Guest guest Posted April 7, 2008 Report Share Posted April 7, 2008 Dear Friend of ASO: WOW! Lots of information in this week's digest. Guess that's what happens when we skip a week for Spring Break. Please share! NEWS FROM ASO Autism Insurance Parity Hearing before Ohio House Insurance committee Another hearing took place on April 1 on Autism Insurance Parity before the House Insurance Committee. Parent Doug Krinsky testified on specific costs of the legislation. Parents Melville, Carl Baumgartner and Marla Root testified regarding their own personal stories - they were all passionate and articulate! There were some specific questions from members regarding costs and the impact on businesses. Members heard testimony, but did not vote on the bill after the hearing. ASO Co- President met with members of the House Insurance Committee after the Autism Awareness Rally on April 2nd. Members were very sympathetic and supportive of the issues that parents are facing. However, they are also very concerned about the business climate in Ohio. There is concern over Ohio's average unemployment rate being higher than the national average, that the average income in Ohio is 10% less than the national average, and that there are currently at least 4 insurance type mandates pending in committee. While the Autism coverage mandate may only raise costs an average of <1%, they are concerned about the cumulative effect these types of mandates will have on small businesses - expecially given the passage of mental health parity last session. The independent Autism Insurance Parity Committee is working hard to get information from other states that can address the concerns of our Ohio legislators. Please visit our website and we will keep you posted. We will be sending out additional information shortly. If you would like to receive this information directly, as well as other action alerts, please sign up by registering on the upper right hand corner at our website www.autismohio.org. Autism Awareness Rally held April 2 at the Ohio Statehouse! We had another beautiful day for the Autism Awareness Rally at the Statehouse. For pictures and a complete write up on the events at the statehouse, visit our website at www.autismohio.org. NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference RegistrationThe Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.What: 2008 NATTAP ConferenceWhen: November 19-21, 2008Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OHEarly Bird Rate: $185Parent/Family Member Rate: $100Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org The Autism Society of Ohio has provided a grant to OCALI reducing the registration rate for parents from last year's $185 to $100 for all three days of the conference! Register NOW! 2008 ASA National ConferenceJuly 9-12, 2008Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention CenterOrlando, Florida 2008 Keynoters: Temple Grandin, Ph.D., Bob Hendren, D.O., & Ball, Ph.D., BCBA The Autism Society of America recognizes that families and individuals living with an autism spectrum disorder have a range of issues and needs. The National Conference of the Autism Society of America is the only conference that addresses the range of issues, including early intervention, education, employment, behavior, communication, social skills, biomedical interventions and others, across the entire lifespan. Bringing together the expertise and experiences of family members, professionals and individuals on the spectrum, attendees are able to learn how to more effectively advocate and obtain supports for the individual with ASD. The ultimate goal is to empower family members, individuals on the spectrum and professionals to make informed decisions. Registration & Conference Schedule Go to www.autism-society.org/conference for the detailed 2008 ASA National Conference schedule. All session descriptions and speakers are now listed online, with over 200 speakers and 150 sessions. Be sure to register for the conference online by May 1, 2008, to take advantage of Early Bird Registration prices (Individuals on the Spectrum: $150 & Full Conference Attendees: $220). Exhibitors Don't miss your opportunity to exhibit at the largest autism conference in the U.S. this year. Network with professionals, families, service providers and more. For more information, contact Meg Ellacott, 2008 ASA National Conference Exhibit Director, at ellacott@... or 302.260.9487. Be sure to secure your spot now. Respite Child Care Bring your entire family. Orlando is a great family vacation location. ASA is partnering with Quest, Inc., to provide respite care onsite. For more information, contact ASA at conference@.... Continuing Education Credits BCBA, ASHA and CME credits are available. For session information, contact Autism Society of America at conference@.... The Autism Research Institute presents the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Clinician Seminar for professionals on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. For information about the conference, contact Autism Society America Conference Department at conference@... or