ASA-ASO DIGEST: December 1, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving! Now on to Holiday shopping!

Visit ASA-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 ASA-ASO's homepage.

News From ASA-ASO:

- National Financial Crisis’ Impact on Ohio’s Revenues-Statement from ODMRDD

- 2008 NATTAP Conference a huge success - complete details

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- ASA-ASO forming Ohio Autism Advocacy Network - Join Now!

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Dayton ASA hosts North Pole Express Train Ride Lebanon, Ohio!

- News and Events from the ASA-Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

- "How to Talk to Family and Friends About Your Child's Special Needs", Shaker Hts.

- Biomedical Support Group Meeting

- Quality in Practice Guide

- Milestones Family Workshops 2009, NE Ohio

- Upcoming Events, NE Ohio

- Understand School Funding in Ohio

- The News from Ohio Legal Rights Service

- “The Benefits of Nutritionâ€, Solon

- Teen Activities, NE Ohio

ASA-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 America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 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 ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.

News From ASA-ASO:

National Financial Crisis’ Impact on Ohio’s Revenues-Statement from ODMRDD

From the ODMRDD E-Newsletter Pipeline:

The following information was released to all ODMRDD staff this afternoon by ODMRDD Director, .

At noon today, Governor Ted Strickland held a press conference to announce what the national financial crisis could mean for Ohio’s revenues in fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Without some major economic recovery or federal assistance, it means that in the next two years, Ohio will confront a serious erosion in the state’s revenues.

I encourage you to review the complete text of the Governor’s press release and the related PowerPoint presentation, will be posted later today on the www.ohio.gov website, on the Governor’s page, and on the ODMRDD homepage at www.mrdd.ohio.gov. In addition, the video of the press conference is available at: http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/people/media_archive.cfm?file_type=Flash%20Video & person_id=88901

Before the state can determine exactly what this economic news will mean to Ohio’s budget in the remainder of fiscal year 2009 and specifically, to ODMRDD, we are waiting for three important sources of information, noted below. The current budget will require action to address another $640 million gap depending upon:

1. Total state tax receipts from “Black Friday,†the day after Thanksgiving, a traditionally strong shopping day;2. Analysis from the Governor’s economic advisors in December, of the state’s economic status; and,3. A possible federal stimulus package from Washington D.C. that may provide direct dollars to Ohio government.

The Governor leaves this afternoon for Philadelphia to meet with President-Elect Barack Obama and the nation’s Governors, who will collectively make the case to the incoming administration for federal assistance to the states. Ohio is not alone; 49 of our 50 states are either in recession now or are at risk of slipping into recession.

As the Governor said today, the work toward managing this budget situation will require creativity, flexibility, and collaboration from all state agencies, and will require extraordinary partnerships across the state. The ODMRDD is working to provide Ohioans with disabilities and their families some help and some hope – and while the announcement made by Governor Strickland today doesn’t change any of that – we will need to continue to work even harder toward our mission of improving the quality of life for Ohio’s citizens with developmental disabilities and their families.

During this difficult time, I ask each of you to stay committed to your work, providing solutions to the challenges of those we serve. ODMRDD will work with its stakeholders, in line with available resources, and discuss priorities along with any available funding for those priorities.

In addition, the Governor met with legislative leaders this morning from both houses of the legislature. Governor Strickland is committed to working in bipartisan fashion with the legislature to ensure a balanced budget and continued investment in Ohio’s ‘economic drivers’ and its safety net. He is also committed to working closely with stakeholders and, as a community, determining how to best tackle the challenges we may face in the coming weeks and months.

2008 NATTAP Conference was a huge success - complete details

The 2nd Annual NATTAP Conference was a huge success! Over 1400 people from around the world attended this international conference sponsored by NATTAP (Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs - a group formed by the ASA) and hosted and made possible by our own OCALI - a NATTAP member. The ASA holds a great conference every year in July focusing on individuals with autism and family issues with tracks for professionals. The NATTAP Conference has shaped up to be a conference where professionals can meet, network and learn, while including tracks for parents and families. The costs to parents and families was only $100 for the three day conference, though a sponsorship from the ASA-ASO.

The conference opened on Tuesday evening with the Exhibition Hall open to the general public. Attendees did not have to be registered for the conference to attend the Expo.

