ASO DIGEST: August 4, 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:

- Participate in ASO's Website Survey

- ODE-OEC Updating Autism Scholarship Program Rules - Your input needed!

- Autism Statehouse Rally 2009 to be held in collaboration with ARC Ohio! Mark your calendars!

- NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration, Columbus

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Take part in the ASA online art exhibit - upload your art today!

- AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT WITH THE Columbus CLIPPERS benefits ASA Central Ohio, Autism Speaks

- 8th Annual ASA Greater Cincinnati Evening at the Children's Museum

- 4Bridges4Kids Fundraiser to benefit ASA Greater Cincinnati

- ASA Greater Cleveland presents Program about bullying/autism

- Newsletter from Dayton ASA

- News from the ASA Easter Seals, ASA, and AUCD Present for State Legislators Department of Justice Proposes Changes in ADA Regulations Autism's Social Struggles Due to Disrupted Communication Networks in Brain, Carnegie Mellon

Study Says Caltech and UNC Research Finds Further Evidence for Genetic Contribution to Autism Watch Me Learn® Releases New Curriculum ASA National Conference Recordings Available New Book Details ABA Successes Space Cartoon Helps Kids with Autism to Identify a Galaxy of Emotions Walk a Mile in His Shoes- Resource for Akron Area Families

- ODE Statewide Special Education Leadership Conference

- Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) Conference, September, 2008

- Autism College Transition Program - Columbus State Community College

- Mental Health Aspects: Treatment and Support -- Ohio’s MH/MR Annual Conference, Sept. 3 & 4

- Northeast Ohio Autism Group Mini-Golf Tournament!

- Premier edition of the Autism Spectrum News

- ADA Audio Conference Series: ADA Amendments Act/ADA Restoration Act

- Hattie Larlham to open new accessible play space - Play Connection

- Self Advocates Speakers Bureau looking for Speakers

- TOY & RESOURCE CENTER

- New Book from AAPC: The Chameleon Kid - Controlling Meltdown Before He Controls You

If you are interested in participating in research projects, ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,The Autism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or implied.

News From ASO:

From ASO: Please Participate in Our Website Survey

Please participate in Autism Society of Ohio website survey!

ASO would like your input to improve our website so that we could provide more accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-read information related to autism to suit your needs.

You can participate in this online survey by clicking here or cutting and pasting the following link into your web browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=re_2bBjbg_2bl4o8mcHjHPlr_2bg_3d_3d

You can remain anonymous during the survey and your privacy is protected. You may, however, opt to sign up to our email list to receive ASO digest and other alerts, at the end of the survey. Your response to the survey questions will be aggregated and will be used only to improve ASO website and not any other purposes.

The results of the survey will be reflected in our website, and a report will be posted on our website.

Thank you very much for your prompt participation!

ODE-OEC Updating Autism Scholarship Program Rules - Your input needed!

The Ohio Department of Education's Office for Exceptional Children is in the process of updating the Autism Scholarship Program Rules. The current rules (3301-103-01 through 3301-103-08) of the Ohio Administrative Code define how the Department administers the scholarship program. The rules have been in effect since the beginning of the Autism Scholarship in January 2004.

Rule updating is part of a five-year review plan required by Ohio Law. This requirement gives the department an opportunity to make changes and any necessary clarifications to reflect the current language of the Ohio Revised Code regarding the Autism Scholarship. For example, the original law referred to the program as a pilot program. (The current law changed the name to the Autism Scholarship.) Also, the maximum amount of the scholarship was $15,000 and is currently $20,000 in law. The rules must be updated to reflect these changes.

The process to update the rules is lengthy and requires the input of all interested parties, including such groups as parents, providers, school districts, and autism-related organizations and interest groups. This is the public’s opportunity to provide feedback to the proposed draft rules that will govern the scholarship program. The Department is seeking and welcomes any input from the public.

The proposed draft rules are listed on the Department of Education’s website under the Autism Scholarship Program section. Any input can be submitted by email to oec_asp@.... U.S. mail is also appropriate.

