 9 important items that should be in a transition plan: 1. Transition Assessments: To determine needs, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and interests for post school outcomes. Also a functional vocational evaluation, if your child needs it. 2. Post Secondary Goals: These goals should be measurable and written in the areas of employment, post secondary education, post secondary training, and independent living skills. 3. Course of study related to child's post school goals. This means that the classes a child takes need to be related to their post school goals. If your child will be going to college, they should be taking college preparation courses etc. 4. Instruction needed: Any particular instruction that your child needs, in order to meet their post school goals. This instruction could be vocational, could be academic, could be functional; just depending on your child's needs and post school goals. Make sure any instruction, is written in your child's IEP. 5. Related services needed: Any service that will help your child toward meeting their post school goals. For Example: Occupational therapy could be given to increase your child's fine motor skills, to increase their chance of being employed. 6. Community Experiences: This is especially important for students with moderate to severe disabilities. They will learn how to grocery shop, department store shop, do banking, access recreation etc. 7. Development of Employment: Means working with the student, to help them learn skills so that they can be employable, after high school. 8. Daily Living Skills: Especially important for students with moderate to severe disabilities. These include; grooming, shopping, budgets, cooking, cleaning, recreation, bus riding if appropriate. 9. After graduation support services: List of agencies that will be involved with your child after graduation. Make sure that the agency is invited to your child's last IEP meeting, to ensure a smooth transition. By including all of these items in your child's transition plan, the plan will be comprehensive, and will help your child become closer to meeting their post school goals. JoAnn is the mother of two adults with disabilities, and has helped families navigate the special eduation system, as an advocate, for over 15 years. She is a presenter and author of the book "Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game." The book has a lot of resources and information to help parents fight for an appropriate education for their child. For a free E newsletter entitled "The Special Education Spotlight" send an E mail to: JoAnndisabilitydeception - For more information on the book, testimonials about the book, and a link to more articles go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JoAnn_ Discount for parents for the August 1 Autism Benefit Concert you are invited! again! now announcing DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR FAMILIES of children with autism! an evening with todd snider and special guest garrison starr Dear friends of NAA-NEO, You may have already received an email or letter inviting you to attend a concert on August 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom to benefit the National Autism A Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) Helping Hand Grant Program for 2009. We would like to offer parents or families of children with autism a discounted price to attend for only $15 per person! Tickets are $30 to the general public in advance and $35 at the door. In order to obtain these discounted tickets for families, please send us an e-mail to let us know you would like to attend the concert at this special rate or mail us a check for $15.00 x the number of tickets to: National Autism Association – Northeast Ohio P.O. Box 221195 Beachwood, Ohio 44122 The deadline for receipt of checks is July 31st. Discounts will not be given at the door. For more details about the show or to purchase tickets for the general public online please go to www.autismnortheastohio.org/special_events.php. Hope to see you at the Benefit on Auguest 1st! Don Pattison President NAA-NEO Why help?In just a little over a year, the National Autism Association Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) has awarded 65 families residing in Northeast Ohio dealing with the high cost of autism treatments through its Helping Hand Grant Program. NAA-NEO has given $36,000 directly to these families.The goal of the August 1 benefit is to raise funds for (NAA-NEO) 2009 Helping Hand Grant Program. This program funds autism treatments, respite, and programs for Northeast Ohio families struggling with autism. More information available at our website at www.autismnortheastohio.org. Buy your tickets today! For more information please email: apattison@... or call 216.544.1231 Visit www.autismnorthestohio.org/special_events.php Autism Society of Michigan Fall ConferenceWhen: Fri, Oct 3, 9am - 3pmWhere: Sheraton Novi (map)Description: Dr. Shore, author and advocate for persons with autism, will be speaking at this conference. Dr. Shore was diagnosed with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies," which was followed by strong suggestions from doctors that he be institutionalized. Fortunately, his parents and teachers disagreed, and as a result of their persistence and dedication, Dr. Shore earned a Ph.D. and is now a published author. Dr. Shore completed his doctoral degree at Boston University in special education, with a focus on helping those with autism reach their full potential. He is also author of several books including: "Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome," "Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum," and the critically acclaimed "Understanding Autism for Dummies." Since 1996, Dr. Shore has spoken in eight countries across five continents, giving hundreds of presentations on the autism spectrum. Recently, he spoke at the United Nations Conference on Disaster Relief in Kobe and Yokohama, Japan. In addition, Dr. Shore works internationally on adult autism issues, addressing such topics as education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure. Mark your calendar and plan to attend ASM's Fall Conference in Novi and hear Shore first hand! For more information, call 1-800-223-6722 ( Michigan residents only) or 517-882-2800 or visit www.autism-mi.org. Foundation For the Challenged Grants Available The Foundation For the Challenged envisions people with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities having meaningful, productive roles in their communities. This vision forms the basis of the Foundation’s charitable purpose in providing grants to support people with disabilities with lifestyle