Guest guest Posted May 5, 2008 Report Share Posted May 5, 2008 Dear Friend of ASO: NEWS FROM ASO Proposed Rule Changes for Autism Scholarship Program The Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education (ODE), is holding regional meetings in May 2008 to discuss proposed changes to the regulations governing the Autism Scholarship Program. The rule changes in large part relate to the fact that the ASP has gone from a pilot program to permanent program. At the meetings, parents, districts and other interested persons may obtain information, comment and ask questions about the proposed rule changes. For more information regarding the proposed changes and regional meetings, go to the ODE Web site, www.ode.state.oh.us, and enter in the search box in the upper right corner “Proposed Autism Scholarship Program Rule Changes†or click here. If you are interested in attending a session, please register with the regional contact person listed on the Web page. ODMRDD Constituent Services Moves to Director’s Office, Becomes Office of Policy and Constituent SupportFrom the ODMRDD E-Newsletter PIPELINE:As part of consolidation efforts at the ODMRDD, the Division of Constituent Services has been re-organized as the Office of Policy and Constituent Support. This reorganization realizes efficiencies gained by combining areas, as the former Deputy Director for the Division left the position to accept a post with the Governor’s Office. Constituent Services and Special Projects now are combined into one area to focus on issues that support stakeholders and the Department itself. Lanahan, Deputy Director, oversees the Office of Policy and Constituent Support, and explains, “As we discussed the day-to-day activities in which each of the members of this team are involved, it was apparent that we needed a more accurate descriptor of what we do, and what we will be doing. We will be taking our team in new directions this year, as we look toward accomplishing many far-reaching projects.†The Office of Policy and Constituent Support includes the following functions: Strategic Policy Development Legislative Liaison Public Information Family Advocacy Rules and Laws Special ProjectsThe Office of Policy and Constituent Support will continue to provide access to supports that stakeholders have come to expect from the team, and focus on improvements in other areas of interest to constituents. In addition, as a part of the staffing/organizational changes at ODMRDD’s Central Office due to budget constraints, the newly-configured group will have more opportunities to provide assistance and information to various constituencies as part of the Director’s Office ‘umbrella’. The Office of Policy and Constituent Support may be reached as noted below. In addition, all ODMRDD Administrative Staff may be reached per information located on our website at http://mrdd.ohio.gov/contacts/admin.htm and by using the ODMRDD Employee search feature at http://mrdd.ohio.gov/contactsearch/ . Office of Policy and Constituent Support Lanahan, Deputy Director30 E. Broad St. 12th FloorColumbus, OH 43215-3434Telephone: (614) 644-6300E-mail: patrick.lanahan@... Federal Legislation: Changes Pending in Medicaid - Get Information, Take Action The Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 (H.R. 5613) passed the House of Representatives, despite a White House veto threat. This bill places a one year moratorium on seven Medicaid regulations including the rehab option, case management and school based services/transportation rules. This margin is well over the two-thirds needed to override a Presidential veto. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has “fast-tracked†the legislation, putting it on the Senate floor calendar bypassing Finance Committee consideration. The Senate may vote on H.R. 5613 next week. For more information or to take action visit the ARC Action Alert center - click here Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 (GINA, H.R. 493) passed the Senate and is slated for a revote in the House (due to Senate revisions). House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said the bill would get a vote this week, and champions of the bill say they’ve received assurances by the White House of the President’s signature. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act [H.R. 493, S. 358] is a bill that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment. It was introduced to establish basic legal protections that will enable and encourage individuals to take advantage of genetic screening, counseling, testing, and new therapies that will result from the scientific advances in the field of genetics. It would also prevent health insurers from denying coverage or adjusting premiums based on an individual's predisposition to a genetic condition, and prohibit employers from discriminating on the basis of predictive genetic information. Additionally, such legislation would stop both employers and insurers from requiring applicants to submit to genetic tests, maintain strict use and disclosure requirements of genetic test information, and impose penalties against employers and insurers who violate these provisions. For more information or to take action visit the ARC Action Alert center - click here Mental Health ParityNegotiations continue to attempt to reach agreement on House and Senate mental health parity legislation (S. 558, H.R. 1424). The House approved its mental health parity bill by a 268-148 vote on March 5. The Senate approved parity legislation in September 2007 by unanimous consent. On March 18, Senators Kennedy (D-MA) and Domenici (R-NM) offered the House a compromise. It was reported last week that the House has prepared a counteroffer to a Senate proposal on mental health parity legislation. A major sticking point has been House language requiring employers to cover all illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). 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! 2008 ASA National ConferenceJuly 9-12, 2008Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterOrlando, Florida 2008 Keynoters: Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O., & Ball, Ph.D., BCBA The Autism Society of America recognizes that families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a range of issues and needs. The National Conference of the Autism Society of America is the only conference that addresses the range of issues, including early intervention, education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical interventions and others, across the entire lifespan. Bringing together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals and individuals on the spectrum, attendees are able to learn how to more effectively advocate and obtain supports for the individual with ASD. The ultimate goal is to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum and professionals to make informed decisions. Registration & Conference Schedule Go to www.autism-society.org/conference for the detailed 2008 ASA National Conference schedule. All session descriptions and speakers are now listed online, with over 200 speakers and 150 sessions. Be sure to register for the conference online by May 1, 2008, to take advantage of Early Bird Registration prices (Individuals on the Spectrum: $150 & Full Conference Attendees: $220). Exhibitors Don't miss your opportunity to exhibit at the largest autism conference in the U.S. this year. Network with professionals, families, service providers and more. For more information, contact Meg Ellacott, 2008 ASA National Conference Exhibit Director, at ellacott@... or 302.260.9487. Be sure to secure your spot now. Respite Child Care Bring your entire family. Orlando is a great family vacation location. ASA is partnering with Quest, Inc., to provide respite care onsite. For more information, contact ASA at conference@.... Continuing Education Credits BCBA, ASHA and CME credits are available. For session information, contact Autism Society of America at conference@.... The Autism Research Institute presents the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Clinician Seminar for professionals on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. For information about the conference, contact Autism Society America Conference Department at conference@... or call 301.657.0881, ext. 10. Upcoming Events, Resources, etc: - SE Ohio ASA and ARC Ohio: “Planning for your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial Futureâ€, Athens - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland presents "Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family" - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom sponsored by the Dayton Autism Society - Upcoming Activities - Tri-County Autism Society - OAR Run for Autism, Cleveland - Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kent State University - The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference - Upcoming Events, OAR Run, NE Ohio - 7th Annual Autism Summit of NW Ohio, BGSU - BOOK: Two New Titles from AAPC - Autism Summit, Cleveland - OASISAUTISM Bike Ride/Walk-a-thon, Wooster - Take Action for the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188 - 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness, NE Ohio - Upcoming Events - NE Ohio, Complied by Milestones - Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)'s Next Meeting Will Be May 5th - Summer Resources - ASPIES Greater Akron Fundraiser - 2008 Rotary Camp Dates, Akron area - Project iAm Scholarship Fundraiser, Toledo Area - Autism forum allows parents to have a say - FUTURE HORIZONS - FIRST EVER - WEB CONFERENCE - OCECD and ODE: Accountability Improves Results for ALL Children Conference, Columbus - LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT IN MR/DD, Medina - Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6! - OCALI Highlighted at Family Advisory Council Meeting - Life Planning Seminars for Families, May 6 & 7, , Warren, Clermont, Hamilton Counties - Changes in Ohio Medicaid - Life on the Spectrum - Feature on Jerry Newport 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 impiled. “Planning for your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial Future†Please click the link below to register for the very important training on Saturday, May 10th in Athens, Ohio: http://www.thearcofohio.org/index.php?option=com_events & task=view_detail & agid=82 & year=2008 & month=05 & day=10 & Itemid=50 This training is FREE for families and individuals.Professionals are $75. ODMR/DD CEU’s being offered. Sponsored in part by the SE Ohio ASA Chapter. Autism Society of Greater Cleveland presents "Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family" Tuesday, May 6th "Financial Planning for the Special Needs Family" on May 6th, at 6:30pm through the ASGC for their monthly meeting. Joining me for the presentation will be Kerry M. Agins, Attorney at Law with Siegel and Agins. Kerry will share her insights about Special Needs planning from a legal perspective, to include Protecting Assets and Benefit Eligibility. If you are interested in attending, below please find a link to the ASGC website, and directions to the meeting. Also, so that we can plan accordingly, please email reply to me for headcount purposes. If you are interested in the topic but can not attend, please let me know. Please share this with others whom you think might benefit from attending. http://www.asgc.org/ The ASGC meets at 6:30 P.M. the first Tuesday of every month at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center on 8001 Brecksville Rd. in Brecksville Ohio. Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?city=Brecksville & state=OH & address=8001+Brecksville+Rd & zip=44141-2313 & country=us & zoom=7 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching Verbal Behavior in the Classroom FREE Workshop!Co-sponsored by: The Dayton Autism Society, the West Carrollton School District, and FATE...no child with autism left behind Tuesday, May 13, 20088:30 am - 4:30 pmWest Carrollton High SchoolAuditorium5833 Student StreetWest Carrollton, OH 45449 For more information and to register, click here Upcoming Activities - Tri-County Autism Society May 14, 2008Regular MeetingTime: 7:00 p.m.Officer ElectionsCurrent NominationsPresident – D. Gallagher Vice President– L. Dripps or T. Chapin Treasurer – Bo Cencia or Helen Aiello Secretary – D. Houghton or C. Additional nominations will be made at the meetingITAM Club- Second floor115 S. Meridian Rd.Youngstown, OH Bowling Camelot Lanes628 Boardman-Canfield RdBoardman, OhioDate: Saturday, May 17, 2008 Time: 6:30PMPizza and pop provided Members: FreeNon-Members: $10.00 per familyRSVP: Dan Gallagher 330-720-2066Email: triautism@... Cedar Point DaySponsored by: The ARC of OhioWednesday, May 21, 2008RSVP: Dan Gallagher 330-720-2066Email: triautism@...11th Annual GOLF OutingYankee Run Golf CourseBrookfield, OHJune 23, 20089:00 AMContact Chuck or Sue Aldridge for additional information at 330- 856-7338 OAR Run for Autism, Cleveland Everybody knows that Cleveland Rocks! Why not start another tradition! RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland style. You and your friends are invited to SIGN UP NOW before it’s too late for the 10K charity race scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18. It’s not a race. . . It’s about going the distance. So, Get up . . . Get out . . . walk, run or jog for a cause and raise money for autism research. You can make a difference! HURRY SIGN UP NOW! Registration now closes on May 15th. For more information, Go to http://www.researchautism.org/ or email run@... or call 866-366-9710. 2008 Topics in Child Development Conference: June 26th and 27th - Kent State University Topics in Child Development: Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with a wide variety of strengths and needs. Within the context of a behavioral approach to intervention, parents, educators, and other professionals can develop and enhance positive academic and behavioral skills while simultaneously addressing disruptive behaviors. The 2008 Topics in Child Development Conference will focus on behavioral approaches to intervention that can assist in enhancing existing skills and building new skills to promote success across multiple settings. For complete details, visit: http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/PDO/conferences.cfm For information on the 2008 conference, please contact Kathy Brown at 330.672.0537 or kbrown5@... The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference http://www.milestones.org/news_conferences.htm Annual Conference 2008 ConferenceThe 6th Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's ConferenceLife-Long Strategies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work Keynote Speaker Dr. Jed Baker Monday, June 16, 20088:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. (7:45 a.m. registration) At Executive Caterers at Landerhaven6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 This conference is for you if you are a . . . special educator • inclusion teacher • classroom aide • speech therapist • occupational therapist • psychologist • social worker • nurse • music or art therapist • physical therapist • school counselor • parent or relative of individual with autism spectrum disorder • behavioral therapist Schedule Monday, June 16, 20087:45 a.m. — Registration/Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m. — Welcome 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 — Keynote 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 — Workshops A 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunch/Exhibitors — Award Ceremony 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Workshops B 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. — Workshops C Registration Information Fees Professional Registration Fee (price includes CEUs, continental breakfast, lunch and binder) 150 Professional Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single payment) -$20 Family Member Registration Fee (price includes continental breakfast, lunch and binder) 115 Family Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single payment) -$20 Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder $75 Lunch without Conference Registration $45 Binder without Conference Registration $50 Scholarships A limited amount of conference scholarship aid is available. To request a scholarship application, please email infomilestones@... or call 216.371.4765. Download Scholarship Form Changes/Cancellations Cancellations will be accepted in writing until June 14, 2006, and refunds granted minus 30% of administrative costs. Substitutions for original registrants are acceptable. Professional Development (CEU's) Offered6.0 continuing education