The rules must be approved by the State Board of Education and the Joint Commission on Agency Rule Review (JACARR), a committee within the General Assembly.

The proposed rules will be reviewed for public comment on:

Date: September 15th, 2008

Time: 10:00 AM

Place: The State Library of Ohio

Directions: http://www.winslo.state.oh.us/publib/libdir.html

Please confirm if you will be attending this session by sending an email to the following link:

oec_asp@...

Autism Statehouse Rally 2009 to be held in collaboration with ARC Ohio! Mark your calendars!

The Arc of Ohio and Disability Advocates, Administrators, and Providers from across the state will gather on March 31 and April 1, 2009 for a collaborative legislative event. March 31st will be held at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in Columbus with speakers/sessions on issues related to services and supports for people with disabilities and their families. April 1st will be a Rally on the Ohio Statehouse Lawn. The Autism Community and the MR/DD Community will join forces in 2009 rather than having two separate rallies for MR/DD Awareness Month in March and Autism Awareness Month in April! Please contact us through return email or call Jodi in The Arc of Ohio office at (800) 875-2723, Ext. 110 if you or your organization would like to participate in the planning and sponsorship of this major legislative event. The Autism Society of Ohio, The Autism Society of Central Ohio and Autism Speaks are the first three organizations to join in the collaboration.

NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference RegistrationThe Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.What: 2008 NATTAP ConferenceWhen: November 19-21, 2008Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OHEarly Bird Rate: $185Parent/Family Member Rate: $100Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org

The Autism Society of Ohio has provided a grant to OCALI reducing the registration rate for parents from last year's $185 to $100 for all three days of the conference! Register NOW!

Federal Update

From the Disability Policy Collaboration, Capitol Insider

Long Term Services and Supports/ Waiting Lists: Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Grassley (R-IA) introduced the Empowered at Home Act, S. 3327. The bill has four basic parts. First, it will improve the Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) state plan option by giving states more flexibility in determining eligibility and by increasing the services states can offer under the program. This is expected to create greater options for individuals in need of long-term supports. In return states could no longer cap enrollment and services would have to be offered throughout the entire state. The other three sections would address: spousal impoverishment protections for the HCBS option; tax-related provisions to support caregivers and promote purchase of private long-term care insurance; and grants for states to invest in organizations and systems that can help to ensure a sufficient supply of workers, promote health, and ensure more consumer-centered HCBS. Both Senators Kerry and Grassley are members of the Senate Finance Committee and Sen. Grassley is the Ranking Minority Member of the Committee which would have jurisdiction over the bill.

Education: The Arc and UCP, as part of the Consortium for Citizen’s with Disabilities (CCD), submitted detailed comments in response to the May 13 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding 34 CFR Part 300, Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities and Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities. The Arc and UCP have been particularly concerned with two portions of the proposed rules: parental revocation of consent for special education and related services and parental representation rights by non attorneys. Both of these provisions can have a huge impact on the receipt of a free and appropriate education for special education students. Their comments are posted on The Arc’s public policy webpage at http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1218

Federal Deficit: The Bush Administration released figures on the projections for the federal deficit for 2008 and 2009. The Office of Management and Budget now projects deficits of $389 billion and $482 billion, respectively. This figure is significantly higher than the final 2007 deficit of $162 billion. The deficit, coupled with rising costs of health care and retirement of the baby boom generation are expected to generate proposals to cut benefits or raise taxes to pay for the growing costs of Medicaid and Social Security in the next Congress.

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

Take part in the ASA online art exhibit - upload your art today!

To celebrate the creativity and diversity of the autism community, theAutism Society of America is sponsoring a unique online art exhibition at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=IIJ2Xs1hadjBGwv6DtL0oQ.. .You're invited to upload art at created by individuals on the autismspectrum to the online exhibit and help us raise awareness that peoplewith autism can realize their utmost potential!Visit http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=p0JMveGtHpuSUVlcLWFk0Q.. for instructions on how to upload art to the ASA online art exhibition.Visit http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=H0kmejhJljGFS_tOTogo8A.. to tell a friend.The ASA online art exhibition is just one of the ways we'reworking to help better the lives of those living with autism throughnew advocacy strategies to raise autism awareness, early diagnosis andintervention, and treatment guided research. We look forward to receiving your art submission and to having youvisit our online exhibition at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ShLqmO9RLV6n7o_DGNk35Q..that celebrates how people with autism are special in so manyways. Thank you again for being a friend and helping us to advance our vitalmission to improve the quality of life for every American affected byautism, and their families.