ASA-ASO Hosts Legislative Breakfast

Wednesday morning, just prior to the opening of the Conference, ASA-ASO hosted an Autism Awareness Breakfast for legislators, Ohio Department Directors, and members of the ODMRDD coordinated Autism Interagency Workgroup. The purpose was to give individuals, families and those who work with them the opportunity to interact with legislators and share their stories in a relaxed setting. The continental style breakfast featured a "Faces of Autism" slide show, centerpieces with "faces of autism" and stories to go with them with their Ohio House Districts identified and recognition of all the "special guests" that attended. These included over 15 legislators, many newly elected and in Columbus for "orientation". Rep. Bacon spoke briefly on the Autism Caucus and efforts to educate legislators about autism. Rep Ted Celeste spoke about the status of HB170 and the ongoing efforts around autism insurance parity. Each guest received a folder with general information about autism, the Autism Society of America chapters in Ohio, Autism Insurance parity in Ohio and legislative issues for consideration.

Great Presenters Highlight Conference

The conference featured over 75 presenters from around the world! Keynoters were Dr. a Kluth - consultant, teacher, author, advocate and independent scholar, Edwin Trevathan, MD, MPH, - the Director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr. Temple Grandin - inarguably the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world. ASA-ASO board members also presented at the conference, including Co-President Barb Yavorcik (with Rep. Bacon), Andie Ryley, Dr. Murray, Dr. Christi Carnahan and Sondra . For complete information on the conference and presenters, visit www.nattapconference.org. The conference program is available at the website.

The conference also featured State Team Meetings (allowing state level folks to come together and develop a plan for their state and network with other states on solutions) and a University Summit.

ASA-ASO Hosts Chapter Leaders Dinner

On Thursday evening, during the conference, the ASA-ASO hosted a dinner for the leaders of the nine ASA Chapters in Ohio (for information on a chapter in your area, click here.) A way to say thank you for all their hard work, chapter leaders were treated to appetizers, dinner and desert. ASA-ASO Co-presidents Sawan Caruso and Barb Yavorcik used the opportunity to talk to chapter leaders about what was happening at the state level and solicit input and feedback on future initiatives. New ASA Chief Operating Officer Barbara Newhouse joined chapter leaders for dinner and discussed chapter initiatives coming from the ASA.

ASA Website Features Comprehensive Writeup on NATTAP

To read this great article from the ASA, click here.

Columbus Dispatch features Article on NATTAP Keynote Speaker Temple Grandin

There was an article in the Dispatch on Nov. 22nd about Temple Grandin and the speech she gave at the NATAPP conference. Yergeau wrote about her experience of the speech in the December Aspirations Newsletter. Employment for young adults with ASD is the focus for Temple Grandin these days, according to the article.The Columbus Dispatch : Autism's star emphasizes value of work

Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

Because of privacy concerns, the Ohio BMV will no longer be releasing the names and addresses of those who purchase the Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate to the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio. $25 from the purchase of each plate benefits the ASA-ASO and we have been sending thank you notes to all those who have purchased a plate. However, we will no longer be able to do so. The BMV is currently looking into options to add customer consent to the special license plate process so hopefully we will be able to go back to thanking folks formally in the future. But whether we are able to send a formal "thank you" or not, please know that the purchase of an autism awareness license plate makes a big difference and helps us help individuals with autism, their families and those who work with them throughout Ohio.

ASA-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 ASA-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 ASA-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.

ASA-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

Federal Update

Obama-Biden Transition Update: Experts to audit disability policyhttp://www.autism-society.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle & id=12377 Thursday, November 20, 2008By: Carin Yavorcik, ASAPresident-elect Barack Obama has tapped two experts to conduct an audit of current disability policy, both of whom worked on the campaign. Examining the National Council on Disability/Access Board Review will be:Kareem Dale, managing partner of The Dale Law Group and adjunct professor at Northwestern University School of Law. Prior to founding The Dale Law Group, Dale spent eight years in the litigation department of a major law firm, where his practice focused on products liability, personal injury, mass tort litigation, contract disputes and other general commercial litigation.Marilyn Golden, policy analyst at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), who has been closely involved with the Americans With Disabilities Act throughout all the stages of its proposal and passage. As an ADA trainer, she has directed and led numerous in-depth programs on the ADA, which have given thousands of people comprehensive knowledge on how to make this law a reality. She is the principal author of the DREDF publication The ADA, an Implementation Guide (the "Bluebook").