hours are pending for counselors, educators, nurses, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists and social workers. .6 CEUs for Speech Languague Pathologists on various levels: professional and related areas is pending through ASHA. Professional development credit is pending toward a BCBA. General certificates of attendance will also be available. Workshop Selection Over the course of the conference, there are three workshop time slots with multiple options per time slot. Please choose one topic for each workshop time slot. Meals Registration fees include a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch. The meals include vegetarian options. If you require a kosher meal, indicate your preference on the registration form. It will not be possible to arrange for special meals on-site. Advertising/Exhibiting/Sponsorship InformationWe invite you to promote your organization at the 2008 Conference Life-Long Stragegies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work. Opportunities are available to be a conference sponsor, exhibitor at the conference, and advertiser in the conference binder. Your message will reach 400 attendees. Download our advertising, sponsorship, and exhibiting participation letter and form. Contact infomilestones@... for further information or to indicate your interest. Conference Location and Directions Executive Caterers at Landerhaven6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Questions/Special Assistance Please call Milestones Organization at 216-371-4765 or email at infomilestones@.... 7th Annual Autism Summit of NW Ohio, BGSU Topic: Autism, Social Thinking & Social Skills "Thinking About YOU, Thinking About ME" Keynote Speaker: Winner, MA, CCC Saturday, June 7, 2008 Bowen- Student Union Bowling Green State Univeristy Summit Founded & Organized by: Dr. Ellen , School of Intervention Services, BGSU Dr. Cochran, School of Intervention Services, BGSU Ann Light, Continuing & Extended Education, BGSU Sponsored by: College of Education and Human Development Continuing & Extended Education Wood County Educational Service Center and For more information and to register, click here BOOK: Two New Titles from AAPC Autism Summit, Cleveland Fri., 10-10 to Sun., 10-12, 2008 Autism Today, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, University Hospitals The summit brings together world class speakers specializing in Autism and Asperger's Syndrome, who will provide information on a diverse subject range. Who should attend? Parents, Educators, Professionals - Anyone interested in Autism/Asperger Syndrome Summit SpeakersJed Baker, Ph.D. Andy Bondy. Ph.D. Bill , Parent, Advocate Carol Gray, Director of the Gray Center Pratt, Ph.D. Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Shore, Ed.D. , MD Diane Twachtman-Cullen, SLP Keri Bowers - Filmmaker Cross - ASD Early Bird registration ends May 30th. For more information or to register, see: http://www.autismsummit.org/ OASISAUTISM Bike Ride/Walk-a-thonAutism. One Mission….One Team.Take a quick peek at the photos of last years walk and bike ride for OASISAUTISM and come be part of the fun. For more information click OASISAUTISM BIKE RIDE/WALK A THONIf you cannot see the photos click on: OASISTALKDate: June 21stTime: 7:30am Bike Registration8am Bike Ride Kick off9:45am Walk-a-thon Registration10:15am Walk-a-thon Kick offLocation: Wooster High School515 Oldman RdWooster, OH 44691Whether you bike it or ride it…do it for the 1 in 150!This email is a resource. OASIS does not endorse nor discourage any one physician, treatment, methodology, etc. Opinions expressed are solely the opinions of the author. Thank You.Angel S. Co-Founder, Executive Dir./OASIS www.oasisautism.org OASIS is a 501©(3) non profit corp. registered with the state of Ohio, and is affiliated with AUTISM LINK Take Action for the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188 Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6!Ask Congress to Support the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188!Help Parents Recover Expert Witness Fees and Level the Playing Field! 202-224-3121PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON TUESDAY, MAY 6, AND ASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE IDEA FAIRNESS RESTORATION ACT, H.R. 4188. This bill will allow parents who prevail in due process or litigation under IDEA recover their expert witness fees. Few parents can afford the thousands of dollars needed to pay for expert testimony that is often necessary to prevail in IDEA cases. But school districts can use tax dollars to employ and pay for psychologists and other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear a greater financial burden. H.R. 4188 is necessary to restore Congress' original intent and allow parents to recover their expert witness fees. Introduced by Congressman Van Hollen (land) and Pete Sessions (Texas), it will help level the playing field for the parents of millions of children with disabilities.Over 100 disability organizations, including the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, Arc, Easter Seals, the Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates, Inc., National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Learning Disabilities Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, CHADD, Our Children Left Behind, and others support H.R. 4188. But we need your help to get it passed.Call Congress on Tuesday, May 6, 2008Ask them to Cosponsor H.R. 4188On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, please call your Congressional Representatives (202-224-3121) and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Have friends and family members call. It will only take 2-3 minutes.If you do not know who your Congressional Representative is, go to http://www.house.gov and put your zip code into the box in the upper left corner. (You usually only need your five digit zip code.) You can also use http://www.congress.org to look up Representatives and phone numbers. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES INSTEAD OF USING EMAIL. Congress needs to hear our voices and hear from as many parents and child advocates as possible!It helps if you ask for the Education Aide, but you can also talk to the person who answers the phone. You can leave a voicemail message. Tell them you are a constituent and would like the Congressperson to co-sponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Please make a phone call on May 6, even if you've made one before. If you can't call on May 6, it's okay to call afterwards. Why It's Important to Cosponsor the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R. 4188).The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act would override the Supreme Court's decision in Arlington Central School District v. (2006) and allow parents who prevail in due process or litigation to be reimbursed for their expert witness fees. When prevailing parents cannot recover expert costs, the playing field is neither level nor fair, and children are denied a free appropriate public education and other fundamental IDEA rights. • Hiring qualified medical, technical, and other expert witnesses can cost many thousands of dollars. Few parents can afford this high cost, putting due process out of reach for most parents, who struggle to afford what their children with disabilities need. • School districts use tax dollars to pay for psychologists and other paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear a greater financial burden. Approximately 36% of children with disabilities live in families earning less than $25,000 a year; over 2/3 earn less than $50,000 a year. • Congress intended for parents to recover their expert witness fees in the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986. Allowing parents to recoup their expert fees simply restores Congress' original intent. • If due process is not affordable, the IEP process becomes even more one-sided and unfair. School personnel control the IEP process and often vastly outnumber parents. When the right to due process is meaningful, it helps ensure that school districts provide appropriate educations to children with disabilities. • Most parents turn to due process and litigation only as a last resort. In 2003, the GAO reported that there were only 5 hearings per 10,000 special education students. But when parents are forced into due process, they should be able to afford expert witnesses.Want more detailed information? Download COPAA's complete brochure on the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act and enabling parents to recover expert fees, http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.copaa.orThere is also a Spanish language version, http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.cop(Lea aqui en Espanol: y los derechos de los padres para recuperar el costo de los expertos: http://www.copaa.org/pdfhttp://www.cop )You can read H.R. 4188 here: http://www.copaa.org/newshttp://www.cYou can read letters from over 100 disability organizations supporting H.R. 4188 here: http://www.copaa.org/newshttp://www.copaa.orFor more information about H.R. 4188 and this alert, please contact Bob Berlow and Jess of COPAA at protectidea@... Together, we can make the difference and restore a balanced playing field for children with disabilities.Let Congress hear your voice on May 6! Ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Call Congress, 202-224-3121. Sandy, Illinois (alpy2@...)Volunteer Webmaster, www.OurChildrenLeftBehind.com (IDEA & NCLB reauthorization) 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness Come join us for the 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness presented by CMR/The Arc of Cuyahoga County. The event will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The location is the Brooklyn Senior/Community Center and Memorial Park, 7727 Memphis Boulevard in Brooklyn. Join Emcee Lydia Esparra of Channel 3 News for a walk around Memorial Park. (No fund raising - just fun!) Visit the Expo to get information about recreation programs and services for persons with disabilities.Registration is only $5 per person that includes refreshments and admissions to all activities. Register today by calling CMR at 216-622-0755 x19. A limited number of free registrations are available upon request. Visit our website at cmr-cleveland.org for more information.Print off the attached registration form and mail it in to register, or call CMR at 216-622-0755 x19. Visit our website at cmr-cleveland.org for more information.CMR, the Arc of Cuyahoga County, works with and on behalf of persons of all ages with mental retardation, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, play and be a part of the community! For information about our services, contact CMR at 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, call (216) 622-0755, or visit www.cmr-cleveland.org.The day will be full of fun, food, entertainment, and activities for kids and adults of ALL ages and ALL abilities. There will be music, art, dancing, entertainment, and free food from Zeppe's Pizzeria, Roosters Restaurant, and Pepsi. Limited edition CMR visors available to the first 250 walkers!The St. Ignatius Circus Company will astound you with their magic and juggling. Dance and sing with DJ Rick Cutright, and play drums with The Rhythmic Arts Project. Check out the animals from the Cleveland Metroparks. Something for everyone! Upcoming Events - NE Ohio, Complied by Milestones May 17, PECS for PARENTS (Achievement Centers for Children), 9:00 am- 12:00 pm. Achievement Center, Westlake. PECS for Parents is a training designed to teach parents of children with communication challenges the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Each participant will obtain an understanding of the system and learn how to effectively implement the system at home as well as in the community. In addition, each participant will receive a training binder as well as a PECS book. The training cost is $10 per registrant (sponsored in part by the generosity of the and Turben Foundation). For more information contact Helen Mack at Helen.Mack@... or 216-292-9700 X 248 May 18, Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders-Relatives Perspectives (KidsLink Neurobehavioral Center) FREE, 2:00 pm- 3:30 pm. 8054 Darrow Road Building D, Suite 5 & 6, Twinsburg. For more information or to register call 330-963-8600 or lecture@... May 18, Family Autism Workshop Series: "Visual Tools for Encouraging Communication" (Milestones Organization), 1:30- 4:00 pm. Westlake Recreation Center (www.wlrec.org) This series is for families, caregivers, or tutors interested in learning about ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and strategies to use in a home. $30 per person, $45 for two family member/caregivers (must register) per workshop *group discounts available! For more information contact Kiersten at 216-371-4765 or milestonesorg@.... Family May 18, OAR Run for Autism (Organization for Autism Research )Cleveland, OH. For questions, please contact the RUN Staff toll free at 866-366-9710; e-mail: run@.... Sign up now! Family May 20, "My Favorite Things", a social opportunity for children with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder and High Functioning Autism (Greater Cleveland Asperger Support) FREE, 7:00 pm, Independence Civic Center. Kids of any age are invited to set up a table showing off their hobbies or subjects of interests. Siblings, parents and friends are encouraged to visit the tables and ask questions. Examples of hobbies or interests can be Lego block building, jewelery making, dinosaur habitats or Egyptian hieroglyphics. The target age for this activity is elementary through junior high age, but all are welcome. Please contact Theresa at @... before Friday, May 16 with total number of attendees, whether your child wishes to have a table and the hobby or interest being displayed. Family May 21, Cedar Point Day (Mayfield Village, Think Computer Foundation, Solon and Independence, in cooperation with (The ARC of Ohio) Bus departs at 8:15 am & returns at 7:30 pm (approx.) The cost is $23.00 per person. For persons with disabilities 13 years and older. For Complete Details, call 330-720-2066 or triautism@... June Family June 1, CMR/The Arc of Cuyahoga County presents the 5th Annual CMR/Baker Walk & Expo for Disability Awareness, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm. Brooklyn Senior/Community Center and memorial Park, Brooklyn, OH. Magic and juggling will be provided by the St. Ignatius Circus Company. Play drums with The Rhythmic Arts Project. DJ Rick Cutright will play your requests for music and karaoke.There will be music, art, dancing, free food and entertainment for everyone! For more information or to register call CMR at 216-622-0755 x19. June 16, The 6th Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference:Life-Long Strategies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work (Milestones Organization), 8:30 am- 4:45 pm. Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124. Keynote Speaker Dr. Jed Baker. For more information call 216-371-4765. June 17-18: "Working With Students With Asperger's: For Teachers, Therapists, and Any Other Professionals Who Work With Students That Have Asperger's in an Educational Setting." (Achievement Centers for Children), 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. Achieve Consulting, Achievement Centers for Children, 4255 Northfield Road, Highland Hills. For more information, please contact Helen Mack at (216) 292-9700 x248 or helen.mack@...June 23- 27, How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School Setting (Milestones Organization), 8:00 am- 4:00 pm. A Week-Long Hands-on Teacher Training Workshop. Graduate Credits and Professional Development will be availableTeacher Training 2008 Information (Download) - for more infoJune 26- 27, Topics in Child Development: Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders (Kent State University) Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with a wide variety of strengths and needs. Within the context of a behavioral approach to intervention, parents, educators, and other professionals can develop and enhance positive academic and behavioral skills while simultaneously addressing disruptive behaviors. For information on the 2008 conference, please contact Kathy Brown at 330.672.0537 or kbrown5@... June 27, Effective Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Hattie Larlham Research Institute and Akron Children's Hospital), 9:00 am- 12:00 pm. Akron Children's Hospital, Conference Rooms 1 and 2. Cost is $35.00 per person, university students are free. The guest lecturer is Dr. Dennis Russo, Chief Clinical Officer of the May Institute and