call 301.657.0881, ext. 10. Upcoming Events, Resources, etc: - Central Ohio Autism Society April Meeting to feature Barron, Columbus - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland Chili Cook-Off - Dayton Autism Society's 1st annual 5K Walk and Information Expo - Upcoming Activities Tri-County Autism Society, Youngstown Area - Sixth Annual Walk for Autism 5K, Gallipolis - SE Ohio ASA Chapter Rocks for Autism - Bacon to speak at Beyond Us Group Meeting, Columbus - Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati Activities - Autism Society of NW Ohio Activities - Billboards share message about autism - Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America - OSU Wrestling & MRWOA Present — Wrestle Against Autism May 17, 2008 - Employment: Through Social Capital, Kent State University - An Insider's Perspective on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome: Bridging the Gap Between Understanding and Intervention, Cleveland/Beechwood - Upcoming Activities/Presentations - Akron/Canton Area - Presentation: There are no IEPs in College, Columbus - Classes Presented by The O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cincinnati - Join the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) for the First RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland - Her Name is Sabine DVD/World Autism Awareness Month - Education Workbooks - Designed for Children with Autism - Events from Tools for Today, Cleveland - MRDD FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING, Columbus - ABA Training tailored for the public school setting from Milestones, Cleveland - Kentucky Autism Training Center - 2008 Autism Institute, Louisville, KY - Build your Own Care Notebook - Kent State Autism Conference June 26/27, 2008 - The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference, Cleveland - Dayton Autism/Asperger Resource Network's Next Meeting Will Be April 7th. - Planning For Your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial Future, Athens - Autism the Musical comes to HBO - Autism Society of NW Ohio has updated Website - Celebrate National Autism Awareness Month with AAPC - Greater Akron Chapter Autism Society - product and clothing store - Bounce - music therapy DVD's online - S.M.I.L.E. Summer Camp, Greater Cleveland and Akron - News from the ASA CNN Classroom Edition: "Autism is a World" "Autism: Through the Lens of the Social Sciences" Conference Registration Open for TASH 2008 Web Conference Series NADD Teleconference Series "Weather Reports from the Autism Front" New Communication Web Site Launches "Picture Dialogue" Sets Help Spark Interaction in Children on the Autism Spectrum ASA Chapters Attend Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating (IACC) Committee Session - Autism Inservice - Living With Autism, Fremont - Transition of Students With Disabilities To Post-Secondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators - The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - ARTICLE: ONE SIZE FITS ONE - New Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators - Appeal and Information on Autism Awareness from the ASA - Autism Presentation, OCALI - Greater Akron Area - Rock the Puzzle for Autism April 26, Cleveland - Solving the Social Equation in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Midland PA - Challenger Baseball, Barberton, Tallmadge and Canton - Win Prizes and Contribute to Autism Research!! - New Books from Kingsley Publishers If you are interested in participating in research projects, ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys". Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.Sincerely,The Autism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled. Central Ohio Autism Society April Meeting to feature Barron, Columbus Our April meeting will be on Wednesday, April 30, at the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center at North Broadway and Indianola, in another partnership with the Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center. Barron will be coming to speak to young adults on the autism spectrum and their parents for the Aspirations Recap meeting. He will have dinner with the young adults from 6 and 7 and speak to everyone from 7:30 to 8:30. Our chapter is helping to financially support his visit. You are invited to hear his presentation to families. is an adult with ASD, an author, and a reporter for the Youngstown Vindicator. Future Horizons published the two the books he co-authored:https://www.fhautism.