AUTISM AWARENESS NIGHT WITH THE CLIPPERS benefits ASA Central Ohio, Autism Speaks

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2008Clippers vs. Richmond-7:05 PM

Pre-Game Party in Dysart Park behind Right Field Fence: 6:00-7:00 PMFood & Beverage items for $1.50 each.Purchase tickets at Gate #1 Ticket Window and enter Gate #6 for pre-game party.

KIDS EAT FREE - 1st 1,000 youth age 12 & younger will receive a voucher good for a hot dog,snack and kids’ soft drink!

$10.00 ADMITS THE FAMILY OF UPTO 2 ADULTS & 4 CHILDRENTO GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING!

Portion of proceeds benefit Autism Awareness - ASA Central Ohio and Autism Speaks

Contact ASA Central Ohio: Pat Cloppert (patcloppert@...) or Autism Speaks: Doug Krinsky (yogi1125@...) for the $10 coupon.

8th Annual ASA Greater Cincinnati Evening at the Children's MuseumJoin us for an evening at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum at Union Terminal when we will have the Children’s Museum reserved for our families to enjoy. All families are welcome to join us as we celebrate the end of a wonderful summer and the beginning of a successful new school year. There is no charge, but you must make a reservation. We will not be sending out tickets. Your name will be placed on a reservation list. To make a reservation, please call (513-561-2300) or email (asgc@... ) the ASGC office with your name, number attending and a contact phone number.Date: August 6, 2008 Time: 6:30-9:00pm

4Bridges4Kids Fundraiser to benefit ASA Greater Cincinnati

http://www.4bridges4kids.org/

ASA Greater Cleveland presents Program about bullying/autism

Dear Friends of Autism Society of Greater Cleveland: We invite you to attend our meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at The Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, 8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH 44141. Free child care is available. We are very pleased to welcome Brown, who will speak on school bullying. is known to many educators in the United States, Canada and in the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia for his dramatic anti-bullying films like "Broken Toy", "Scars," "But Names Will Never Hurt Me" and more. He is in the process of producing his latest films about bullying autistic children. It is Brown's goal that his new films will both enlighten children about autism and the importance of treating everyone, even those who are different or misunderstood, with fairness and understanding. We look forward to seeing you Tuesday. If you plan on using our child care, please RSVP at (216) 556-4937. Please feel free to contact us Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM with any questions or concerns. Thank you.Eileen HawkinsAdministrator - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

Dayton ASA Newsletter

Great events coming from the Dayton ASA! Visit their website at http://www.daytonautismsociety.org/ to check them out or email them at infodaytonautismsociety (DOT) org to get your own copy of their newsletter!

News from the ASA

Easter Seals, ASA, and AUCD Present for State LegislatorsASA presented in conjunction with Easter Seals and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities in New Orleans last week at the National Conference of State Legislatures. The session, entitled "Federal and State Public Policy Activities in Autism," included Pratt, ASA Board of Directors chair and director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Katy Beh Neas and Rozell of Easter Seals, Kim Musheno of AUCD, and moderator Blanco of the Louisiana University Center for Excellence. It was attended by state legislators nationwide. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=x0LP6T_Iz4aSmC2-MAZkWw..

Department of Justice Proposes Changes in ADA RegulationsThe Department of Justice recently issued major proposed revisions toits regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA). Some of DOJ's changes are excellent, andurgently needed. However, there are also many changes that wouldradically reduce the rights of people with disabilities to accessiblefacilities. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=7ngAKWFfe6u3LKP_rH5kcw..