National Autism Center. The session will feature Dr. Russo's lecture and a panel discussion with other local experts in the field. For information contact Phylliss Steiner at 1-800-233-8611 or Phylliss.steinerhattielarlham (DOT) org. Northeast Ohio Conference, People First, June 6 & 7The Center for Mental Retardation/The Arc of Cuyahoga County’s People First will host a Northeast Ohio Regional Conference, June 6 & 7, 2008, at the Sheraton Hotel in Independence, Ohio. Presentations from self-advocates, community leaders, and others will address topics of interest that affect adults with developmental disabilities. Registration is $160 per person which includes hotel accommodations, conference materials, and meals. Deadline for registration is Thursday, May 15. Register today! For registration information contact CMR at 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115; call (216) 622-0755 ext. 13; email cmr-cleve@... or, visit www.cmr-cleveland.org. Reprinted from the ODMRDD E-Newsletter PIPELINE Dayton Asperger Resource Network (DARN)'s Next Meeting Will Be May 5th. General Meeting InformationDARN meetings are usually scheduled for the 1st Monday of each month except when there is a National Holiday on or close to the first Monday of the month (ie. New Years, Memorial Day weekend, Independence Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend). When this occurs, we advance the meetings to the following Monday. Our meeting are from 7:00 to 8:30 at Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) located at 3340 Shroyer Road in Kettering, OH (adjacent to the Fraze Pavilion, Fairmont High School, Kettering Municipal Building). CUMC’s contact information is 293-3151 and http://www.Christumc.org/. Parents, family, professionals, adult individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS), and mature youths with AS are all welcome to join our discussions which cover issues and concerns related to AS, PDD-NOS, High Functioning Autism (HFA), and related disorders.Sincerely,Audrey Schilb(937) 433 - 4505Email: daytonasperger@... Website: http://darngroup.tripod.com/ Summer Resources Directories of Camps for Children with Autism Where can you find a summer camp for your child with autism? This article includes links to the best directories of summer camps for kids with autism and Asperger Extended School Year (ESY)What is Extended School Year (ESY), and how does it apply to children on the autism spectrum? Can ESY provide your child with a great summer experience? Find a Summer Program for Your Child with AutismKids with autism need an appropriate structured program all year round. But finding the right summer program can be a challenge. Follow these steps to find and fund that perfect summer experience. ASPIES Greater Akron Fundraiser ASPIES Greater Akron (along with Dragonfly Academy and Challenger Baseball) is to be a benefactor in Fashion Sense, a July fashion show fundraiser (info below). Does anyone you know have a business that might want to advertise in a professionally produced brochure that will highlight the event, the charities, those responsible and the designer, tte Longuet? Business card size blocks of advertising are being sold for $25 for this brochure. If anyone is interested in purchasing advertising for the event brochure, Zaleski Productions who are coordinating this event for free will have a contract sent to them.Please pass this info along. 100% of the proceeds from this event will be returned directly back into our non profit organizations for direct help with our programs.Zaleski Productions, in cooperation with tte Longuet Fashions, presents Fashion Sense Benefiting charities that provide services to children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome July 20, 2008 The Bertram Inn and Conference Center600 North Aurora Road, Aurora, OH 44202 11:00 a.m. VIP Pre-Party Sunday Brunch Corporate Sponsors, VIP ticket holders and the press covering the eventŸ Breakfast and Lunch delights from the creative chefs at the Bertram Inn and Conference center Ÿ Meet the designer of the fashion show, tte Longuet Ÿ Plus, several secret gift box giveaways 1:00 p.m. The tte Longuet Fashion Show - The Main Event!Ÿ Featuring fashions by Paris/New York Designer, tte LonguetŸ Hosted by WKDD’s Matt Ÿ Including a silent fashion segment featuring children that have Autism and Asperger syndrome.Ÿ Everyone in attendance receives a gift bag including items from many of the events contributors Champagne Reception to followŸ Meet & greet with the event organizers, Designer tte Longuet, and the leaders of the charities that the proceeds of the event will be going to support· Complimentary champagne served by the Zaleski Productions Modeling team for all ticket holdersŸ A serve-yourself Candy Bar where all can fill up a take home bag as our gift Closing out the event...The tte Longuet Trunk Show· All ticket holders will be invited to look, try-on and buy the garments shown in the fashion show· Designs shown from her new Fall & Winter line (not currently available in any stores in the U. S.) · You will be able to meet with designer and get her advice on the styles that best suit your look. $500 Corporate Sponsorship: 4 VIP passes, Champagne Reception Visual Screen Advertising, Event Brochure Advertising and all promotional advertising used to promote the event $75 VIP Tickets: Brunch, Show, Reception and Trunk Show (including 1st chance to purchase fashions) $25 General Admission Tickets: Fashion Show, Reception and Trunk Show All proceeds and donations for this event will education grants and specialty programs for children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Charities that will benefit from this event are as follows: ASPIES Greater Akron, Dragonfly Academy of Stark County, Challenger Baseball League, and The Autism Society of America For more information on the organizations listed above or the designer of the fashion show, please go to: www.zaleskiproductions.com You can visit with tte Longuet at her website: www.juliettelonguet.com 2008 Rotary Camp Dates The Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, in cooperation with the Akron Area YMCA, offers camping experiences for children and adults with disabilities. Rotary Camp is American Camping Association (ACA) accredited and provides a nurturing and enriching atmosphere where campers develop friendships, skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Resident Camp- Can choose 1 or up to 3 weeks We will bill 3rd party agencies. If you need financial assistance please contact us. $350.00 a week Ages 6-17 June 15-20 June 22-27 July 6-11 July 13-18 July 20-25 July 27- Aug 1 Adult Camp- Can choose 1 or both weeks We will bill 3rd party agencise. If you need financial assistance please contact us. $415.00 a week Ages 18 and up June 29-July 4 August 10-15 Any questions please contact Cahoon at 330.644.4512 or email me at michellecahoon@... or michellec@... or visit www.gotcamp.org Project iAm Scholarship Fundraiser, Toledo Area Pampered Chef® Fundraiser Show benefiting the Project iAm Scholarship fund. The show will be online from May 1st – June 15th. The show will close on May 18th, May 31st and June 15th so that orders placed will arrive within a reasonable amount of time of the order being placed. Father’s Day gifts ordered by May 31st will arrive on time. Your products should arrive within 7-10 days of closing. The products come from Chicago so the closer you are to Chicago the faster you will get them.We'll raise funds two ways: Donation of up to 15% of sales generated by the fundraiser. A $3 contribution for each future Show booking from the fundraiser. This is all being done online. Please follow the following instructions to make your purchase so that Project iAm will receive a donation from The Pampered Chef based on your product purchase amount.1. Go to www.pamperedchef.biz/Menon2. Click on Our Products3. Click on How To Purchase4. Enter the Organization’s name: Project iAm5. Click Search for Host6. Click the words Project iAm Khoury, this will take you to the products7. Begin Shopping (click on whatever category you are interested in or Search for a specific item)8. All products will be shipped directly to you. When you checkout please select the option Ship to Customer.If you have any questions please email me or Menon, Independent Consultant with the Pampered Chef, at Menon@.... Thank