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

Dayton ASA hosts North Pole Express Train Ride Lebanon, Ohio!

Please join us for a ride on the North Pole Express!This event is open to everyone, not just families living with autism.Saturday, Dec. 7, train boards at 12:45 PM from Lebanon Station, 127 S.Mechanic, Lebanon, OH 45036.Group tickets are: $14.40/adult, $12.00/youth 2-12, 1 and under are free.Send an email to infodaytonautismsociety (DOT) org<info@%20daytonautismsociety.org> (removespace) to reserve your tickets. Then send your money to: Dayton AutismSociety, P.O. Box 1013, Miamisburg, OH 45343.Ticket price includes: photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph; a cup ofhot chocolate and holiday cookie; entertainment by Santa's elves; 30-minutetrain ride to LM & M Junction to pick up Santa; a visit with Santa all the wayback to Lebanon Station.Bring the kids, grandparents, and friends but don't forget your camera!The vintage train cars are not heated and are not handicapped accessible.

BernotaitisPresidentAutism Society of America - Dayton ChapterDBA Dayton Autism Societya 501©3 organizationhttp://www.daytonautismsociety.org

News and Events from the ASA-Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

The ASGC has many wonderful events set for the month of December. Our regularly scheduled ASGC meeting is this Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at The Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, 8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141 at 6:30 PM. This will be a two part meeting. The topics will include the IEP process and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. We hope to see you there.

Please join us on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 10:00 AM to view "BOLT" at AMC's Ridge Park Square, 4788 Ridge Road, Brooklyn Heights, OH 44144. AMC Entertainment and the ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. With Sensory Friendly Films, the movie auditorium will have the lights brought up and the sound turned down. Previews are removed and the "Silence is Golden" policy will not be enforced. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Admission is reduced to $4.25.

Our 2nd Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2008, at St. s Woodside Party Center, (Lower Hall - Rear Entrance), 5035 Mill Road, Broadview Hts., OH 44147. Lunch will be provided. Each child/teen will receive a free gift. Parents/Caregivers are required to stay with their children. Admission is FREE. Please RSVP by December 5, 2008 to (216) 556-4937 or holidayparty@.... Please provide the number of children & their ages and the number of adults attending.

As always, please feel free to contact us with any questions at (216) 556-4937. Have a Happy Holiday Season!

The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland P.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH 44141216-556-4937E-mail: support@...www.asgc.org

"How to Talk to Family and Friends About Your Child's Special Needs" December 9 at 6:15 p.m.Information about anupcoming great event organized as part of the Family Support Project by the Shaker Family Center. This program is aimed at families raising preschoolers with special needs. With the holidays coming up, the organizers thought that the topic of "How to Talk to Family and Friends About Your Child's Special Needs" would be timely. Dinner, childcare and program provided at no cost to families. Where: Shaker Family Center19824 Sussex RdShaker Heights, OHWhen:December 95:30 to 6:15 dinnerProgram:6:30 to 8 pm"How to Talk to Family and Friends About Your Child's Special Needs"REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY DECEMBER 3To register or for more information please contact:sfc05@...or call the Shaker Family Center at 216.921.2023Please forward this information to anyone whom you think may benefit.

