ASO DIGEST: September 8, 2008

[Guest guest]

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:

- ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

- ARC hosts Disability Budget Summit - ASO participates

- Interagency Work Group on Autism Assesses Priorities

- Autism Charity Solicitation Warning

- New Sites for Parent Mentors

- NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration, Columbus

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Check out the latest edition of the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati Newsletter

- Building Allies For Children with Special Needs, NW Ohio

- Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival, Central Ohio

- DiversABILITY Employment Summit, Central Ohio

- NEW EEOC PUBLICATION AIMED AT INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT

- ADA Road Show, N Illinois

- Ohio LEGAL RIGHTS SERVICE (OLRS) VOTER ALERT

- Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Change, Challenge, & Collaboration, Columbus

- Article/Resource: Inheritance can adversely affect eligibility for government aid for special-needs children

- PECS for Parents Training, Cleveland Area

- NE Ohio Programs for Preschoolers

- Respite Programs at Rotary Camp, NE Ohio

- WeAreAutism social support network

- Family Support Grants

- Understanding the Autism Scholarship!, Columbus

- Book: Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger Syndrome

- From About.com - Sensory Tools for Less

- SIBSHOPS FOR SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM, Cleveland area

- Books: Team up to Send Them Back to School!

- Soccer4All, Hudson

- From ODE-OEC: Changes to “Whose IDEA Is This?†from the July 1, 2008 version to the August 29, 2008 version- Dragonfly Academy Golf Scramble, Akron Area- Workshop: Supporting Students with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the General Education Classroom: A Workshop for Teachers and Paraprofessionals, NE Ohio

- SENSORY NIGHT NOW IN SESSION, Hartville

- Milestones September Newsletter

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 l eft 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:

ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

As you are aware, Autism Insurance Parity, HB170 is currently under consideration by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The fall elections are coming and immediately following the elections it will be time to address next biennial budget for Ohio. Additionally, issues regularly come before the state legislature that impact individuals with autism, their families and those who work them throughout Ohio. And because of this, the Autism Society of Ohio needs your help.

We are in the process of putting together an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.

You can volunteer to participate in two ways:

· Team Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is responsible for carrying the key ASO/autism messages when meeting with the legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district, etc.

· Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics – ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc.

ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.

If you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name, address, city,zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate District number and whether you are interested in being a “Team Leader†or a “Team Member†to askASO@.... Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in the subject line. To find your district numbers, visit www.legislature.state.oh.us and follow the directions under "Locating Legislators".

For more information, visit our website at www.autismohio.org

ARC hosts Disability Budget Summit - ASO participates

It is the beginning of budget season in Columbus. The Governor, State Departments/Agencies and the General Assembly will begin debating the budget for the 2009-2011 biennium beginning in January (the budget will be passed into law in June 2009). The last budget was the most "disability friendly" budget passed by the General Assembly in a long time. This year, as they did two years ago, the ARC of Ohio hosted a Disability Budget Summit, where a majority of the disability groups from around the state convened to discuss and reach agreement on top priorities for the upcoming budget. The outlook in Ohio is not good. All of the agencies are preparing for a 5% or a 10% cut in their overall budgets - and this could mean serious cuts in services for persons with disabilities, including those with autism. Over the last 10 years, the Department of Aging has seen a 112% increase in their budget, the Department of Health a 48% increase - the Department of MRDD 11%! All groups were very concerned about budget cuts within the Department of MRDD - under consideration are direct care wage cuts, case management cuts and family service cuts. All the departments will be looking to leverage federal dollars and do a better job of coordinating services between departments. ASO (and the larger disability community) will be advocating to hold cuts in direct care staff wages and hold the Department of MRDD harmless from budget cuts. Additionally, we will be advocating for more funding for preschool and school age services. If you would like to be part of our grass roots efforts in advocating for a more disability "friendly" budget, please join our Ohio Autism Advocacy Network (see information above). More information will be provided as the budget process progresses.

Interagency Work Group on Autism Assesses PrioritiesThe ODMRDD coordinates and facilitates the Interagency Work Group on Autism, and has been named the lead agency to coordinate state agency work focusing on autism. Jody Fisher, Project Manager for the Interagency Work Group on Autism gets right to the heart of the matter when asked how the group’s work is proceeding. She comments, “The level of expertise, commitment, and interest shown by state agency representatives* on the Work Group is absolutely energizing! As a team, all of the members are working diligently to identify opportunities that will further coordinate interagency efforts supporting people across the autism spectrum, statewide. I also am impressed by the continued commitment of our state partners in the face of difficult budget cuts.†She adds, “The Work Group has developed a list of six priorities to assure that Ohio’s efforts to serve individuals with autism are effective, broad-based, and an integral part of the State’s plan for serving all individuals with developmental disabilities – this is our over-riding purpose.†The six priorities are:

Develop a statewide system of early identification of autism and other developmental disabilities; Support evidence-based, high-quality, cost-effective models for intervention services for children with autism and other developmental disabilities; Build the number of qualified professionals serving individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities; Increase support for caregivers and service providers through information exchange about Autism Spectrum Disorders and the service delivery system; Promote the development of regional hubs that are affiliated with the university and medical communities, and serve as the foundation of effective service and support delivery for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Promote successful models for transitioning throughout the lifespan of an individual.

During the past few months, ODMRDD has visited with many families, advocacy groups, and autism-specific Ohio programs to gather information on the subject of treatment interventions, business models, and provider networks across the state. This information, paired with the extensive foundational work of the 2003 Ohio Autism Task Force (see box below) is guiding the Work Group, and creating a coordinated work plan. Jody, who recently served as a facilitator for the Special Populations Subcommittee of the MRDD Futures Committee, was also quick to note that this fall will be a critical time to vet information to all stakeholder groups, and gather feedback on Work Group activities. She explains, “The continued success of our efforts will rely on reciprocal and open dialog among our state agency partners, and the families and providers who care for Ohioans with autism.†To assist in this process, ODMRDD is currently building the infrastructure for an Ohio Autism Website, soon to be hosted via www.mrdd.ohio.gov that will provide cross-system information about the Interagency Work Group, and Ohio’s autism initiatives. The site will include a feedback mechanism for use by families and the field. In addition, a new waiver for children with intensive behavioral needs, including individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is being designed with support from members of the Work Group. Jody adds, “We are also partnering with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) regarding the November 2008 ‘Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs’ (NATTAP) Conference in Columbus. This promises to be a comprehensive forum for information and networking on this subject.†For information about the conference, visit http://www.ocali.org/

* State agencies involved in the Work Group include The Governor’s Office; Executive Medicaid Management Administration (EMMA); Ohio Department of Job and Family Services; (ODJFS); Ohio Department of Health (ODH); Ohio Department of Education (ODE); Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC); OCALI; Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH);the Office of Budget and Management (OBM), and ODMRDD.

Please participate in Autism Society of Ohio website survey!