you for your continued support! Autism forum allows parents to have a sayBy Dorsey Griffith - dgriffith@...Published 12:00 am PDT Friday, May 2, 2008 Parents of autistic children want answers, and in an unprecedented move, federal health officials will be in Sacramento on Saturday to ask how they can help provide them. At a daylong "town hall" meeting at the UC Cancer Center, a wide range of autism stakeholders will brainstorm about the kind of federally funded research needed on the neurodevelopmental disorder. "This is the trial balloon," said Isaac Pessah, a UC toxicologist and autism researcher who directs the UC Children's Center for Environmental Health and Disease Prevention. "This is the opportunity for the public (affected) by autism to have their view of what should be researched included in a strategic plan." That plan is being developed by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a group of representatives from various federal health agencies charged with coordinating autism research activities nationwide under the Combating Autism Act of 2006. Those who attend Saturday will represent several autism advocacy groups with different agendas. While some view the disorder as a "difference" that does not need to be cured, others see the answers in special diets, behavioral therapies or alternative treatments such as the removal of metals and other toxicants from the bloodstream. Many parents with autistic children distrust federal researchers, who generally dispute the potential role of childhood vaccine components in causing the autism epidemic. Some also argue that the government's spending on research so far hasn't yielded many helpful answers. "I think we ought to be spending more time listening to parents and what they experience with their kids," said Rick Rollens, an autism activist who has a son with the disorder. Learning to distinguish the differences and commonalities among those affected with autism will allow researchers to better address individual kids' needs. Rollens cited gastrointestinal and immune system problems common to many children with autism as areas ripe for research. "There are literally hundreds of interventions that parents and others have tried over the years," he said. "Yet everyone is thrown into the same category, so when you study different interventions, you find that while it may not be a great success overall, certain groups do benefit." For Connie Lapin of Northridge, whose 40-year-old son has autism, the town hall meeting is an opportunity to talk about the long-term consequences of the diagnosis. She said it's a conversation many parents don't want to have because they believe their child can be cured of the disorder well before they enter adulthood. "I would be the first person in line for a cure or recovery," she said. "But what that does to a family is takes away their planning and their vision of what is really possible, even if it isn't perfect." Lapin said she would like the federal government to fund research into the kinds of accommodations that are most helpful to people of all ages with autism. "This focus on cure and evidence-based treatment is making us lose our way in terms of long-term care and life-span issues," she said. "The person who has these challenges is still a person with the same needs as you and I." Flowers, a spokeswoman for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, one agency involved in the strategic planning project, acknowledged and welcomed the diversity of views on the subject. "This is an opportunity to share information both ways," she said. "Sometimes that process is challenging, but everyone in their own way is trying to contribute to finding answers." FUTURE HORIZONS - FIRST EVER - WEB CONFERENCE Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Temple Grandin can be seen and heard together for the first time on over 10 years! FUTURE HORIZONS is proud to present our FIRST-EVER WEB CAST. July 17th and July 18th live from Dixon, Illinois. On July 17th, Dr.Grandin will be speaking from her new book, "They Way I See It: A personal look at Autism and Asperger's". In this NEW presentation, Temple will be giving in-depth perspectives about the social skill challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum, as well as educational strategies, medications and mentoring. You will not want to miss Dr. Attwood's all NEW Presentation - "The Complete Guide to Asperger's". In his day long talk on Friday, the 18th, Tony will address emotional management, Asperger's and girls, a child's reaction to being different and how to explain the diagnosis, managing anger and anxiety and much more. In addition to these two internationally known speakers, Wheeler will be sharing her expertise in toilet training, behavioral strategies, time-out and discipline. Ms. Wheeler is the author of "Toilet Training", the most popular book on the subject, and "A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies". will be speaking on Thursday, July 17th. * * PLEASE NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE to add Sheila Wagner instead of the young adult panel Also, speaking on Thursday, will be SSheila Wagner. Author of "Inclusive Programming for Elementary Schools", "Inclusive Programming for Middle Schools" and "Understanding Asperger's: Fast Facts". Sheila is currently the Assistant Director at the Emory Autism Center in Georgia and she coordinates the Monarch Program. Sheila will be speaking on mainstreaming ASD students and how to implement a well designed IEP. * * GROUP RATES AVAILABLE * * Thank you for your support of Future Horizons, it's conferences, books and videos. For more information, visit: www.fhautism.com 6th Annual Partnering for Progress: Accountability Improves Results for ALL Children Conference Sponsored by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities, In collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education Crowne Plaza Columbus North 6500 Doubletree Avenue, Columbus, Ohio October 21, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (registration starts at 8:00 a.m.) Free Conference, Lunch provided at no charge, No parking fees, No registration fee Participants: Educators, Parents, School administrators, and others interested in educational accountability for ALL students. Registration opens May 1 online at www.ocecd.org Due to limited space, registration will be limited to the first 500. You will receive a registration confirmation in the same form as you registered (by email or fax). There will be no walk on registrations, Deadline for registration: October 3, 2008 Certificates of Attendance will be available (No CEUs) Sessions may include: · Linkage between Office for Exceptional Children and Ohio Department of Education · “Educationally Relevant IEPs Which Are Legally Defendable†· Parent Leadership Cincinnati Public · OLR and COBIDA Dyslexia · “Keeping Your Child with Disabilities Out of Juvenile Detention · OEC and DYS Panel · Parent Mentors , the Parent Mentor process and how it works · Schools of Distinction and Promise Questions? Contact Connie Hudson, Conference Coordinator, at ocecdcsh@... or 937-842-2150 LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT IN MR/DD back by popular demandsponsored by A.I.D., PO Box 1363, Medina, Ohio 44258330-723-88384aid@...June 5 and 6, 2008Early Fee $125.00 per day(10% Discount for Multiple Registrations for Both Days)NEW CENTRAL LOCATION - Knox County Board, 11700 Upper Gilchrist Road, Mt.Vernon, Ohio(DIRECTIONS SENT UPON REGISTRATION)WORKSHOP AGENDADay One: 6/5/088:00 am - 8:30 am: Registration8:30 am - 10:15 am: Understand normal brain development and what happensin the brain when children have varying forms of MR/DD: Down Syndrome,Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Autism, ADD/ADHD, Fragile XSyndrome. Sally Albrecht10:15 am - 10:30 am Break10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Learn to develop and implement effective cognitiveinterventions to enhance and facilitate learning in children withdevelopmental delays. Intelligence is 50% genetic and 50% environment.Learn how to make the best of your environment. Holland12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch (on your own)1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Understand seizure disorders and learn to recognizenon-convulsive partial seizures. View video examples of very subtle