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi Autism Society of Greater Cleveland CHILI COOK-OFF FOR AUTISM TUESDAY APRIL 8TH6 PM TO 9 PMTERRACE CLUB OF PROGRESSIVE FIELDIN CLEVELAND, OHIO RAFFLES, SILENT AUCTIONS, DOOR PRIZES!25 DIFFERENT KINDS OF DELICIOUS CHILI¢S TO TASTE!ENTERTAINMENT THROUGOUT THE EVENING BY ACE MOLAR! ONLY $20 SUGGESTED DONATION PER TICKET TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE!DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIPS ARE ALSO WELCOME! Please visit WWW.ASGC.ORG for more information. Dayton Autism Society's 1st annual 5K Walk and Information Expo Just a friendly reminder!There's less than 5 weeks until the Dayton Autism Society's 1st annual 5K Walk and Information Expo!Register now to secure your FREE walk t-shirt!Registration is only $15/person. Register online at www.daytonautismsociety.org or request a registration form from infodaytonautismsociety (DOT) org. The form is also in the files section of the Dayton United Against Autism listserv. We will have fun, FREE activities for the kids including a moonwalk from Busy Bouncing, Bis-cuts the clown doing balloon animals, Ron Remy the Magician, and lots of fun games and activities brought to you by UDSEAT (University of Dayton Students for Effective Autism Treatment)! For the adults, we'll have vendors with autism-related information and merchandise, as well as raffles throughout the day. We will have some surprise mascots and athletes on hand to sign autographs and take photos. We'll also have concessions throughout the day with Panera bagels, Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches, and GF/CF choices for those on the diet. Bring your wagons and strollers and join us for the walk, or just come to the activities. If it rains, all activities will be moved inside, INCLUDING the walk! No worries, just fun for everyone!Please sign up now! When we're out of shirts, we're out of shirts! Create a team or walk solo, everyone's invited! Come out and have a great day with your family. Bernotaitisbernofamgmail(937) 859-4964 home(937) 286-5615 cellDayton Autism Societywww.daytonautismsociety.orga 501©(3) non-profit Upcoming Activities Tri-County Autism Society For more information on any of these activities - contact triautism@... Bowling - Saturday- April 19, 2008 Camelot Lanes 628 Boardman-Canfield Rd Boardman, OH 44420 Time: 6:00 P.M. Pizza will be provided Please RSVP to Dan Gallagher at 330-720-2066 Email: triautism@...Or Aiello 330-799-7523 if you plan on attending Wednesday- March 19, 2008 Wednesday- April 16, 2008 Regular Meetings Officer nominations- April Time: 7:00 p.m. meeting Social: 8:30 ITAM Club- Second floor 115 S. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509 Cedar Point Day Sponsored by: The ARC of Ohio Wednesday, May 21, 2008 RSVP: May 1, 2008 Dan Gallagher 330-720-2066 Email: triautism@... Cost: $23.00 per person Annual Golf Outing Monday June 23, 2008 More information to follow! Sixth Annual Walk for Autism 5KAutism is a disorder that affects an estimated 1 out of 150 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) What: Show your support for AutismMerchandise and resource information availableDoor Prizes, food and beverages, auctionWhen:Registration held on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 amRegistration fee $5.00 (waived if participant has sponsors)Guest speakers @ 10:45 amWalk starts @ 11:00 amAuction starts @ 12:00 pm Door prizes during the walkWhere:Gallipolis City Park- Gallipolis, OhioFor more information:(how to obtain walk brochures)H.O.P.E. Intervention740-645-3160, 740-742-3405, or 740-388-0191Unable to attend? Send donations:HOPE InterventionPO Box 727Gallipolis OH 45631 sjshort22@... SE Ohio ASA Chapter Rocks for AutismThe Southeastern Ohio Chapter of the Autism Society of America is hosting its first benefit event, "Rock for Autism" April 18 at the Baker Center Ballroom, 1 Park Place, Athens, Ohio. The event will be a benefit concert and silent auction of locally made artwork, crafts and donations from various local businesses. Several artists have already committed to donating their artwork. Read more - click here. Bacon to speak at Beyond Us Group Meeting Families of Aspirations participants formed an advocacy group called Beyond Us, for families of adults with Asperger Syndrome, HFA, and PDD-NOS. Its next meeting will be on Thursday, April 17, from 7 to 8:30 at the Central Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center, 470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus. State Representative Bacon will be speaking. He is the father of an 8-year-old daughter with PDD-NOS. Representative Bacon represents House District 21 which is located in northern lin County including parts of Columbus, Minerva Park, Township, Sharon Township and Worthington. The Columbus portion of District 21 includes much of Northland and all of Olde Sawmill. Representative Bacon introduced legislation recently enacted into law creating the Autism Diagnosis Education Pilot Program. Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati Activities ASGC Annual Awards Dinner – Tuesday, April 29rd (Note: DATE CHANGED!!)Location: Kenwood Baptist Church (8341 Kenwood Rd.)Guest Speaker: Flannery: Award winning TV news, entertainment and column writerFeaturing: Dinner at 6:00pm by Pompilio’s Restaurant and Art Work Display featuring the artwork of a number of children and adults with autism. Call the ASGC office if you have artwork you’d like to display.Awards Categories: Teacher, Paraprofessional, Autism Professional, Adult Service Provider, Volunteer, School Team, FEAT award, and Support Person ( Kynkor Award) See Page 2 for Award Nomination and Dinner Reservation Forms. Rooted in HopeASGC participates in this national tree-planting campaign that honors organizations that have provided exceptional support for individuals with autism. Contact ASGC if you know of a school, agency, or other organization deserving of the Tree Rooted In Hope award. “How Do I Know My Child is Getting the Right Treatment?