Reprinted from the ODMRDD E-newsletter Pipeline

Autism Charity Solicitation Warning

The Autism Society of Ohio (and other ASA chapters around the US) has learned that members of the autism community in Ohio have been solicited for funds to benefit and autism charity called "the autism foundation" asking for donations and asking folks to contact neighbors for donations. When questioned, the solicitor referred to websites autism.org and asds.org and sds.org. (Autism.org is the website for the Autism Research Institute, not related to any "autism foundation"; the other two websites are not autism related. We have alerted the ASA about this and they are checking on this for us. If you or your friends/neighbors receive solicitation calls asking to support an autism charity, be sure to question the solicitor carefully regarding the exact nature of the charity!

New Sites for Parent Mentors

Ohio House Bill 119, the state’s 2008-2009 biennial budget signed by Governor Strickland on June 30, appropriates up to $250,000 of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant money to provide an additional ten parent mentors in school districts this fiscal year. The additional parent mentors will increase support for parents with children who have special needs, thereby reducing stress on families.In December, 10 sites were selected through a request for proposal process to receive funds for parent mentors through June 2008. The purpose of the Parent Mentor Project is to help parents of children with disabilities effectively navigate the educational system in partnership with school district personnel. Through the project, the parent mentors provide information and support to families and also convey the family perspective to school district personnel. Because parent mentors have children with special needs inschools themselves, they know how school systems work and understand the feelings and concerns of parents. The Parent Mentors of Ohio Web site at www.thelinkto.org/parentmentor contains a directory that lists school districts, by county, that have a parent mentor and contact information for that individual. The Web site also contains a fact sheet, a list of services, answers to frequently asked questions about special education, IDEA information and useful links.

For a listing of the new parent mentors and the districts they serve click here then select Volume 29, Spring, page 6.

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, OHRegular Registration (July 1 - September 22, 2008): $250Late Registration (September 23 - October 20, 2008): $300On Site Registration (October 20 - November 21, 2008): $315Parent/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!

Federal Update

Senators Kerry and Grassley Introduce Empowered at Home ActSenators Kerry (D-MA) and Grassley (R-IA) introduced theEmpowered at Home Act (S. 3327) on July 24, 2008. The bill has four basicparts. First, it would improve the Medicaid home- and community-basedservices (HCBS) state plan option by giving states more flexibility indetermining eligibility and by increasing the services states can offerunder the program. This is expected to create greater options forindividuals in need of long-term supports. In return, states could no longercap enrollment and services would have to be offered throughout the entirestate. The other three sections would address: spousal impoverishmentprotections for the HCBS option; tax-related provisions to supportcaregivers and promote purchase of private long-term care insurance; andgrants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help toensure a sufficient supply of workers, promote health and ensure moreconsumer-centered HCBS.(Adapted from the Disability Policy Collaboration's Capitol Insider.)

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

Check out the latest edition of the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati Newsletter

Click here

Building Allies For Children with Special Needs

Building Allies For Children with Special Needs is a conference designed to bring together parents of children with disabilities with the professionals who serve our children to share our dreams, visions, strategies and technical information to make our children’s lives better. There will be a keynote address by Norris, parent of a young woman with dual diagnosis. will start off the day by challenging each of us to consider the history of disability in America, learn how services came to be what they are, expose societal attitudes about disability, and the future she’d like to see for her daughter, for all our children. The afternoon sessions will be by , Director of the Ohio Dept. of MRDD, and Tonks, Executive Director of the Arc of Ohio. We also have a track specifically for self-advocates, in which discussion will center on “How to Get A Life†- experienced adults will share their efforts in finding funding, housing, social connections, roommates, and advocacy. For information on the conference, to register, or to be an exhibitor, please contact Joni Dehne at 419-254-4644, or email joni.dehne@.... We hope through this presentation and subsequent discussion, to encourage more parents to see advocacy as a vital part of life with their child. The first generation of advocates is gone, the second wave is about to retire, and there simply aren’t enough people speaking out for changes that serve all our children. Who is going to make your child’s future secure, if you don’t start working for it now?

Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival

Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival is Sept. 20, 2008. Free to children with autism and their immediate family - including grandparents! Go to http://www.leedsfarm.com/docs/Austism_Harvest_Flyer.pdf or www.leedsfarm.com for details

DiversABILITY Employment Summit

Questions should be directed to or TyKiah at 614-802-2364 - www.wrightchoice.orgDiversABILITY Employment SummitOctober 17th at The Conference Center at OCLCKeynote SpeakersActress/Comedian/Advocate - Geri Jewell "Cousin Geri" from "The Facts of Life"Commissioner – United States EEO CommissionAttend workshops from “Best Practice Award†winning companiesRegistration - $50Register by calling or TyKiah at 614-802-2364 - www.wrightchoice.orgsponsored by AEP, WellPoint, Manpower, and Disability Alliance Resource of Central Ohio

NEW EEOC PUBLICATION AIMED AT INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT

CONTACT: Nazer Grinberg (202) 663-4911 TTY: (202) 663-4494NEW EEOC PUBLICATION AIMED AT INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITHDISABILITIES IN FEDERAL EMPLOYMENTWASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) todayissued a new question-and-answer guide aimed at promoting the hiring andadvancement of individuals with disabilities in federal governmentemployment. The new publication is available on the EEOC's web site atwww.eeoc.gov/federal/qanda-employment-with-disabilities.html.Announcing the resource publication for federal agencies, Commission ChairNaomi C. Earp said, "The EEOC is doing everything it can to provide agencieswith useful guidance on how to be the nation's model employer, providingequal opportunity to all Americans, including those with disabilities."The percentage of federal employees with targeted disabilities, which aresevere physical or mental disabilities that historically have resulted inbarriers to employment, has declined each year since reaching a peak of1.24% in Fiscal Years 1993 and 1994. In FY 2007, the participation rate ofpeople with targeted disabilities declined to 0.92% of the federalgovernment's total work force, the lowest participation rate in more than 20years.EEOC Commissioner said: "Even though the RehabilitationAct of 1973 has long required federal agencies to engage in affirmativeaction to hire and advance individuals with disabilities, the federalgovernment has failed to meet this challenge. We must and can do better.This question-and-answer guide will help agencies make concrete progress."Commissioner has overseen the EEOC's LEAD Initiative (Leadership forthe Employment of Americans with Disabilities), which aims to boost theranks of individuals with disabilities in federal employment to 2% by 2010.The question-and-answer guide issued today responds to frequently askedquestions about what the law allows and requires federal agencies to do withrespect to affirmative hiring and employment of individuals withdisabilities. Among other topics, the publication discusses: * Special regulations that allow federal agencies to hire individualswith severe disabilities who are qualified for jobs without going throughthe usual competitive hiring process; * Procedures that agencies are required to have for providing reasonableaccommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities; * Specific types of accommodations that enable people with disabilitiesto work in federal sector jobs; * How an agency's obligations under the Rehabilitation Act interact withobligations under other federal laws and how agencies should handlereasonable accommodation issues when they enter into relationships withother entities (such as other federal agencies or private companies thatprovide training for agency employees); and * The kinds of questions that agencies may (and may not) ask about anapplicant's or employee's disability.In January 2008, the EEOC issued a report entitled "Improving theParticipation Rate of People with Targeted Disabilities in the Federal WorkForce," which provides practical guidance on steps agencies can take toincrease hiring and advancement. The report is available on the EEOC's website at www.eeoc.gov/federal/report/pwtd.html. Further information about theLEAD Initiative is available online athttp://www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/lead/index.html.The EEOC monitors federal agency compliance with equal employmentopportunity laws and procedures. Additional information about the EEOC andits role in the federal sector is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.Source: http://www.eeoc.gov/press/8-26-08.html

ADA Road Show

Questions? Contact us at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) or by email at gldbtac@...