Autism's Social Struggles Due to Disrupted Communication Networks in Brain, Carnegie Mellon Study SaysNew research from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on the neuralmechanisms that are responsible for social difficulties associatedwith autism, and on the workings of these social brain mechanisms.According to the study, published in the journal "Social Neuroscience,"inefficient pathways for transmitting information between certainbrain regions are to blame. The research implicates abnormalities inthe brain's inter-regional communication system, which connects thegray matter's computing centers. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=qREH0PQhHT8wDT_5GIVaiw.. Caltech and UNC Research Finds Further Evidence for Genetic Contribution to AutismSome parents of children with autism have a different way ofevaluating facial expressions--in a way that is strikinglysimilar to patients with autism themselves, according to new researchby neuroscientist Ralph Adolphs of the California Institute ofTechnology and psychiatrist Joe Piven at the University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=aNg-wdsIaPBZvoid_HnwnQ..

Watch Me Learn® Releases New CurriculumWith the help of educators and behavioral researchers, Watch Me Learn®has produced a new video-based curriculum, to provide a tool capableof supporting full integration of a child's home, school andprivate programming. The new series is called About Me and You. The first video in the series was released July 15, 2008, and the companyexpects to produce a new DVD every 4-6 weeks. Each features chapteredskills lessons, which are "modeled" in three instructionallevels. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=pZTdEM5cBtT3ZMD4HHtfQw..

ASA National Conference Recordings AvailableRecordings of ASA's 2008 National Conference sessions arecurrently available for purchase. Keynotes from Dr. Hendren,Dr. Ball, and Dr. Temple Grandin will be available for freeviewing online soon - stay tuned for more information. ASA would liketo thank its sponsors for making this event possible: MetDesk, theEden Family of Services, the New England Center for Children, DynaVoxMayer-, Advance Newsmagazines, J.B. Autism Consulting, DirectLaboratory Services, Inc., the Center for Autism and RelatedDisorders, and InfiniFleurs. Order Conference Recordings: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=GHP1ibfo6KR8TM9Q6ZFzyQ.. And don't forget to save the date for next year's conference, July 22-25, 2009, at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. , Ill., outside of Chicago.New Book Details ABA Successes"Triumphs in Early Autism Treatment" offers a wealth of insight and hopeto both parents and clinicians. This book documents the latestresearch that shows children who receive Applied Behavior Analysistreatment consistently progressing in skill development. A must-readfor parents and clinicians, this book is the first to document "bestoutcome" case studies using exclusively ABA treatment. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=PPTo_36ZUiVdNRqVOd4uAg..

Space Cartoon Helps Kids with Autism to Identify a Galaxy of EmotionsAn animation studio in the United Kingdom has released thecountry's first commercial cartoon series and computer gamedesigned for young children on the autism spectrum. The Space Place,by Catalyst Video Ltd., features 12 computer-animated stories focusingon the link between emotions and facial expression. Eight characters,all lunar vehicles, come to life after their space museum closes itsdoors for the night. Their computerized faces form definiteexpressions that are central to the story and the dialogue. Theanimation series is narrated by Rob Rackstraw, the voice behind "Bobthe Builder's" Spud. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=BP8G_Wt66Ze3eJwr9fGpDQ. .Walk a Mile in His ShoesWith the number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrumdisorders on the rise, all of us are likely to interact withindividuals on the autism spectrum every day. Thus, it's important tobe educated about the subject and what better way than to "walk amile" in the shoes of a person with autism. Written formiddle-school-age kids, Joanna Keating-Velasco's latest book, "In HisShoes," details highlights of the school year of Nick, a 13-year-oldboy with autism. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=-PYCwgHk2oV4si7wQ_jtHw.. Social Network for Those Affected by AutismWeAreAutism.org, the place for people living with autism, is thenewest social support network from the WeAre.Us platform--theleading platform of medical social support networks. WeAreAutism.orgoffers much of the same capability set as larger social networks likeMySpace and Facebook, but within a safe environment in which usersknow they are sharing private details of their trials and tribulationswith only those who can genuinely relate and understand. Tools aregeared towards support and health tracking, engendering a sense oftrust and community. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=q0asyJJbrFALnK6uvGaPEg..