partialseizures in infants and children. Understand what vaccinations are riskyand why. Sally Albrecht2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Break2:15 pm - 4:00 pm: Activity development, transition from school andwork opportunities for adolescents and young adults with mental retardationand developmental disabilities. Learn about grants from the Ohio DDC fordisabled adults to start their own businesses! HollandDay Two: 6/6/088:00 am - 8:30 am: Registration8:30 am - 10:15 am: Understand Alzheimer's Disease in Down Syndrome.Identify curable types of dementia, such as delirium and depression fromAlzheimer's Disease. Sally Albrecht10:15 am - 10:30 am: Break10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Learn to develop and implement Snoezelen®Multi-Sensory environments for people with severe/profound cognitivedisabilities. View examples of assistive technology. Holland12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Understand Behavior Support in Dementia Care byusing retained Implicit Memory. Learn successful ways to communicate withpeople with dementia. Sally Albrecht2:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Break2:15 pm - 4:00 pm: Transition to Retirement Activities andComplimentary Therapies: Experience Reiki, Massage, Reflexology, Color,Animal, and Aroma Therapy. HollandWorkshops include many handouts and how tos. 6 CECs are available for dayone and 4.5 for day two (10.5 total) for OH Counselors,SW & MFTs, and 6CEUS for both days for NCCAP Activity, OH Nurses, MR/DD Co Bo ODMRDDEmployees.INSTRUCTORS Sally Albrecht, M.A., Owner, A.I.D. has been working in the field of MR/DDsince 1982. She has a Master's Degree in Cognitive Psychology withextensive training in Applied Cognitive Aging and a Graduate Certificate inGerontology. She currently is a Psychology Professor at Lorain Co.Community College in Elyria, Ohio. She is a presenter at NADD's RegionalConferences and has written a series of articles for the Activity Directors'Quarterly. Sally is the author of Managing Dementia: Improving Quality ofLife for Older Adults with Dementia. She serves on the Editorial Board forthe American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Disorders, and is theChairman of the Montville Township Board of Zoning Appeals. Holland, M.S., Owner, Holland Consulting has been working with peoplewith varying disabilities for over 20 years and is a devoted advocate forher friends with disabilities. She has a Master's Degree in both SpecialEducation and Outdoor Education and has a Certificate in RecreationalTherapy. She was instrumental in bringing the Snoezelen® Multi-Sensoryconcept to the forefront in the US for individuals with MR/DD and olderadults with dementia. She was a presenter at the 3rd World Snoezelen®Conference in 1999. Her company, Holland Consultants develops andimplements Snoezelen® activities for older adults with dementia andindividuals with MR/DD. Her publications may be read in the ActivityDirector's Quarterly Journal. Early Registration Fee: $125.00 per day before 5/25/08; $145.00 per dayafter 5/25/08TO REGISTER: CONTACT A.I.D., PO BOX 1363, MEDINA, OHIO 44258 AT 33O-723-8838 OR 4AID@... Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6! Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc./a national voice for special education rights and advocacy/PO Box 6767 , Towson MD 21285 www.copaa.org <http://www.copaa.org>email: protectidea@... mailto:protectidea@...*Call your Congressional Representative on Tuesday, May 6!Ask Congress to Support the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act, H.R. 4188!Help Parents Recover Expert Witness Fees and Level the Playing Field!202-224-3121**PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ON TUESDAY, MAY 6, ANDASK THEM TO CO-SPONSOR THE IDEA FAIRNESS RESTORATION ACT, H.R. 4188.*This bill will allow parents who prevail in due process or litigationunder IDEA recover their expert witness fees.Few parents can afford the thousands of dollars needed to pay for experttestimony that is often necessary to prevail in IDEA cases. But schooldistricts can use tax dollars to employ and pay for psychologists andother paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet must bear agreater financial burden. H.R. 4188 is necessary to restore Congress'original intent and allow parents to recover their expert witness fees.Introduced by Congressman Van Hollen (land) and Pete Sessions(Texas), it will help level the playing field for the parents ofmillions of children with disabilities.Over 100 disability organizations, including the Consortium of Citizenswith Disabilities, Arc, Easter Seals, the Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates, Inc., National Disability Rights Network, National DownSyndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Congress, Learning DisabilitiesAssociation, National Center for Learning Disabilities, CHADD, andothers support H.R. 4188. But we need your help to get it passed.*Call Congress on Tuesday, May 6, 2008Ask them to Cosponsor H.R. 4188*On Tuesday, May 6, 2008, please call your Congressional Representatives(202-224-3121) and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA FairnessRestoration Act. Have friends and family members call. It will onlytake 2-3 minutes.If you do not know who your Congressional Representative is, go tohttp://www.house.gov and put your zip code into the box in the upperleft corner. (You usually only need your five digit zip code.) Youcan also use http://www.congress.org to look up Representatives andphone numbers. PLEASE CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES INSTEAD OF USINGEMAIL. Congress needs to hear our voices and hear from as many parentsand child advocates as possible!It helps if you ask for the Education Aide, but you can also talk to theperson who answers the phone. You can leave a voicemail message. Tellthem you are a constituent and would like the Congressperson toco-sponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act.Please make a phone call on May 6, even if you've made one before. Ifyou can't call on May 6, it's okay to call afterwards.*Why It's Important to Cosponsor the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R.4188).*The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act would override the Supreme Court'sdecision in Arlington Central School District v. (2006) and allowparents who prevail in due process or litigation to be reimbursed fortheir expert witness fees. When prevailing parents cannot recover expertcosts, the playing field is neither level nor fair, and children aredenied a free appropriate public education and other fundamental IDEArights.* Hiring qualified medical, technical, and other expert witnessescan cost many thousands of dollars. Few parents can afford thishigh cost, putting due process out of reach for most parents, whostruggle to afford what their children with disabilities need.* School districts use tax dollars to pay for psychologists andother paid experts. Parents have fewer resources and yet mustbear a greater financial burden. Approximately 36% of childrenwith disabilities live in families earning less than $25,000 ayear; over 2/3 earn less than $50,000 a year.* Congress intended for parents to recover their expert witness feesin the Handicapped Children's Protection Act of 1986. Allowingparents to recoup their expert fees simply restores Congress'original intent.* If due process is not affordable, the IEP process becomes evenmore one-sided and unfair. School personnel control the IEPprocess and often vastly outnumber parents. When the right to dueprocess is meaningful, it helps ensure that school districtsprovide appropriate educations to children with disabilities.* Most parents turn to due process and litigation only as a lastresort. In 2003, the GAO reported that there were only 5 hearingsper 10,000 special education students. But when parents areforced into due process, they should be able to afford expertwitnesses.*Want more detailed information?*Download COPAA's complete brochure on the IDEA Fairness Restoration Actand enabling parents to recover expert fees,http://www.copaa.org/pdf/Brochure.pdfThere is also a Spanish language version,http://www.copaa.org/pdf/MSSpanish.pdf(Lea aqui en Espanol: y los derechos de los padres para recuperarel costo de los expertos: http://www.copaa.org/pdf/MSSpanish.pdf )You can read H.R. 4188 here: http://www.copaa.org/news/IRFAct.htmlYou can read letters from over 100 disability organizations supportingH.R. 4188 here:http://www.copaa.org/news/organizations.htmlFor more information about H.R. 4188 and this alert, please contact BobBerlow and Jess of COPAA at protectidea@...