The DBTAC Great Lakes ADA Center is collaborating with the Great Plains ADA Center to bring their "ADA Road Show" to northwestern Illinois. The Great Lakes and Great Plains ADA Centers are using this opportunity to cross borders and reach out to people in both regions. The ADA Road Show is a program offered this fall by the Great Plains DBTAC across their 4 state area and will be held in 8 different cities. The Great Lakes ADA Center is taking advantage of the proximity to co-host this event with them.

ADA Road Show Features:

The Opening session will briefly review the history of the ADA and developments that have led to the introduction and passage of the ADA Amendment Act by the U.S. House of Representatives as well as proposed regulatory changes under consideration by the U.S. Dept. of Justice.

Break-outs will consist of two learning tracks Accessible Design and General ADA with a morning and afternoon session for each track. A working lunch will be provided for each track.

Accessible Design Track:

Morning Session: The session will outline the requirements of the existing ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the new ADAAG that is currently under review by the Dept. of Justice and for this session we will include discussion of how the Illinois Accessibility Code interfaces.

Afternoon Session: The afternoon session will build on the morning session, offering a more in-depth look at common accessibility challenges and comparing the ADAAG with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Hands-on activities and group discussion will be included.

General ADA Track:

Morning Session: This session will provide an in-depth discussion of the impact of the ADA Amendment Act on Title I as well as focus on key concepts of the employment provisions. Case law will be a focus of this session.

Afternoon session: Discussion will shift to the responsibilities state and local governments and private business have under the ADA to ensure equal access to facilities, programs and services. The session will examine the impact of the proposed changes to existing Title II and Title III regulations. Group discussion and interaction will be emphasized.

The Closing session will provide summary of the fundamental concepts discussed during the day, time for questions as well as opportunities for future coordination and collaboration.

Location and Date:

Sept. 24--Moline, IL

Holiday Inn Convention Center 309-762-8811

Featuring Robin , DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center, Lois Thibault of the U.S. Access Board and Vickie Simpson, Illinois Attorney General's Office and members of the DBTAC-Great Plains staff.

The registration fee is $95 and includes lunch.

Walk-in registration will be accepted, however, we cannot guarantee that space will still be available in the break-out sessions.

Registration is available through the DBTAC Great Plains website at www.adaproject.org. Questions? Contact us at 800-949-4232 (V/TTY) or by email at gldbtac@...

OHIO LEGAL RIGHTS SERVICE (OLRS) VOTER ALERT

Questions should be directed to Ohio Legal Rights Service Intake Department at (voice) 614-466-7264 or 1-800-282-9181; (TTY) 614-728-2553 or 1-800-858-3542.

Now is the time to register to vote in the November General Election!

You are encouraged to exercise your right to vote. In order to vote in the upcoming Ohio general election, you must be registered to vote. You must register to vote at least 30 days before the election. The deadline to register for the November general election is October 6, 2008.

This FAQ tells you if you are eligible to vote and how to register to vote. This voter alert is also on the OLRS Web site at http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/VoterFaqRegister.asp .

If you have problems registering to vote

If you think you are eligible to vote and are having problems, call the Ohio Legal Rights Service Intake Department at (voice) 614-466-7264 or 1-800-282-9181; (TTY) 614-728-2553 or 1-800-858-3542.

Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Change, Challenge, & Collaboration

Questions should be directed to Lissner at ADA-OSU@...

Ninth Annual Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Change, Challenge, & Collaboration

April 28 and 29, 2009 The Ohio State University Columbus Campus

Conference information past programs and updates can be found at: http://ada.osu.edu/conferences.htm, To be on the mailing list for the conference, send e-mail to ADA-OSU@...

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS (Proposals are due November, 2008) The Ninth Annual Multiple Perspectives conference continues the university's efforts to bring together a diverse audience to explore disability as both an individual experience and social reality that cuts across typical divisions of education & employment; scholarship & service; business & government; race, gender & ethnicity.

This year’s theme “Change, Challenge & Collaboration†reflects the critical place in history we occupy. Between last conference and this call for papers the United Nations has adopted the Convention on Disability, Congress passed a new GI bill and the Higher Education Opportunity Act which include a significant focus on disability; the Access Board is proposing changes in Section 508, the Department of Justice is in the final stages of a comprehensive review and update of the regulations for the ADA’s Titles II and III; and the ADA Amendments of 2008 are working their way through Congress. The theme and the quotes below are offered as a guide to framing your proposals and considering your topics from a fresh perspective.

“Disability Studies should serve as an access ramp between the disability community and research universitiesâ€. K. Longmore

“For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrongâ€. H.L. Mencken

"Congress acknowledged that society's accumulated myths and fears about disability and disease are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from actual impairmentâ€.

Justice J. Brennan

“Continue to surprise those who would put you in a neat demographic. Be insistently curiousâ€. Gordon Gee

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Proposals are due November 1, 2008

By e-mail as an attachment (Word, Word Perfect, TXT, or RTF formats)

to ADA-OSU@...

By Fax at 614-688-3665 (FAX) In the mail:

University ADA Coordinator's Office 1849 Cannon Drive Columbus, OH 43210.

Proposals must include: Names and (as appropriate) titles and institutions for each presenter.

Contact information (phone, mailing address, and e-mail) if there is more than one presenter please indicate one individual as the lead presenter.

Title of Presentation (12 words or less) Short Description (30 words or less)

FULL DESCRIPTION In 700 words or less please describe the structure, content, focus and desired outcomes for the presentation using these questions as a guide.

What is the format of the presentation (Lecture, Panel, Discussion, Poster*, Performance, Other)? What are your three main goals for the presentation? What will your participants learn? Who is the intended audience (educators, employers, businesses, advocates, students, consumers, researchers, etc.? How familiar should the audience be with the topic (beginner, intermediate, advanced)?

Please Note: The full conference fees will be waived and lunch provided for presenters of accepted proposals. Presenters are responsible for their own travel and lodging.

*Poster sessions proposed by currently enrolled students (graduate & undergraduate) will be accepted through March 30, 2009.