Resource for Akron Area Families

Forwarded to you by NAA-NEO

Press Release

The Autism Family Foundation of Northeast Ohio will be hosting the second round of grants for the families of students with Autism on August 7, 2008 at Schnee Learning Center on 2222 Issaquah Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221.

The eligilibity requirements for grants will be discussed as well as break out sessions for parents to share what is needed to assist families affected by Autism. Last year $5,500.00 was awarded to families as well as teachers. This year a total of $ 5,750.00 will be provided with a cap of $500.00 per grant.

The Foundation's mission is to provide financial as well as emotional support for family members dealing with Autism. They will also be establishing a North East Ohio school-wide initiative for philanthropic service projects for organizations titled " Angels For Autism" for the Foundation.

A website is being developed to address our mission, donation base , and volunteer base.

For more information please contact Martucci, Treasurer ( 330) 688-1028Barb Hudak, President ( 330) 864-4414

ODE Statewide Special Education Leadership Conference The Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) is hosting the 2nd annual Special Education Leadership Conference on September 24-25, 2008 at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus http://www.aladdinshrine.org/. This event is designed to provide special education directors in public schools and community schools, as well as other leaders in Ohio’s special education system, the opportunity to learn of changes in Ohio’s special education policies and programs, including the revised Operating Standards and OEC monitoring plan, and to meet our new director, Kathe Shelby! Registration Information will be posted on the ODE Web site http://www.ode.state.oh.us and sent out on this list-serv soon. Registrants will be submitting their registrations via mail only (not STARS). The PDF registration form can be completed by typing directly on the downloaded form before printing it. Registration deadline is September 12, 2008. Payment: Checks only. No purchase orders will be accepted. Payment must accompany the registration form. Conference Fee: $45 Make check payable to: Treasurer, State of OhioMail check with completed registration form to: ODE, Office for Exceptional ChildrenSpecial Education ConferenceMail Stop 20325 South Front StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215-4183 Checks received without a registration form or past the deadline will be returned. Conference registration is limited to 1500. Breakout session seating is limited to 1230. All sessions selections will be filled on a first-registered, first-served basis. During the conference there will be information displays and networking areas available in the lobby if your session selections are not available. We are requesting that each district/agency send only their key leadership person responsible for LEA special education compliance so that each district/agency will have an opportunity to attend. The information presented at the conference will be posted on the Ohio Department of Education Web site after the conference. Hotels Several hotels in the area have offered group rates for a limited number of rooms to our conference attendees. Many of the area hotels do provide shuttle service to the Easton Town Center. A list of hotels within 7 miles of the conference is attached to this email. The Experience Columbus Web site has information about the Columbus area and allows you to search for additional hotel locations: http://www.experiencecolumbus.com/main.cfm?nav=t

New Book from AAPC

More Than Little Professors-Children with Asperger Syndrome: In Their Own Words by Barrett Mann, M.S. Ed.$18.95

July 2008, ISBN 9781934575253Audience (i.e. age, profession) kids, young adults, adults This collection of quotes, stories, poems, and essays from children with Asperger Syndrome, ages 2-17, offers us a glimpse into their daily lives, relationships, challenges, and victories, from their own perspective. Twenty years ago, only a few academics even knew the term "Asperger Syndrome." Today, this high functioning autism spectrum disorder is one of the most rapidly growing diagnoses among school children. Unfortunately, while the American public's awareness of this disorder is also growing, their understanding of it is lagging behind. Journalists tend to focus on the most heart-wrenching cases. Popular television shows exaggerate (or even make up) symptoms for comedic effect. And the average person on the street, if asked about Asperger Syndrome, is still most likely to reply "Oh yeah, isn't that like 'Rain Man?'" The truth is, most kids with Asperger Syndrome are intelligent and very verbal, but have challenges in social skills and certain facets of communication. Many have special interests that they study intensely and like to "lecture" on. But these children also vary tremendously. They are amazing, loving, complicated individuals-far more than cookie-cutter "little professors." In More Than Little Professors, parent and Asperger's specialist Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed., leads us through the children's works, explaining common characteristics of this autism spectrum disorder, and sharing her unique insight on life with these sometimes baffling, but always fascinating children and youths.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9009.htm

Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA) Conference, September, 2008 The conference is scheduled for September 16th and 17th and will be held at the University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, Ohio. The conference title is “What People REALLY Want†and once again there is an array of exciting and informative speakers! The conference will also be hosting a vendor area where entrepreneurs will be displaying and selling their products. We are excited to announce that Hill from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be speaking on Wednesday but will be available throughout the entire conference for informal discussions. People First of Ohio will also be celebrating their 10 Year Anniversary. Please review the conference brochure and don’t delay in sending in your registration. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!

http://www.ohiosda.org/Conference/2008Conf.pdf

Autism College Transition Program - Columbus State Community College

This is being done through a collaboration of CSCC and Educational Service Center of lin County. This year is its pilot year.Here is a link to the Educational Service Center of lin County.Educational Service Center of lin CountyA student with Aspergers, HFA, or PDD-NOS must have completed their high school requirements but elect not to graduate. A special education student can remain essentially school eligible until age 22 but they have to make sure they request not to graduate. The students will take courses at Columbus State and be provided many support type services. The student will have to pay for the classes at Columbus State but not the support services. A student could go through the financial aid office for help with tuition costs and books to see if they would be eligible. The program is set up for 5 to 8 students and 5 students are already on board.Contact info:Melinda Reames - Melinda.Reames@ fces.orgWayne Cocchi (CSCC) - 287-2629

Mental Health Aspects: Treatment and Support -- Ohio’s MH/MR Annual Conference, Sept. 3 & 4

Mental Health Aspects, Treatment and Support, the sixth annual conference for professionals and others focusing on mental health and mental retardation issues, will be held at the Crowne Plaza North Hotel in Columbus, Ohio, September 3 - 4, 2008. The conference, in collaboration with the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD), is sponsored by: Ohio Department of Mental Health (ODMH)

Ohio Coordinating Center of Excellence in MI/MRDD

Ohio Department of Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities (ODMRDD)

Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities

According to advance conference materials, the following would benefit from the conference: Administrators • Psychologists • Direct Care Providers • Physicians • Educators • Residential Providers • Family Members • Social Workers • Nurses • Students • Persons with Disabilities • Vocational Staff • Psychiatrists.

The NADD is a not-for-profit membership association established for professionals, care providers and families to promote understanding of and services for individuals who have developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The mission of NADD is to advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care. NADD sponsors regional, annual and international conferences, and provides consultation services.

For more information on NADD visit www.thenadd.org

Northeast Ohio Autism Group Mini-Golf Tournament!

Saturday, August 9

(rain date August 16)

9:45 am to 12:00 noon

Chip's Clubhouse

214 5th Avenue, Chardon, OH 44024

This event is open to all children and adults with autism and their families.(The course will opening early for us to better accommodate the needs of those in our group.)

This is a fun outing, not a fundraiser... Chip's Clubhouse is offering a discounted rate of $3.50 for children (11 and under) and $4.50 per adults, payable at the door.

We will be having a shotgun start in order to reduce the wait timeand there will be FREE ICE CREAM FOR THE GOLFERS!

Participants must register beforehand withNortheast Ohio Autism Group at440.488.3473 or neoag@... by August 3.

(space is limited to ensure small wait times)

NORTHEAST OHIO AUTISM GROUP (NEOAG) IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

THAT PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH AUTISM IN NORTHEAST OHIO.ALL MONIES RAISED THROUGH FUNDRAISING AND DONATIONS STAY

LOCAL TO HELP THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

Premier edition of the Autism Spectrum News.http://www.mhnews-autism.org/back_issues/ASN-Fall2008.pdf#zoom=100

ADA Audio Conference Series: ADA Amendments Act/ADA Restoration Act

Individuals who wish to come to Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in Columbus, OH, to participate in the following session for free should register with ADA-OHIO by August 5. Please register by sending an email to adaohio@..., and provide your name, agency, address, telephone number, and email address.