Biomedical Support Group Meeting

December 4 at 6 pm

Dear Friends,Just a friendly reminder that we will be meeting again in Independence, OH on December 4. I hope many of you can make it! Please read below for details. This time we will be meeting at a slightly different location but still centrally, in Independence. The Independence Public Library will be providing a free meeting room for us, located at 6361 Selig Drive, Independence, Ohio 44131-4926. The library can be found on the way to the Field House where we had met before. We will be viewing a DVD, presentation by Jepson, MD, who spoke at a biomedical conference last year that I have a DVD from. He is the author of the book "Changing the course of autism". Here is his bio from the Thoughtful House website: Jepson, M.D., graduated from the University of Utah Medical School in 1995 and completed residency training in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1998. He is board certified in emergency medicine. Over the course of 2001, the year his second son was diagnosed with autism, he and his wife Laurie began exploring treatment options, but found that the medical community knew little about the cause, treatment, or prognosis of this disease. After their year of intensive research into all aspects of the illness, they felt a strong need to establish a clinic where autistic children could receive the most up-to-date care available. From 2002-2005, Children’s Biomedical Center of Utah (a non-profit organization) was instrumental in raising awareness throughout the intermountain west about issues related to autism and other childhood developmental disorders. During that time Dr. Jepson treated hundreds of children on the autism spectrum and enjoyed the experience of watching them improve. Since joining the team at Thoughtful House Center for Children, he is able to turn his attention full-time to both treatment and research of the most important 'emergency' he has ever treated. The title of his presentation is: Medical interventions in autism: the big picture This presentation takes a comprehensive look at the health of children with autism and points at a number of medical issues that are often overlooked or untreated. This will be a perfect time to have an informal support meeting getting to know one onether better and sharing our histories/interventions, following the viewing of the DVD.When: December 4, 2008 at 6 pm - 8:45 pm Where: Independence Public Library6361 Selig DriveIndependence, Ohio 44131-4926Off Brecksville Road in Civic Center complex Library Phone: 216.447.0160 (for directions) Please RSVP to me at 216.544.1231 or via this email apattison@... so that we can plan for refreshments. Also, please mark your calendars!! Other dates I have the room reserved for meetings at the library are: January 22 Thursday 6 pm - 8:45 pmFebruary 17 Tuesday 6 pm - 8:45March 31 Tuesday 6 pm to 8:45 pmMay 26 Tuesday 6 pm to 8:45 pmJune 23 Tuesday 6 pm - 8:45 pm Speakers/topics TBD. Sincerely, Pattison National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio (NAA-NEO) Helping Hand Program Manager P. O. Box 221195 Beachwood, OH 44122 E-mail: apattison@... Phone (216)544-1231 Web: www.autismnortheastohio.org

Quality in Practice Guide

NOTE: The ASA is a member and serves on the Board of the Council for Quality and Leadership.

The Quality in Practice Guide is a resource tool that provides practicaltips and suggestions for how to improve quality in the areas that wehave found to be most critical for achieving personal outcomes andbuilding responsive services. We encourage you to share this resource with your colleagues and staff.Feel free to distribute copies, forward this message, or reprint in yourorganization's newsletter or staff training materials. It's aboutQuality in Practice - Pass it on! Each month you will receive one of our new Quality in Practice Guides.November 2008 QIP Guide #15 - End of Lifehttp://www.thecouncil.org/resources/quality-in-practice-end-of-life

What's coming next? QIP guide #16 - Natural SupportsQIP Guide #17 - Spirituality

Missed a QIP? Go to www.thecouncil.org <http://www.thecouncil.org/> -Resources and Tools - Resource Articles http://www.thecouncil.org/resources/articles/

Milestones Family Workshops 2009

Family Workshop: Basic ABA Principles to use in the Home

Date: Monday, January 12, 2009

Location: Streetsboro Public Library, Streetsboro, OH

Time: 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Cost: FREE

Please register in case of weather cancellation and handout availability

216-371-4765 or milestonesorg@...

Audio Podcast Available

Family and Professional Workshop: Basic ABA and Being Proactive with Behaviors

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

These effective strategies are for children of all ages with pervasive developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders and asperger's syndrome. ABA is a system for teaching which breaks skills down into discrete steps. Skills are taught through motivation, errorless learning, and reinforcement. Basic ABA topics include: Applied Behavior Analysis overview, Identifying student goals, ABA tools and techniques; establishing attending, motivation and reinforcement, prompting, task analysis, discrete trials, and using observations. Being Proactive with Behavior topics include: Identifying behaviors, Being proactive and Encouraging positive behaviors and Reducing inappropriate behaviors.

Two dates and locations:

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2009 Location: Boardman Help Me Grow Time: 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm

Date: Sunday, January 25, 2009

Location: MetroHealth Comprehensive Care Center, Cleveland, OH

Time: 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm

Cost: FREE

Must register: call 216-371-4765 or email milestonesorg@...

Family Workshop: Using Schedules for Leisure Skills and Self Help Skills

Pre-adolescent to Adult

Date: Sunday, January 18

Location: Strongsville Civic Center, Strongsville, OH

Time: 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Cost: $30 per person or $45 for two family members/caregivers

Group Discounts/Scholarships Available Respite care available for first 15 registrants (at location)

Register at 216-371-4765 or milestonesorg@...