L. Lissner, ADA Coordinator Office Of The Provost

292-6207(v); 688-8605(tty); 688-3665(fax) HTTP://ADA.OSU.EDU

Inheritance can adversely affect eligibility for government aid for special-needs childrenSouth Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

August 11, 2008

Q: My 10-year-old son has autism and will need care for the rest of his life. This has put quite an emotional and financial strain on my husband and me. His parents and mine are willing to help, but we've heard it's not a good idea to put our son in their will because it might affect his ability to qualify for financial aid. Can you shed light on this?A: First, a word of encouragement: You are not alone, and many support groups and resources exist to help you.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, about 560,000 people under the age of 21suffer from autism spectrum disorders in the United States. The most recent figures I've seen, from a study released by Yale University last year, indicate the average health-care expenditures for a child with autism or related disorder were almost $6,000 in 2004.In addition, other disabilities such as cerebral palsy and Down syndrome disrupt family lives and finances.As to your question, experts recommend keeping assets from going directly to a child with disabilities. If a person with a disability or special needs owns or inherits property above a certain dollar value – generally $2,000 [$1,500 in Ohio for Medicaid without Medicaid buy-in]— it could make him or her ineligible for certain government programs, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid."The government doesn't go out and advertise it. A lot of times families are not aware of that fact," said Joe Eppy, a special care planner in Fort Lauderdale with the MassMutual SpecialCare program, which assists people with disabilities and other special needs, and their families.A better solution, experts in the field say, is to set up a special-needs or supplementary-needs trust that allows families to safeguard the child's eligibility for benefits while also providing for additional needs not covered by government programs.Understandably, for many families dealing with the day-to-day struggles of caring for a child with special needs "the last thing in their minds is planning for the future," said Joanne Gruszkos, founder of the MassMutual program.But it is important for parents to take the right steps to make sure their child is cared for after they die. That's particularly the case with autistic children: People with autism tend to have a longer than normal life expectancy, Gruszkos said, and therefore will need care longer.Easter Seals, which offers services to people with disabilities and their families, recommend that, in addition to setting up a special-needs trust, parents of disabled children draft a "letter of intent." This letter, while not legally binding, provides a guide for the child's caregivers or the courts on how the parents would like the child to live after they die."With Open Arms," an informative 72-page guide by Easter Seals and the National Endowment for Financial Education, includes a worksheet to help parents begin writing such a letter. A free downloadable version of the guide is available from the Easter Seals Web site, easter-seals.org (you must first sign up as a registered user of the site). A printed copy can be ordered by sending a $5 check for shipping and handling, payable to Easter Seals, to With Open Arms/Easter Seals, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606.The printed guide also can be ordered for free from the MassMutual SpecialCare site, massmutual.com/scresources . Parents and caregivers also can request a free CD containing a fillable Word document template for a letter of intent. Also available are a 208-page resource guide and a 64-page "Making Plans" guide for people with Down syndrome and their families.Humberto Cruz can be reached at AskHumberto@... or c/o Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207. Personal replies are not possible.

Copyright © 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

[Note: Estate planning and guardianship booklets for Ohioans are available for download at http://ddc.ohio.gov/Pub/Guard.htm .]

PECS for Parents Training

PECS for Parents, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2008 to be shared with your group. A complete listing of all of our trainings can be found at http://www.achievementcenters.org/display.cfm?p=67 & pp=4 & ppp=54.

NE Ohio Programs for Preschoolers

Tunes for Autism Spectrum Children (Ages 3-7)

Instructor: Jodi Buchanan

Tunes for Autism Spectrum Children provides a quality music and movement class with the special needs of your child in mind. Visual supports and sensory needs will be included in the weekly curriculum. Come explore music and movement in a nurturing and accepting environment of your child's special needs.

Fee: $50

5 Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

# 113 9/9 - 10/7

Summa Wellness Institute, Children's Center

(Please use Hudson Drive entrance)

Special Needs Social Time for children with ADD/ADHD, Aspergers Disorder, PDD/NOS, or High Functioning Autism (Ages 3-7)

Instructor: Jodi Buchanan

An adult facilitated play and social time for children ages 3-7 years old with special needs. Parents will enjoy some respite as children will joyfully explore music, art, gymnastics and play. Children will participate in group time, center activities, and snack time with their friends. (Please pack your own snack.) Visual supports, sensory breaks, and a 1:3 ratio of aide will be provided to ensure a fun time for everyone. This is not an IEP driven class. This is a time for children to play and make friends in a safe environment with adults who understand and are sympathetic to their special needs.

Fee: $85 includes all materials

10 Thursdays 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

# 111 9/9 - 11/11

(Please use Hudson Drive entrance)

Summa Wellness Institute, Children's Center

To enroll in either of these classes, go to http://www.hudson.edu/hcer See Registration info under header/logo.

Respite Programs at Rotary CampSeptember- December 2008Respite Weekends are fun filled weekend campouts throughout the year. Children and adults with disabilities are eligible to attend. Campers arrive on Friday evening and leave Sunday morning. Throughout the weekend campers enjoy traditional camp activities and some special seasonal activities as well. It¢s a great opportunity for campers to see their old friends and make new ones as well. It¢s also a great way for first-time campers to get a short overnight experience. Activities may include:* Boating* Campfires* Sports* Games* Archery* Ceramics* Swimming* Holidaythemes* Skits* And much much more! Camper Name_______________________________________Address____________________________________________City, State & Zip____________________________________Phone #_______________ Diagnosis___________________ Sept 19-21 Respite Weekend $175.00 ____Oct 10-12 Respite Weekend $175.00 ____ Nov 14-16 Respite Weekend $175.00 ____Dec 12-14 Respite Weekend $175.00 ____ Checks or money order please make out to Rotary CampWe also accept 3rd party billing with prior authorization and major credit cards For more information call Cahoon at 330-644-4512 or visit the website at www.gotcamp.org

WeAreAutism social support network

WeAreAutism.org - the place for people living with autism, is the newest social support network from WeAre.Us platform—the leading platform of medical social support networks. WeAreAutism.org offers much of the same capability set as larger social networks like MySpace and Facebook, but within a safe environment in which users know they are sharing private details of their trials and tribulations with only those who can genuinely relate and understand. Tools are geared towards support and health tracking, engendering a sense of trust and community.The medical community serves as a complement to generalist sites, with social support networks for Crohns Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Autism and other chronic illnesses or disabilities being leading centers of dialogue and patient focus on the Internet. The site offers users a powerful social networking platform, an expansive resource base, a database of information, clinical trial data, and health Trackers and knowledge-sharing tools, among other features.Check it out at http://www.weareautism.org/.