For all other participants, please contact DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center at www.ada-audio.org, and choose the ADA Audio Conference Series Option, or contact Great Lakes by email at gldbtac@... or by telephone at 312-413-1407 (V/TTY).

The Network of Regional DBTAC-ADA Centers is pleased to announce a special session of the ADA Audio Conference Series that will focus on the ADA Amendments Act/ADA Restoration Act. This session will be held on a special date and time.

DATE: August 12, 2008

TIME: 12:00-1:30 pm Eastern Time (11-12:30 pm Central, 10-11:30 am Mountain and 9-10:30 am Pacific)

SESSION DESCRIPTION: It has been a year since the ADA Restoration Act was introduced in both the House and the Senate. The intent of this legislation was to address the interpretations of the law by the US Supreme Court that negatively impacted the ability of thousands of Americans with Disabilities from exercising their rights under the ADA . Over the past year the House has passed legislation known as the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (HR 3195) and the Senate is in the process of considering their version of the bill (S 1881). There has been a great deal of discussion via generated on listservs, email and blogs regarding the compromise language used in the ADA Amendments Act and questions raised by advocates, members of Congress and the business community. Join us for this special session of the ADA Audio Conference series to learn more about the legislation, the perspectives of the employment community and how the definition of disability would impact Title I cases of discrimination.

SPEAKERS: Andy Imparato, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

P. Aitken, Director of Governmental Affairs, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

M. , Commissioner, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

FEE: $25.00 Per Site for Telephone ; $15.00 Per Connection for Streaming Audio via the Internet and $15.00 Real-Time Captioning via the Internet*

(*No charge for Real-time captioning provided as a reasonable accommodation at sites where Telephone or Streaming Audio are utilized)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Go on-line to www.ada-audio.org and choose the ADA Audio Conference Series Option or contact us by email at gldbtac@... or by telephone at 312-413-1407 (V/TTY)

This program is hosted by the DBTAC – Great Lakes ADA Center (www.adagreatlakes.org)

Hattie Larlham to open new accessible play space - Play Connection

Dear Parents & Caregivers -

Hattie Larlham is gearing up to open our new accessible play space - Play Connection. This is a 7,000 sq ft play space that we hope to have open to the public by early 2009. It will include an early learner area, music, art, pretend play, building and area for children of all abilities to move and play.

With this in mind we would like to get your thoughts and feedback on how you might like to use this play space with your family. We have created a survey to collect your input - please click on the link below to complete the survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DykDRNz9Te09Bx2a8QEYbw_3d_3d

Feel free to pass this email along to other families that you know - the more input we receive the better - in this way we can help create a warm and welcoming community space for all children to enjoy.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Keep Playing!

Ingrid

Ingrid M. Kanics, OTR/LTherapy DirectorHattie Larlham9772 Diagonal RoadMantua, OH 442251-800-233-8611x 3034Fax: 330-732-2505Ingrid.Kanics@...www.hattielarlham.org

Self Advocates Speakers Bureau looking for Speakers

Dear all 88 county boards of MRDD And Self-Advocacy groups. Brown - Owner of Brown-Cooley Associations in Self-Determination out of Fairfield County and a Associate of hers from Lucas County Ohio are working together to create a statewide-Speakers bureau

Why? Because both and say that the voices of people with disabilities in the MRDD System needs improved they said. They commented how Individuals like themselves and other individual Self-Advocates live in the system and know what it feels like of what is going well, needs improved or changed. said the Speakers bureaus mission is to have individuals going out across the state to raise the voice of local, county, state and legislative issues affecting the lives of people with MRDD. They are looking to interview Self-Advocates from All 6 regional areas as how the Superintendents Association is set out and will work to have this on the ground sometime in 2009.If you are interested in applying for one of the positions please send your Resume and Cover letter to Brown Brown-Cooley Associates in Self-Determination Address: 651-C Lakeview Plaza Blvd. Worthington OH. 43085. You can also call Brown @ 740-653-2391 or E-mail her at Christi628@... If you are interested. We will be waiting for your response