†– Saturday, April 12Location: Drake Conference Center (151 W Galbraith Rd)Featuring: Dr. Ray Romanczyk, Professor of Clinical Psychology at SUNY Binghamton discussing effective intervention, selecting & prioritizing goals, effective assessment, decision making, and behavior assessment approaches. This full day workshop will take place from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM, and the registration ($50.00) must be returned by April 7th. Visit www.autismcincy.org for registration form and more information. Autism Society of NW Ohio Activities Mud Hens Game Come join us for an afternoon of fun. We are reserving a section of seats at Fifth Third Field behind the Mud Hen’s dugout for our families to sit together and enjoy the game. It will be Dora the Explorer Day so kids can meet-n- greet Dora the Explorer. Kids can get autographs from featured Mud Hens players before the game starts and after the game kids can run the bases. Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Autism Society for $8 per ticket (a one dollar discount per ticket.) There will be a limited number of seats for families with peanut allergies. Call the office for more information. When: Sunday, April 27 Game starts at 1 PM Where: Fifth Third Field 406 Washington Toledo, OH To purchase tickets: Call the office to arrange a time or buy them on our website www.asno.org . PLEASE purchase your tickets NO LATER THAN April 25. EXTRA: For every ticket you purchase, your loved one with autism will have a chance to win the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of the game. Promising New Treatments for Patients with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism Presenter: Dr. Berry-KravisRUSH University Medical CenterWhen: Tuesday, April 29, 2008Check in and dessert: 6 pmPresentation: 6:30 - 9 pmWhere: Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium(between the Jobst and McIntosh Towers at Toledo Hospital)2109 Drive, Toledo OHFor online directions: Go to promedica.org, highlight Hospitals, scroll down to The Toledo Hospital, then select Maps and Directions. IMPORTANT: There is no charge for this presentation, but pre-registration by Wednesday, April 24 is required. Please help us make this a successful event by pre-registering in a timely manner. To register: Please call 419-578-2766 or email asno.org@... with the names of the individuals attending and a contact phone number. Please indicate whether you are a parent or professional and what county you live in. Billboards share message about autism - Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America Faces of local children appear on 10 signs around Greater Akron. Parents hope to raise public awareness about common disorder By Carl Chancellor cchancellor@...Beacon Journal Published on Friday, Apr 04, 2008 The Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society has decided to put a face — make that faces — on the brain disorder that affects 1.5 million people in the United States, including about one of every 150 children. During April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, the Akron area's skyline will be dotted with 10 billboards featuring the faces of local children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability. In addition to the photographs, the outdoor advertisements will feature an educational message about this common, yet little understood, disorder. All 10 billboards prominently feature the tag line: ''Intelligent. Unique. Autism.'' Each billboard also has a secondary message such as: ''Speech can be harder with autism — Be patient,'' ''Making friends is harder with autism — Be a friend'' and ''People with autism see the world differently — Don't we all?'' Weaver, president of the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America, said the billboards are on display in Summit, Medina and Portage counties. The chapter also serves Stark and Wayne counties. ''We hope the billboards will help raise awareness and understanding of what autism is,'' Weaver said. A collaboration of the Autism Society and Clear Channel Outdoor advertising made the billboards possible, she said. Weaver, a Barberton resident, is the mother of two children. Her son , 13, has autism and is featured on one of the billboards. ''The message on his billboard — 'Seeing the world differently' — is so perfect for him,'' she said, explaining that her son has difficulty with ''communication skills.'' Autism can be mild to severe and not all autistic people are affected in the same way or have the same symptoms. In rare cases, autistic people display extraordinary abilities, like amazing memorization powers or playing an instrument without ever being taught. Weaver said her son began reading when he was 18 months old. According to the Autism Society, the cause of the disorder is unknown and there is no cure. Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh is active in the local autism chapter and, like Weaver, has a son with the disorder. ''Public awareness is the No. 1 goal of the billboards,'' Walsh said. ''As a parent, one of my biggest fears is that, once my 9-year-old son reaches middle school, he may be bullied and misunderstood because he is different.'' The thrust of Autism Awareness Month and of the billboard effort is to encourage the public to educate itself about the disorder and the challenges that autistic people face. The hope is that understanding will foster respect and the realization that with help, kindness, patience and encouragement, people with autism can show improvement. Walsh said one of her biggest hopes is that her son, when grown, will be able to live on his own and be self-sufficient. ''I want him to have friends and be accepted by people in the community,'' she said. '' . . . As parents, we try to do everything we can to make sure our children can fit into normal society, but maybe society should be more accepting of their world.'' For more information about the Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society of America, go to http://www.asagreaterakron.com or call 330-543-3955. OSU Wrestling & MRWOA Present — Wrestle Against Autism May 17, 2008Location: Ohio State University - French Field House (some bleacher seating - lawn chairs welcome) Start Times: Saturday May 17th, 2008 @ 10:00Entry Fee/Registration:$35 Pre-registration with shirt or $25 without shirt and $30 Day of weigh-ins. Shirts available for $15 day of the event. Admission is by donation. OSU Wrestlers and Coaching Staff available for autographs and pictures throughout the day. Send Registration (must be postmarked by May 9th) and Make Check Payable to: MRWOA 418 West Main St Saint Paris, OH 43072For information about rules and format, please see www.mrwoa.com. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUTTHE FIRST ANNUAL WRESTLE AGAINST AUTISM For more details & updates please visit: www.mrwoa.com www.thebuckeyewrestlingclub.com/ Location: Ohio State University French Field House (some bleacher seating, lawn chairs welcome) Start Times: Saturday May 17th, 2008 @ 10:00 Entry Fee/Registration: $35 Pre-registration w/shirt or $25 w/o shirt and $30 Day of weigh-ins. Shirts available for $15 day of the event. Admission is by donation only. OSU Wrestlers and Coaching Staff available for autographs and pictures throughout the day Send Registration (must be postmarked by May 9th) and Make Check Payable to: MRWOA 418 West Main Street, Saint Paris, OH 43072. Employment: Through Social Capital Kent State University, April 23, 2008, 9 a.m. – noon. One of a new series of seminars by the Hattie Larlham Research Institute. Al Condeluci, Ph.D. will lecture and then join a panel discussion entitled “Problems and Solutions in Employing People with Disabilitiesâ€. More information is available at www.hattielarlham.org/events/2008/lecture_social.htm .To register, call 1-800-233-8611 ext. 3013 or email phylliss.steiner@... . An Insider's Perspective on Autism & Asperger's Syndrome: Bridging the Gap Between Understanding and Intervention May 8 (Cleveland/Beachwood) and May 9 (Columbus), 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Deborah Lipsky who is diagnosed with HFA will speak. To register, go to www.health-ed.com or call 800-839-4584. Upcoming Activities/Presentations - Akron/Canton Area Thurs., 3/27 - SPARK Meeting.....general fellowship forum (opportunity for questions & discussions) Thurs., 4/3 - Circle of Friends....Anne Pilewskie formerly of OCALI/currently with Ohio School for the Blind with breakout sessions on various topics @ Walsh University, North Canton Tues., 4/15 - ASA+ASPIES+SPARK - Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid! Wed., 4/16 - Seminar on ADHD @ Walsh University, North Canton Wed., 4/16 - Spring Unskating Party @ Springfield Lake Roller Rink (6-8pm) Thurs., 4/17 - Summit Academy (Akron) Elementary & Middle School Open House Tues., 4/22 - OCECD Conference - Facilitated IEPS: Making Them Work for You (Sheraton in Independence) Friday, 4/25 - Summit Academy presenting Rick Lavoie "The Motivation Breathrough: 6 Secrets to Turning on the Tuned-Out Child" Tues., 4/29 - Akron Public Schools Transition Fair (transitioning kids to employment) For more information on any specific activity, contact Joy at Rreindeer@... There are no IEPs in College Please note: Registration is required so that adequate space for participants can be arranged. Please do not just show up for this session. If you live outside Columbus, OH, anywhere in the U.S., please see the last paragraph of this message for information on how to access the following ADA audio conference series session within your area of the country. The session will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 2-3:30 P.M., ET, (earlier time of day, depending on time zone) and will be presented by the DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center