Family Support Grants

AutismCares believes that families should be supported in times of great need. Grants are one-time $1,500 awards made to cover critical living expenses only (housing, insurance, transportation, utilities, food, childcare, etc.). Autism treatments are not covered under this program.To be considered for an AutismCares Family Award, you must:

Have a child diagnosed with autism. Have income of $65,000 or less Have experienced one of the following qualifying events in the preceding 90 days: Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake Death or critical illness in the immediate nuclear family Violent crime Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster Termination of employment of primary income-earner within 90 days

Application for grants end September 15th.

http://events.autismspeaks.org/site/c.jqLTI1OxGlF/b.3974309/apps/fc/form.asp

Understanding the Autism Scholarship! Tuesday, September 23, 20087:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. SST 11 formerly COSERRCIn the Gym470 Glenmont AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43214 JOIN THE Arc OF OHIOAND State Support Team 11 Are you a parent with a child on the spectrum and considering using the Autism Scholarship? Or maybe you are using the scholarship? This training will answer your questions. 7:00 – 8:00 Ohio Legal Rights Services will present knowing your rights on and off the autism scholarship. 8:00- 9:00 Panel discussion/Questions/Answers - What works best and how to achieve the best outcomes for your child. (This is a free training. Family members, advocates and professionals are all welcome to attend at no cost.)

For more information, contact:

Arc of Ohio1335 Dublin RoadSuite 205-CColumbus OH USA 43215614-487-4720800-875-2723

www.thearcofohio.org

Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger SyndromeContact: Finnegan(215) 922-1161teresa.finneganjkp Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger Syndrome -A Practical Guide to Day-to-Day Life

By J. Kingsley Publishers, September 15, 2008, 208 pages, paperback, 9781843108764, $19.95 “There are not many books out there that provide the necessary background information and specific strategies needed to address social interactions in practical ways as provided in Social Skills for Teens and Adults with Asperger Syndrome. As a parent of teen with Asperger Syndrome, my wife and I have tried many of the suggestions described in the book and found them very helpful. provides information about why such strategies work, and this has been very informative. It can help parents develop yet other strategies. I highly recommend the book for any individual, parent, professional, or caregiver.â€â€”Dion Betts, Ed.D. is Assistant to the Superintendent for Instructional Support at South Western School District in Hanover, PA. This resource provides practical strategies for helping teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome to navigate social skills, friendships and relationships at home and in the community.

The author offers advice and useful strategies for tackling day-to-day problems such as visits to the dentist or the doctor, searching for a job, sorting out personal finances, going on vacation, and dealing with public transport, as well as more intimate topics such as dating and acquiring and maintaining friendships. The chapters are structured around real-life scenarios and the challenges they present, followed by step-by-step solutions and suggestions. A final section provides a set of practical self-help tools, which encourage the reader to note down answers to the questions posed and record personal reflections.

This accessible guide will be essential reading for teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome and their families, teachers, therapists, counselors, caregivers, social and health work professionals. J. is Assistant Professor of special education at Messiah College, Grantham, Pennsylvania. She is an author, teacher, writer and presenter. She lives near burg, Pennsylvania, with her husband and their three children, one of whom has a disability. She is the co-author of Hints and Tips for Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Useful Strategies for Home, School and the Community, also published by Kingsley Publishers. Contents: Introduction. 1. A Social World. 2. Friends and Family. 3. Health and Medical. 4. Living Arrangements. 5. Education, Training and Employment. 6. Adaptive Tools. My Journal. Glossary. References. Subject index. Author index.

For further information or for a review copy, please contact: Finnegan, Kingsley Publishers, 400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Tel: (215) 922-1161; Fax: (215) 922-1474; email: teresa.finneganjkp

From About.com - Sensory Tools for Less

from Terri Mauro I love looking through occupational therapy catalogs. There are such great ideas there, for things as small as fidget toys and as big as ball pits. Trouble is, most of them are priced for school districts, and designed for sturdiness more than style. This week's featured articles offer some ways around those problems -- with the help of an enterprising parent, or all on your own.

Cool Equipment from an OT Mom Aviva Weiss was an occupational therapist before she was the mom of a girl with sensory processing problems. She brought her professional knowledge of therapy tools and her need for cute cheap stuff to the creation of Fun and Function, an online store offering lots of all those things. ... Read more

Fun Games from a Teacher Mom Bonnie Arnwine was a preschool teacher before she was the mom of a boy with sensory processing problems. Her book Starting Sensory Integration Therapy is full of good therapeutic activities using gear you've already got -- and if that's not parent-friendly enough, the subtitle promises they "won't destroy your home!" ... Read more

Do-It-Yourself Tools from a Sticker-Shocked Mom I was a spendthrift before I was the mom of a boy with sensory processing problems, but even I balk at dropping big bucks for therapeutic gadgets that my son either breaks or loses interest in after small degrees of usage. So I've taken to making my own fidgets and widgets and weights. Here are some to try. ... Read more

SIBSHOPS FOR SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM THESE ARE INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS TO ASSIST SIBLINGS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM. IT IS DESIGNED TO MEET OTHER PEERS IN A RELAXED RECREATIONAL SETTING. IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS COMMON JOYS AND CONCERNS WITH OTHER SIBLINGS. THE SIBSHOPS WILL BE FACILITATED BY MONARCH STAFF:KARIN HESS-HOPKINS, MSSABECKY REMNER, SLP THERE WILL BE FOUR SESSIONS.THE SIBSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 16th, NOVENBER 13TH, DECEMBER 11TH AND ENDING ON JANUARY 8th. SIBSHOPS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MONARCH SCHOOL ON 22001 FAIRMOUNT BLVD IN SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO. AGES 7-12 6:15 -7:15AGES 13-19 7:30 -8:30 THE COST OF 4 SESSIONS IS $80.00

REGISTRATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 4TH, 2008REGISTRATION FORM ATTACHED

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL KARIN HESS-HOPKINS AT 216-320-8658

Team up to Send Them Back to School!

More and more parents are teaming up with their child's teacher to ensure the most effective strategies are being used--not only in the classroom, but also at home. Buy any of the resources listed here for yourself and get a copy for your child's teacher for half price.

Parents: Use the methods described in With Open Arms to create a "Circle of Friends" with the neighborhood kids. Then give a copy of the book to your child's teacher so she can create a peer support group in school.

Parents: Motivate your child to be the best he can be by using the strategy presented in Gagnon's Power Cards. Then let the positive results carry over to school by sharing a copy of the book with your child's teacher.