expenses. In October 2006, the Foundation established the Community Living Fund to direct its charitable giving to individuals with developmental disabilities. Qualified individuals in Ohio and other states can apply for up to a $1,000 grant. Community Living Fund grants are meant to assist with the cost of community lifestyle needs such as wheelchair ramps, walking devices and basic furnishings not covered by entitlement programs. Grants are provided four times a year. Applicants must meet funding criteria and submit a grant application which can be found at www.ffcohio.org. Comments Needed for Proposed Regulations on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More Info This is an important opportunity to make the voice of people with disabilities heard. Background On June 17, 2008 the Department of Justice issued a request for comments on proposed regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Title II of the ADA pertains to state and local government and Title III pertains to commercial entities. There are over 100 questions included in the separate requests for comments for Title II (http://www.ada.gov/NPRM2008/t2NPRM_federalreg.htm) and Title III (http://www.ada.gov/NPRM2008/t3NPRM_federalreg.htm). Many of the questions are identical but several are different. What are Regulations, and Why are They Important? Federal agencies periodically create regulations to provide guidance, clarification, or changes to existing laws and programs. Once regulations are final, they can have as much impact as laws. Who Can Submit Comments? Anyone. A variety of groups will submit comments on the ADA: businesses, local government, individuals with disabilities, families, and organizations. With many perspectives being offered, it’s critical that the disability community be well represented. Your voice is needed. What are the Priority Questions? After meeting with the Department of Justice, the DPC and other disability organizations have selected 11 questions of particular importance. These questions request examples of personal and anecdotal experiences. Please see the priority questions for both titles and background information at: http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1151. Differences in the questions for both titles are highlighted. What is the Deadline for Comments? Comments must be received by August 18, 2008. How Do I Send Comments? It’s easy. You must submit comments separately for title II & III regulations as follows: For Title II regulations (pertaining to state & local governments)1) Mail comments to: ADA NPRM, P.O. Box 2846, Fairfax, VA 22031-0846; OR2) Post comments on a government regulations webpage (recommended) shown below at: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment & o=090000648062a623 For Title III regulations (pertaining to commercial entities)1) Mail comments to: ADA NPRM, P.O. Box 2846, Fairfax, VA 22031-0846; OR2) Post comments at: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment & o=090000648062a604 If you choose to post comments to the government regulation website, you have 2 options:1) Enter comments in General Comments field (make sure to type the question number(s) you are responding to and then your comments.) 2) Prepare comments in a document, and then upload the document. Please note that all comments received are considered part of the public record and made available for public inspection online at http://www.regulations.gov. Such information includes personal identifying information (such as your name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter. If you want to submit personal identifying information (such as your name, address, etc.) as part of your comment, but do not want it to be posted online, you must include the phrase ``PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION'' in the first paragraph of your comment. You must also locate all the personal identifying information you do not want posted online in the first paragraph of your comment and identify information you want redacted. Need help? Contact Janet L. Blizard, Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, at (202) 307-0663 (voice or TTY). This is not a toll-free number. Information may also be obtained from the Department's toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY). ODE Survey on Modified Assessments for students with Disabilities Attn: All General Education teachers, Special Education teachers and School Administrators.... ODE is considering a modified assessment for students with disabilities.... .....The link to complete an on-line survey regarding draft eligibility guidelines is at http://websurveyor.airws.org/ss/wsb.dll/6/AAMAS_survey.htm. We would appreciate your input regarding these draft documents. The survey will be closed on August 8, 2008. New Book from AAPC In His Shoes - A Short Journey Through Autism by Joanna Keating-Velasco$18.95June 2008, ISBN 9781934575260Audience (i.e. age, profession) Youth-ages 11-15 Imagine spending a year in middle school without being able to talk with friends or understand the concept of "hanging out." Joanna Keating-Velasco's In His Shoes - A Short Journey Through Autism gives readers an opportunity to follow Hansen, a 13-year-old boy with autism, as he transitions to middle school and faces all kinds of new experiences-new teachers, new friends, sounds and smells. But there's more to life than school. Accompany Nick to the beach, the mall, his birthday party, a track meet and his first school dance. As we view the world through Nick's eyes, we soon realize that, despite his challenges in many areas, particularly communication, his everyday life is very similar to that of other kids his age. http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9013.htm Caregiver's Conference in Hilliard, OH Serving Seniors, Inc, is sponsoring a Caregiver's Conference in Hilliard, OH on August 7th. It's just a half day but really packed with valuable information for caregivers of seniors and those with disabilities. The flyer and the agenda are available at www.servingseniorsinc.com . Also at the website, anyone may register. The alternative is to call our event co-ordinator, Kim, at 614.316.9002. Discuss Disability Police on WOSU on July 22 Join Mike , WOSU News Director, tomorrow (for a discussion of disability policy on WOSU's Open Line. This Saturday Ohio will play host to a national forum on disability issues (http://www.aapd.com/News/election/080423aapd.htm ) while it marks the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. WOSU Open Line - Tuesday, 7/22 at 11:00 AM http://www.wosu.org/radio/radio-open-line/ Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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