SAVE THE DATEMilestones 2009 Autism / Asperger's Conference, Landerhaven, Mayfield Ohio, June 15, 2009Requesting Proposals for:

Concurrent Sessions Poster Displays Panel Discussions

Download Proposal Guidelines and Requirements

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

Upcoming Events, NE Ohio

Compiled by Milestones.

December 2008

December 4, Holiday Wine Tasting (Northeast Ohio Autism Group) 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm. Colonial Beverage 8389 Mayfield Rd.Chesterland. Enjoy generous samples of over 25 wines and unlimited gourmet hot and cold cuisine, along with auctions and entertainment. All proceeds benefit Northeast Ohio Autism Group. $30 a person. Call 440-488-3473 for tickets.

December 10, Special Education Discipline Workshop (Tools for Today and Tomorrow)6:15 -6:30 pm. Achievement Centers for Children, 24211 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 4414. lin J. Hickman, JD, Hickman & Lowder Co LPA, will cover circumstances and reasons a school district can suspend or expel a student with disabilities, procedures that must be followed, and limitations for special education students. Also, Barbara Rutt, Information Specialist, Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD), will talk about the functional behavioral assessment, who is involved, what it looks like, and how to put it into the IEP. Cost: $10.00 For more information contact Kresnye at 216-229-5757, Ext. 126

Family December 12, Holiday Dance-SociAbilities "AFTER HOURS" (United Disabilities Services) 7:00 - 9:00 pm. 1275 Sweitzer Ave. Akron. Holiday Dance for individuals 18 year old or older. Cost: $5.00. For more information contact or at 330-379-3337.Family December 13, ASA-Greater Cleveland Holiday Party (ASA of Greater Cleveland) 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm. St. s Woodside Party Center at 5035 Mill Road, Broadview Hts., OH. Lunch will be provided and each child/teen that attends will receive a free gift. Please RSVP to holidayparty@... or at (216) 556-4937 with the number and ages of children and the number of adults attending. Admission is Free.

Family December 16, Christmas Party - Meet & Greet (ASPIES Adults Greater) 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm. Considine Professional Bldg. (across from Akron Children's Hospital Main Entrance) Rooms 1 & 2 on the bottom floor. This is open to both all ages. There will be food and beverages and Santa will bring gifts! You must RSVP to Joy Spenser at 330-745-5115 or Rreindeer@....

Family December 26, HOLIDAY FAMILY JUMP NIGHTS (Medina Pump it Up) 11:00-12:30 pm and 5:00-6:30 pm. Pump It Up of Medina 1065 Medina Road Suite #400 Medina OH. Cost: $10 per child and $3 per adult (Pizza & drink included). Reservations are required. Space is limited so reserve your open jump time tickets now at www.pumpitupparty.com.

Understand School Funding in Ohio

School Funding Matters, an initiative of KnowledgeWorks Foundation, aims to give Ohioans the information and resources they need to understand and participate in the public dialogue about how Ohio schools are funded. The website provides background on this issue, links to other organizations working for school funding reform, and advocacy tools that can be downloaded and used locally. Its handouts on myths of school funding, how the system works today and who makes decisions on school funding are useful for those new to the issue. The site also provides a platform to help citizens connect with others across the state working for change to Ohio's school funding system. Joining the School Funding Matters website allows users to receive regular updates on school funding news, invitations to participate in educational and advocacy events, and other materials. To visit the School Funding Matters website go to: http://www.schoolfundingmatters.org/Summary courtesy of Brinker Wijesooriya and KnowledgeWorks

The News from Ohio Legal Rights ServiceNovember 2008====================The Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) is an independent state agency and the federally and state designated Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for people with disabilities in the state of Ohio. The mission of OLRS is to protect and advocate, in partnership with people with disabilities, for their human, civil and legal rights. Through this bi-monthly newsletter, OLRS intends to inform Ohioans with disabilities, their families, and other interested readers about agency activities and casework, and to provide analyses of issues important to the disability community.====================IN THIS ISSUE1. OLRS Secures Accommodation for Voters Casting Absentee Ballots2. ADA Amendments Act Expands Protections3. OLRS Presses ODE to Regulate Use of Seclusion/Restraint4. Strategic Planning: OLRS Completes Information Gathering Process5. OLRS Raises Concern over Ex Parte Communication6. OLRS Strengthens Intake Unit to Improve Response Time7. New Staff Members8. OLRS Urges Agency to Assess and Plan for Housing Needs of Ohioans with Disabilities9. Advocating and Protecting Rights in Partnership with People with Disabilities 10. About OLRSThis newsletter is attached as a PDF file and is also available online in text-only and PDF formats: http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/OLRSNewsNov08.asp

“The Benefits of Nutrition†for Parents of children with learning differences*, tutors, education professionals, health care professionals, adults with learning differences*.