Order any of these books and others and get a second copy of the same title for half price! Offer good until September 30, 2008 Offer may not be combined with other discounts

Autism Asperger Publishing Company877-277-8254 (toll-free) · www.asperger.net

Soccer4All

Registration is now open for the Fall season of Soccer4All. Soccer4All is HSA's program for kids with disabilities. HSA had a very successful inaugural season of Soccer4All this Spring with over 50 kids participating!Soccer4All is open to kids from 4 to 19. The season begins Saturday September 13 and runs for 6 weeks. Games are every Saturday at 1pm at Barlow Farm Park . Registration fee is only $25.To register, mail or drop off your completed registration form and payment to the HSA office at 33 Milford Drive , Unit 2 in Hudson . We will also be holding an open registration and information session next Thursday, August 28, from 6 to 8pm at the HSA office. A copy of the registration form is attached.THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 6. DON'T DELAY. REGISTER TODAY!For more information, email us at soccer4all@... or call Tony Bouquot at 330-554-9298 or Jeff Knoblauch at 330-655-9438.************ ********* ********* ********* *********

BUDDIES NEEDED!!Soccer4All would not be possible without the help of our many young volunteer soccer buddies. Soccer buddies work one-on-one with the players and assist the coaches throughout practices and games. Over 50 Hudson middle and high school students participated as buddies this past Spring. The experience was as rewarding to the buddies as it was for the players.Anyone in 6th grade or above can be a soccer buddy. If you are interested, email us at soccer4all@... . Make sure to tell us your name, grade and phone number.************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ***The Hudson Soccer Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to "Developing Hudson Youth Through Soccer." For over 20 years, we have provided the most comprehensive instructional, recreational, and competitive soccer programs in Northeast Ohio .

Changes to “Whose IDEA Is This?†from the July 1, 2008 version to the August 29, 2008 versionChanges to the document were very minor and for your convenience are summarized below. The date and page number of the changes made in the August 29th version is noted on the cover page. It is recommended that the attached document be printed out and inserted into already printed copies of the July 1, 2008 version of “Whose IDEA Is This?.â€

Table of Contents:Updated to reflect changing the order of the forms (moved Withdrawal Form to the end of the document).Note section at the bottom of the table of contents changed as below:July 1, 2008 Version:Refer to the operating standards which are posted on the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE’s) Web site, www.ode.state.oh.us, keyword search: Whose IDEA Is This?, for the complete rules. August 29, 2008 Version:Refer to the operating standards which are posted on the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE’s) Web site, www.ode.state.oh.us, keyword search: Operating Standards Disabilities, for the complete rules.Page 3--Request for evaluation

July 1, 2008 Version:REQUEST FOR EVALUATION Parent: Makes a written request for the child to be evaluated for a suspected disability. August 29th Version:REQUEST FOR EVALUATIONParent: Requests that your child be evaluated for a suspected disability either verbally or in writing. It is recommended that your request for an evaluation be in writing so that there is documentation of when the timelines for the school district’s response began. Page 10--ReferralJuly 1, 2008 VersionIf you, the parent, make the referral: Make the request in writing to the school district stating that you suspect your child has a disability and that you are asking for your child to be evaluated. August 29th Version­If you, the parent, make the referral: Requests that your child be evaluated for a suspected disability either verbally or in writing. It is recommended that your request for an evaluation be in writing so that there is documentation of when the timelines for the school district’s response began.Page 44--Appeal of Decision

July 1, 2008 VersionYou may appeal the decision: In a district court of the United States within 90 days of receiving notice of the state level review officer’s decision; or

August 29th VersionYou may appeal the decision: In a district court of the United States within 90 days from the date of the state level review officer’s decision; or

Forms (at the end of document)

Withdrawal Form moved to last page (4th of 4 forms).Due Process Complaint and Request for a Due Process Hearing moved from last page to 2nd of 4 forms. Instructions on page 1 of this form were also rearranged to match the order in the form.

Dragonfly Academy Golf Scramble

The Dragonfly Academy Golf Scramble (DAGS) sponsored by Walsh University is coming up soon—Saturday, September 20—you won’t want to miss it! Other sponsors include: Malone College, Dr. Trips Travel, Full Service Construction, Shearer’s Foods, Virtual PC’s and many more! You have the chance to win a 2008 Nissan 350z for a hole in one on a specific Par 3 from Fred Nissan. We will also offer a cash option of $20,000 is someone makes it and does not want the car. Other prizes being given away for hole in ones such as, Callaway Big Bertha irons, Sharp LCD TV and Roundtrip Domestic Airfare for Two. If you aren’t able to golf, please join us at 6pm for a delicious steak dinner and auction featuring great prizes for $30. You can fax the attached registration form to 330-488-3128 or mail it 511 Trump Avenue NE, Canton, Ohio 44730. Please make checks payable to Dragonfly Academy and in the memo section, write DAGS. I hope to see you there! 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Registration12:00 p.m. – Putting contest1:00 p.m. – Shotgun start5:30 p.m. – Social hour / Chinese raffle6:00 p.m. – Dinner with emcee and awards Please forward this along to anyone you feel would be interested. Thank you! Warm Regards, ne NightingaleDragonfly Academy Administratorwww.dragonflyacademy.org330-488-8100

Supporting Students with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the General Education Classroom: A Workshop for Teachers and Paraprofessionals This workshop will discuss instructional and behavioral management strategies to increase the success of students with HFA and Asperger's Syndrome in the general education environment. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to identify and describe how to implement a variety of educational accommodations, modifications, and behavioral intervention strategies in order to effectively prevent, or minimize the occurrence of inappropriate behaviors and support the development of prosocial behaviors in the classroom. (CEU's Available) Speaker: Suzann Fleming M.A. BCBADate: Monday, September 22, 2008 Time: 6:30-8:30 pmLocation: Mayfield City SchoolsCost: $40 For more information or to register contact Kiersten at 216-371-4765 or milestonesorg@....

SENSORY NIGHT NOW IN SESSION 1st Wednesday of every month(Oct. 1st, Nov. 5th, Dec. 3rd) 5:00-6:00pm $7.00 per child Parents are always free & must stay during the event 330.877.7867 Pump It Up of Hartville1135 West Maple StreetHartville, OH44632PumpltUpParty.com PUMP IT UP!THE INFLATABLE PARTY ZONENow that school has started, it's time to plan after school activities, and Pump It Up has one just for you! Introducing Sensory Night - Designed specifically for children with special needs who will benefit from a smaller and more controlled environment. At Sensory Night you will enjoy talking to other parents of children with special needs while your kids let loose on our giant inflatables and make new friends! Siblings are always welcome!

Milestones September Newsletter

Medical Resources now available online! Parent Recommended Please email milestonesorg@... with new information to be posted.School is in session! Learn more about IEP's, MFE's and Special Education Services! FREE

September 3, IEP by Internet Chat with other parents (Parent to Parent for Autism NE Ohio), 9:30 pm. For more information contact n Helmick at 216-663-1453 or 216-310-9692 September 10, Special Education Services, Evaluations and IEP's (Greater Cleveland Asperger Support), 7:00 pm. Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence. Speaker: Barb Rutt. Please RSVP to Theresa at @... before Monday, September 8th.