TOY & RESOURCE CENTER The Toy & Resource Center is going in an exciting new direction thanks to a grant from the United Way of Summit County. We are addressing School Readiness, and have many new things planned. This newsletter is part of keeping you up to date on what the TRC is doing. We have planned story times, and seminars to assist you in getting your children ready to learn. We are offering families ASQ Questionnaires to track your children’s developmental progress and to make suggestions on activities to do at home. Our toys and resources are here to assist your children in learning through play. The United Way grant has also provided money for memberships for families who otherwise would not be able to afford it. . Please refer families who you think would benefit from the vouchers and this program. We are excited to be a part of your child’s journey to school!Schedule of EventsAugust 13th Storytime from 1-2pm (It will be the second Wednesday of each month at this time!) Anyone with children birth to five is welcome to join us. Pre-registration is necessary. We are also looking for volunteers to help during story time. Story time will be focused around a curriculum called Read, Play, Learn! These program materials will be available for loan as well. We will be reading “The Kissing Handâ€, by Audrey Penn, “I am too absolutely small for schoolâ€, by Child, and “It’s Time for School Stinky Face†by McCourt. We will be doing some craft activities, and sending home activities relating to separation and school. Please register at mcrockett@... or call (330) 762-9755.August 20th 10 – Noon School Readiness WorkshopWhat can you do as a parent to start preparing your child for school? KRA-L Information and Early Learning Content Standards will be discussed.Please register at mcrockett@... or call (330) 762-9755.The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has developed a brief assessment tool, the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment – Literacy (KRA-L), that will help teachers identify early reading skills. The KRA-L is required of all children entering kindergarten in public schools for the first time. The assessment measures skill areas important to becoming a successful reader. It also helps teachers plan for experiences and lessons that encourage reading. For more information go to the Ohio Department of Education’s website at:http://www.ode.state.oh.us or search keyword: KRA-LWe now have Kindermusik kits available! “ABC Music and Me†is a music enrichment program for 2 – 4 year olds. Research shows that music improves memory, cognitive development, and learning skills. These kits are set up for a group of eight, but can be used one on one or in larger groups with extra instruments. Each kit has two lessons inside. Kits focus on various areas such as coordination, musical exploration, physical activity, agility, fine motor skills, cooperative play, observation, social skills, imagination, independence, body control, and creativity.Great website to check out:www.starfall.com“Long before children knock on the kindergarten door – during the crucial period from birth to five when humans learn more than during any other five year period – forces have already been put in place that encourage some children to “shine†and fulfill their potential in school and life while other forces stunt the growth and development of children who have just as much potential.†H. Hodgkinson, author of Leaving Too Many Children BehindPlease feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone who may benefit from the programs at the Toy & Resource Center. Also, please reply if you do not wish to receive these newsletters in the future. CrockettToy & Resource Center SupervisorUnited Disability Services701 South Main StreetAkron, Ohio 44311330-762-9755330-762-0912 (fax)Visit us at www.udsakron.org

New Book from AAPC: The Chameleon Kid - Controlling Meltdown Before He Controls You by Elaine M. Larson$17.95 June 2008, ISBN 9781934575222Audience (i.e. age, profession) Children 4-10 years old An occasional meltdown is a reality of childhood for most children. But for a child with Asperger Syndrome or high-functioning autism, meltdowns are often more frequent, explosive and long-lasting events. In The Chameleon Kid, an illustrated children's story, Elaine Marie Larson suggests ways children on the high end of the autism spectrum can attempt to approach and control their meltdowns before the meltdowns take control of them.

The chameleon adapts his color to his surroundings as well as to his mood and communication needs. Much like the chameleon, the child on the autism spectrum can adapt to his surroundings by altering his behavior in dealing with the emotions that precede a meltdown. By practicing the techniques in The Chameleon Kid, children can learn to eliminate Meltdown, depicted as a monster, or at least reduce its hold on him.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9010.htm

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