<mailto:protectidea@...> Together, we can make the difference andrestore a balanced playing field for children with disabilities.*Let Congress hear your voice on May 6! Ask your Representative tocosponsor H.R. 4188, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act. Call Congress,202-224-3121.* OCALI Highlighted at Family Advisory Council Meeting From the ODMRDD E-Newsletter PIPELINE:The April 15 meeting of the ODMRDD Family Advisory Council yielded spirited discussion on subjects including: Developing a good, workable Individual Service Plan; Services offered by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI); Progress underway following the 31 recommendations of the Futures Committee; and, an assortment of thoughtful questions for ODMRDD Director during the ‘Director’s Chat’ portion of the agenda. Director addressed the group, comprised of about 55 attendees, and responded to families inquiring, “What can we look forward to as a result of the recommendations of the Futures Committee?†… “What are National Core Indicators?†… and “How is the Department managing the issue of employee morale during budget cuts and reorganization efforts?†Director pointed to the work of the Futures Committee as a stabilizing and focusing influence. He shared, “The Futures recommendations are giving us direction on what we should be doing with our resources. I believe that the work of the Futures Committee actually gives us some hope in times of crisis, such as we are dealing with now -- with painful budget cuts. It is helping us to lay the groundwork for when things get better.†He added, “We are committed to the work that was done by the Committee, and are now putting together an implementation plan to help us move forward most effectively.†Director also explained that a systematic approach to surveying individuals and families, and further defining and prioritizing system strengths and weaknesses, will be the focus of the ODMRDD National Core Indicators project. (See Pipeline Extra! April 4, 2008.) The results will show us where Ohio stands in relation to 27 other states’ MRDD systems, as defined by the people served. “Next year at this time, we will have some good data to share with you,†he stated. Donna Owens, spokesperson for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), addressed the Family Advisory Council describing OCALI as an organization that serves families, educators, and professionals working with students with autism and low-incidence disabilities including autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, and traumatic brain injuries. She noted that OCALI's mission is to build state- and system-wide capacity to improve outcomes through leadership, training and professional development, technical assistance, collaboration, and technology. In addition, Owens stated that, “ Families, as well as professionals, play a critical role in promoting the highest possible achievement of each child. To that end, we see connection and partnership with families as vital to the success of each individual at school and in the community.†The meeting also hosted a group of ODMRDD Regional Consultants who presented information on the development of useful and workable Individual Service Plans, and discussed other day-to-day service issues. The primary purpose of the Family Advisory Council is to provide information to policy makers who impact direct services, and to to use the family network to reach as many families in Ohio, and provide them with information and education regarding Ohio’s MRDD system. For more information about the Family Advisory Council, contact Peggy at peggy.martin@..., or by phone at (614) 466-8706. Life Planning Seminars for Families, May 6 & 7 From the ODMRDD E-Newsletter PIPELINE:A consortium of service providers, governmental agencies, and advocacy groups has collaborated to help families understand more about the benefits available to them. Amy Tuell, Benefits Specialist with the Hamilton County Board of MRDD, will offer a total of four seminars titled, "Benefits for Individuals who have Disabilities," May 6 and 7 (see below).Tuell is knowledgeable in the area of government benefits including Social Security Insurance (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid and Medicare. The presentations are designed to be easily understood by families and staff, and the same information will be given at each session. CEU's are pending, and the program is funded in part by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. The planning group includes the Hamilton County Board of MRDD; County Board of MRDD; Clermont County Board of MRDD; Warren County Board of MRDD; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hamilton County; NAMI Warren County; NAMI County; NAMI Clermont County; PLAN of Southwest Ohio; ARC of Southwest Ohio; Community Fund Management Foundation; and, the Brain Injury Support Association of Ohio. The presentations will be:• May 6, 1-3 PM, iel Green Lodge, 6394 Wessleman Rd., Cincinnati• May 6, 6:30-8:30 PM, County Mental Health Board, 5963 Boymel Dr., Fairfield• May 7, 1-3 PM, Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Rd., Clermont County • May 7, 6:30-8:30 PM, Workforce One, Young Conference Room (2nd floor), 300 E. Silver St., LebanonAll information sessions are free. A donation is encouraged so that more presentations can be offered. Registration deadline is May 2. Call Kathy at (513) 559-6701 for a registration form. For more information call lyn Dadas at (513) 697-1857 or (513) 695-3650. Changes in Ohio Medicaid From the ARC of Ohio: There are a number of changes going on currently in Ohio’s Medicaid Program. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has created an informative web sit explaining the changes. For more information, visit: http://jfs.ohio.gov/OHP/tao/toolkit.stm TurnAround Ohio Health Care Expansion Toolkit This toolkit provides helpful information about recent changes which expanded health coverage to certain Ohioans without health insurance. Feel free to use the items below to educate those who are uninsured about the increased availability of health coverage. Health care expansions: Increased income limit for pregnant women from 150% of the federal poverty level to 200% FPL. (Began January 2008) Coverage for certain youths between ages 18-21 who have aged out of foster care. (Began January 2008) New program providing coverage workers with disabilities. (Began 4/1/08) New program for certain children with special needs or higher monthly premiums who are in families with income above 300% FPL. (Began 4/1/08) Fact Sheets Flyers TurnAround Ohio: Medicaid Expansion Overview Ohio Medicaid Overview Healthy Start, Healthy Families Medicaid Buy-In for Workers w/ Disabilities Medicaid Premium FAQs Children's Buy-In Medicaid Expands Coverage to More Pregnant Women Medicaid Increases Age Limit to Cover Youth Aging out of Care Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities A New Option in Public Health Care Coverage for Certain Uninsured Ohio Children in Working Families Brochures Other Resources Healthy Start, Healthy Families Healthy Start for a Healthy Baby Pregnancy-Related Services Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities TurnAround Ohio PowerPoint Presentation Key Talking Points Income Guidelines Medicaid Applications Healthy Start, Healthy Families Medicaid Buy-In for Workers w/ Disabilities CDJFS Office Locator Children's Buy-In Web site Life on the Spectrum - Feature on Jerry NewportJerry is a savant. He is able to perform extremely difficult mathematical calculations in his head. He is world renowned for his books and is the subject of the Movie "Mozart and the Whale" based on the brilliant book about an Asperger couple. Despite his achievements, Jerry still faces many of the challenges of autism. Come and learn from the real experts! Note: Jerry works with and advises the Autism Society of America. http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-jnewport.htm 0.0.010253.14454R:00494858 E:3361.7008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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