October 21, "IEP's-It's all about the wording!" (ASPIES Support Group), 6:30 pm. Considine Professional Building in rooms 5 & 6 across from the main entrance of Akron Children's Hospital. Speaker: Judy Marks. For more information contact Joy Spencer at Rreindeer@... or 330-745-5115 . www.asagreaterakron.com

Visit these sites for more special education service information and dates:

www.ocali.org www.ocecd.org www.csesc.org www.toolsfortoday.org- Advocacy Educational

Weekend Respite Programs (Akron Rotary Camp) September- December 2008Respite Weekends are fun filled weekend camp outs throughout the year. Children and adults with disabilities are eligible to attend. Campers arrive on Friday evening and leave Sunday morning. Throughout the weekend campers enjoy traditional camp activities and some special seasonal activities as well. It's a great opportunity for campers to see their old friends and make new ones as well. It's also a great way for first-time campers to get a short overnight experience. For more information call Cahoonat 330-644-4512 or visit the website at www.gotcamp.orgMilestones Family Workshops 2008

Milestones Family Workshop: Basic ABA

This workshop is for family members, caregivers, tutors or others interested in learning basic ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) strategies to use in their home.

Topics include: Applied Behavior Analysis overview, Identifying student goals (assessment), ABA tools and techniques. For more information go to milestones family workshops online.

Date: Sunday, September 7

Location: Twinsburg Public Library; 10050 Ravenna Rd.Twinsburg, OH 44087

Time: 1:30-3:30 pm

Cost: FREE

***************************************************

Milestones Family Workshop: Fall Series

This series is for family members, caregivers, tutors or others interested in learning effective strategies for playing, communicating and interacting in a home with children who have communication and/or behavioral challenges. These effective strategies are for children of all ages with pervasive developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders and asperger's syndrome. The workshop focus is on ages 1 years old through early elementary. Participants will engage in hands-on learning of ABA for use everyday in their homes. ABA is a system for teaching which breaks skills down into discrete steps. Skills are taught through motivation, errorless learning, and reinforcement. Prerequisite: Attend our basic ABA Workshop (see above) or knowledge of reinforcement, prompting, and discrete trial.

Dates:

Sunday, September 14, ABA Everyday During Play

* Behavioral strategies to use in the home during play* Learn how to encourage reciprocal play* Learn how to engage your child in fun, interactive activities* Learn how to use play to target specific social, communication or academic skills

Sunday, September 21, Siblings of Children with Autism: For Parents *No prerequisite

* Identify the concerns of siblings of children with autism and their understanding of autism at various ages* Explain autism to siblings* Learn how to get siblings to share their feelings and concerns and foster play between siblings

Sunday, October 19, Be Prepared: Practical Behavior Plans

* Learn how to develop a plan to deal with behaviors so that you are not always responding in the moment but rather are being proactive. * Learn how to encourage positive behaviors and reduce inappropriate behaviors.

Sunday, November 9, Tools for Encouraging Communication

* Learn how to use a variety of visual supports * Learn how to create motivation to communicate * Learn how to encourage communication in the natural environment

Time: 1:30-4:00 pm Location: Mayfield Village Civic Center

Cost: Register for Individual Sessions or for Entire Series

$30 per person per session -- $75 per person for any three workshops in the series

$45 for two family members/caregivers per workshop -- $135 for any three workshops for two people

Group Discounts/Scholarships Available For more information on these workshops call 216-371-4765. Milestones Teacher Trainings 2008

Supporting Students with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the General Education Classroom: A Workshop for Teachers and Paraprofessionals

This workshop will discuss instructional and behavioral management strategies to increase the success of students with HFA and Asperger's Syndrome in the general education environment. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will be able to identify and describe how to implement a variety of educational accommodations, modifications, and behavioral intervention strategies in order to effectively prevent, or minimize the occurrence of inappropriate behaviors and support the development of prosocial behaviors in the classroom. (CEU's Available)

Date: Monday, September 22, 2008

Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: Mayfield City

Cost: $40 per person

For more information on this workshop call 216-371-4765.

Support Group PresentationMilestones would like to come out to your support group to share resources and present a topic with question and answer time. If you are interested, contact Kiersten at 216-371-4765. Presentation time: One hour Cost: No fee

Milestones Autism ResourcesPlease continue to visit our website to find:

Adult Resources *NEW*Medical Resources *NEW*Upcoming Local EventsSocial Groups all ages Local Parent Support Groups Recreation Programs Job Listings and PostingsLocal Speech (SLP) and Occupational Therapist Local Dental and Vision Local Resources

Upcoming EventsFamily Friendly- Kids welcome!Milestones Active Calendar 2008

September

September 3, IEP by Internet Chat with other parents (Parent to Parent for Autism NE Ohio), 9:30 pmEveryone who would like to join the discussion about IEP, MFE or other special educational forms are invited. The group uses Messenger for the chat room. Please send your screen name to n by Instant Message to P2ParentsChat . To reply to this email or to send your request to join our chat with your IM screen name click on the link "to join our chat". For more information contact n Helmick at 216-663-1453 or 216-310-9692

September 9, FUN- Parents Rights (Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities), 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Broadmoor School, 8090 Broadmoor Road, Mentor 44060 Speaker: Colleen . For more information contact Annette 440-350-5832.

September 7, "Recovering Jake From Autism: A Father's Story" (Friendship Circle), 8:00 - 9:00 pm Webinar. Eight years ago 's son Jake was diagnosed with severe Autism. Go to the website to register. Enter your information on the registration form, and then click "Submit" Once your registration is approved, you will receive a confirmation email message with instructions on how to join the event. We suggest that you log-on as early as 7:30 pm to open up the link and test your system! September 10, Score Par for CMR!Breakfast at 9:00 am and shotgun start at 10:00 am. Coppertop/Cherokee Hills Golf Course in Valley City, OH. The Second Annual CMR Open Benefit Golf Outing will cost $125 per golfer if registered by August 8th, $150 after August 8. Included in the event are 18 holes of golf on a great course with GPS scoring, cart, giveaways and prizes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with awards ceremony. All proceeds benefit CMR/The Arc of Cuyahoga County, an independent voice fighting for equal rights and equal access to services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, and their families. For more information and registration form visit us on the web at www.cmr-cleveland.org or contact ette Kadis Gaia at 216-622-0755.

September 10, Special Education Services, Evaluations and IEP's (Greater Cleveland Asperger Support), 7:00 pm. Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence. Barb Rutt, Information Specialist, with the Ohio Coalition of Children with Disabilities, will speak on special education services, evaluations and IEP's with a focus on the issues affecting kids with Asperger's and other autistic spectrum disorders. Please RSVP to Theresa at @... before Monday, September 8th.

September 10, PECS for Teachers (Achievement Center for Children), 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Achievement Centers for Children, 4255 Northfield Rd, Highland Hills. PECS for Teachers is designed to teach teachers, therapists, and any other professionals who work with students that have communication difficulties, the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Each participant will receive a training binder as well as a PECS book. For more information, please contact Helen Mack at Helen.Mack@... or 216-292-9700 x 248

September 12 Paraprofessional Workshop on Behavioral Techniques (Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital), 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Shaker Campus, 2801 Luther King Jr. Dr., Cleveland 44104. This one day workshop is designed for paraprofessionals who work with children who have special needs. The workshop will provide the skills needed to facilitate socialization, communication, class participation, independence and daily living skills using Applied Behavioral Analysis strategies. Data collection methods will be outlined. Participants will be actively involved in discussion, role-play of scenarios and interactive video-observation. Cost: $150. For more information on the workshops contact Manning at 216-721-1292 or manninj@....