WHAT: Learn the benefits of nutrition to improve learning, attention, and energy. Hear first-hand fascinating testimonials from parents. WHEN: Thursday, December 4th 7:00 to 8:30 pm OR Thursday, December 11th 7:00 to 8:30 pm WHERE: North Coast Tutoring Services, TRAINING CENTER 31300 Solon Road, Suite 17 Solon, Ohio 44139 (See directions on our web site: www.northcoasted.com) PRESENTER: Loretta Koeth, Juice Plus, National Sales Manager SPACE IS LIMITED! Please reserve your seat(s) today!

CALL at North Coast Tutoring 440-914-0200

Teen Activities, NE Ohio

Game Nights at Mayfield Middle SchoolWho: Teens and up Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Where: Mayfield Middle School Cafeteria/GymWhen: Friday, December 5,Cost: $7.00/participant per date pre registered or $8.00/participant per date at the door $5.00 per parent/caregiver if eating with the participants, must register in advanceDetails: Come join a fun night and hang out with friends. Participants can play a variety of board games, play volleyball, basketball, ping pong, bowl, learn organized dances and enjoy pizza and pop. Registration Deadlines: The Wednesday before each event date. Please call Mayfield Heights Recreation: 440-442-2626, x. 267 Pizza BowlWho: Teens to Adults Dates: Friday, December 12 Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Location: Roseland LanesCost: $11.50 per bowler per date(includes shoes, bowling, cheese pizza, pop and Dixie cup ice cream) $ 5 per parent/caregiver if eating with the participantsDetails: With the success of our bowling programs from the fall, we look forward to seeing everyone at Roseland Lanes (26383 Broadway Ave) in Oakwood (2 miles east of I271 and Broadway). Registration Deadline: December 5, Please call Mayfield Heights Recreation: 440-442-2626, x. 267YOU MUST RSVP OR YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BOWL AND/OR THERE WILL BE A LATE FEE. Basketball ClinicsWho: 16 year olds and up Cost: $5 each dateDate/Time: Sunday, December 21, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Notre Dame) Sunday, January 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ( Carroll) Details: Join Varsity Basketball Coaches, Bille from Notre Dame, Mike Moran from Carroll, Schorr from Ursuline, and their varsity players, and learn the fundamentals of basketball through exercises that are meant to be fun and skill building that include passing, shooting and dribbling. Notre Dame has a varsity game on Monday, December 22 and has invited all clinic participants to the game for free. If you will be attending, let us know when you register for the clinic. Registration Deadlines: The Monday before each clinic. Please call Mayfield Heights Recreation: 440-442-2626, x. 267 JANUARY ACTIVITY – SAVE THE DATE. THIS IS INSTEAD OF OUR HOLIDAY PARTY. After New Years Party - Potluck Dinner and MovieWho: Teen to Adults When: Friday, January 2 Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Location: Beachwood Community Center, 25225 Fairmount Blvd. Cost: $4.00 (paid at the door)Details: Please bring a main course, appetizer or dessert. Come have dinner and watch the movie Darius Goes West ON THE BIG SCREEN! Darius Goes West is a powerful documentary about the road trip of a lifetime. Darius Weem is born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In 2005, Darius, Logan and some college friends embark from Georgia on a three-week, 7,000 mile cross-country RV journey. Their goal: to have Darius's motorized wheelchair made over in LA on MTV's Show Pimp My Ride. Please RSVP to Judi Greenspan at 216-932-1989 or email jgreenspan@.... Please call me OR EMAIL ME AT: jgreenspan@... if you have any questions. Yours, Judi Greenspan20560 Shelburne RoadShaker Heights, OH 44122Phone: (216) 932-1989Life should be easier. So should your homepage. Try the NEW AOL.com.