September 11 & 12, "Community Employment:A Priority of First Consideration" (ARC of Ohio)Holiday Inn 7007 N. High St. Worthington, OH 43085. Presented By The Arc of Ohio, Inc. in partnership with Ohio APSE - The Ohio Network on Employment, Ohio Association of Adult Services (OAAS), Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS). Keynote: "Full Employment: What Does It Take?" Mank, Ph.D., Director of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University. To register online at www.thearcofohio.org. For more information contact Jodi Murray at 800-875-2723.

September 13, PECS for PARENTS (Achievement Center for Children), 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Achievement Centers for Children, 4255 Northfield Rd, Highland Hills. 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 248September 13, NEOAG Golf Outing and Ohio State Buckeyes Party! First annual golf outing at Thunder Hill Golf Club in Madison. The day consists of an 18 hole round of golf on the prestigious course at Thunder Hill. Box lunch provided. Steak dinner with an open bar following in the country club, featuring the OSU vs. USC game beginning at 8:00 pm on large screen tv's. Raffles and sideboards throughout the evening. NEOAG raises funds to provide financial support to local programs and services for autism. For more information call 440-488-3473 or go to www.neoag.orgSeptember 14, ABA Everyday During Play (Milestones Organization), 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Mayfield Village Civic Center, Mayfield. * Behavioral strategies to use in the home during play * Learn how to encourage reciprocal play * Learn how to engage your child in fun, interactive activities * Learn how to use play to target specific social, communication or academic skills. For more information or to register contact Kiersten at 216-371-4765 or infomilestones@...

September 15, Providing Effective Practices to Children with Autism (Hattie Larlham Research Institute and Akron Children's Medical Center), 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Akron Children's Medical Center, Considine Auditorium, Akron, OH. This presentation will address additional necessary steps in building an infrastructure of care to assist in the timely translation of diagnosis into a prescription of care, assisting parents' decision about treatment selection, the development of standards by which to evaluate treatment effectiveness, and the development of sufficient manpower to provide for timely services. Guest Lecturer: Dennis C. Russo, PhD, ABPP, The May Institute. For more information contact Phylliss L. Steiner, Director of Creative Arts, Hattie Larlham Research Institute at 800-233-8611, Ext. 3013 or phylliss.steiner@...

September 17, SibShop (Insight Learning and Wellness Center), 6:30 - 7:30 pm. 25901 Emery Road, Suite 112. Classes meet September 17, October 5, November 9, and December 7. For parents of a child with a disability or serious illness--do you worry about your other children? Their frustration and resentments? Insight is offering a 4-session special class to support and help siblings. For more information contact beth Goodman, PhD, NCSP and Licensed School Psychologist at 440-666-6048 or 216-765-4470.

September 21, Siblings of Children with Autism: For Parents (Milestones Organization), 1:30 - 4:30 pm. Mayfield Village Civic Center, Mayfield. * Identify the concerns of siblings of children with autism and their understanding of autism at various ages* Explain autism to siblings* Learn how to get siblings to share their feelings and concerns and foster play between siblings. For more information or to register contact Kiersten at 216-371-4765 or infomilestones@...

September 25-26 & October 3, Paraprofessional Training: Working with Pre-K & K-5 Students with Autism (Achievement Center for Children), 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. Achievement Centers for Children 4255 Northfield Road. This 3-day training for Paraprofessionals in Public School Districts will address autism and the developmental challenges associated with the disorder. The role and responsibilities of the paraprofessional working with individual children within the context of the classroom and school environment will be overviewed with an emphasis on effective strategies that will enhance children's developmental skills in the areas of social interaction, language/communication and cognitive processing/problem solving. Cost: $450. For more information contact Helen Mack at 216-292-9700 x 248 or helen.mack@...

Family September 28, Cleveland Walk Now for Autism FREE Registration begins at 8:00a.m. and the Walk will start at 10:00 a.m. Progressive Field, Cleveland. Walk Now for Autism is a fun-filled, family friendly, non-competitive Walk and community resource fair with activities, refreshments, entertainment and more! You can start a team, join a team or register as an individual. You can also register your family members, colleagues and friends. Remember the more people you recruit to register, the faster your fundraising will grow. Please take the first step in raising critically-needed funds for autism research and awareness and visit us online to register!

SAVE THE DATEOctober 10-12, The First Annual International Autism Summit (Autism Today and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital) Renaissance Hotel, Cleveland. Summit for Parents, Medical Professionals, Educators, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists interested in the latest advances in autism and related disorders. Come hear leading edge topics, trends, treatments and therapies surrounding Autism. Conference participants will leave the Summit with proven, practical strategies and tools that can be used immediately as well as a deeper understanding of Autism and Asperger's. For more information visit the website www.autismsummit.org

Family October 16, Fall Sib's workshops! (Monarch Services at Bellefaire JCB) The workshops will continue on Nov. 13th, Dec. 11th and Jan. 8th. For children/teens who have siblings with Autism. Bellefaire JCB 22001 Fairmount Blvd. Session I ( 6:15 pm -7:15 pm.)- For children, ages 7-12 yrs.Session II (7:30 pm -8:30 pm)- For teens ages 13-19 yrs. Facilitated by Monarch staff: Karin Hess-Hopkins, MSSA and Remmer, SLP. Cost $80. For more information contact Karin Hess-Hopkins at 216-320-8658

November 7-8, Ohio Adult Sibling "Sibs" Conference Columbus Airport Marriott Hotel. The conference's goal is to promote sibling awareness and activity in the life of their brother or sister with a developmental disability. For registration and conference information, visit the website at www.ohiosibs.com. For additional information contact Tom Fish, Ohio SIBS, The OSU Nisonger Center 257C Mc Hall 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210. Phone 614-292-7550 or email fish.1@....

November 19-21, 2008 NATTAP Conference (The Autism Society of America-ASA and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence-OCALI) Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, OH. 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.Early Bird Rate: $185; Parent/Family Member Rate: $100; Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100. Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org/

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit

www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit the website at www.autismohio.org for more information.

Event Links

www.milestones.orgwww.toolsfortoday.orgwww.autismohio.org

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

to list an Autism Event in our newsletter to post an Autism Event on our website with questions about an event to speak with our Program Coordinator for information and support

Milestones Organization is a 501 c-3 non profit organization. Help Milestones Organization train professionals and parents in the field of autism.Inquiries and tax-deductible donations can be placed online atwww.milestones.org or may be sent to:Milestones Organization3246 Desota Ave Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 44118

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