in Chicago, IL, via speaker phone. April 15th, 2008 » There are no IEPs in College Transitioning from high school to college is tough enough; for students with disabilities who may not know their rights and responsibilities under federal law, the experience can be even tougher. This presentation will compare the rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities in high school and in college. By understanding the differences, students, parents, teachers, counselors, service providers, and administrators can be better prepared and increase student's chances of graduating. Speaker: Kallem, Office of Equity and Diversity Services, Mason University Time: 2:00-3:30pm EDT, earlier depending on your time zone CEU Credits: CRCC The cost for the session is $25 for nonprofits and $40 for other entities for each location, regardless of the number of participants at each location (multiple people can attend at one location for the same flat fee). There is no charge to participants who come to the following locations in Ohio: Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission in Columbus, OH; Ability Center in Toledo, OH; Linking Employment, Ability & Potential (LEAP) in Cleveland, OH; and Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL) in Lancaster, OH. There may be other free locations in the US - please contact Great Lakes at adagreatlakes.org for those locations. Sessions are 90 minutes in length and delivered via audio conference. Participants are in a "listen-only" mode until the question and answer period. The sessions are offered real-time captioned on the Internet, and a transcript is developed and posted to the Internet following the session. In addition, a digital recording of the session is archived on the DBTAC - Great Lakes ADA Center web site at adagreatlakes.org. If you wish to come for no charge to RSC in Columbus, OH, please let us know by April 8 by sending an email to adaohio@... Registration is required to attend the session. Please provide your name, organization, address, email address, and telephone number. Please do not send a check to ADA-OHIO. If you wish to come for no charge to The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, OH, please call 419-885-5733. If you wish to come for no charge to LEAP in Cleveland, OH, please call 216-696-2716, ext. 129, for more information. If you wish to come for no charge to SOCIL in Lancaster, OH, please call 740-689-1494 for more information. If you wish to attend elsewhere, please go to web site ada-audio.org to register. Classes Presented by The O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders The O’Leary Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TKOC) in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, with support from Hamilton County Board of MRDD and the Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, presents a number of classes on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). For all classes, you must register with Jan s at 513-636-1377. “New to the Diagnosis Seriesâ€: held from 6:30-8:30PM at Madeira Middle School 6612 Miami Ave, Cincinnati. The classes below have a $5.00 registration fee. Class size is limited. April 7, 2008 "Understanding Behavior in ASD" May 5, 2008 “Treatment Options for ASD†June 2, 2008 “Educational Interventions for ASD†“New to the Diagnosis Series (Cont’d)â€: held from 7:00-9:00PM Drake Conference Center, 151 W Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati. The classes below are free of charge. Class size is limited. July 7, 2008 “Overview of ASD†August 4, 2008 “Understanding Sensory Issues in ASD†"Getting Started: An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders for Families (A Series)" This series is for families who want to learn more about ASD and who want to learn effective strategies for working with their child with ASD. The class is limited in size. Classes run from 7-9PM. Dates: April 29, May 6, 13 and 20, 2008 (must attend all four) and will be held at Cincinnati Children’s Mason location, 9560 Children’s Dr. (off Natorp Blvd.). Cost: Hamilton County residents - one registrant $25.00, two registrants $40.00 Non-Hamilton County residents - one registrant $40.00, two registrants $60.00 “Understanding Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorders†This is a behavior management series for professionals and will cover behavior challenges presented by individuals with ASD, how to do data collection, how to do a functional assessment of behaviors, and strategies for intervention. Class size is limited. Classes run from 5:30-8:00PM. Dates: April 10, 17, 24 and May 1, 2008 (must attend all four) and will be held at Madeira Middle School, 6612 Miami Ave (Media Center). Cost: $75.00. Join the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) for the First RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland Running feels Sooo good! Why not run for a cause. The RUN FOR AUTISM is OAR’s signature fund raising effort. OAR would like to invite you and your friends to “SIGN UP NOW†for this year’s Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, 2008. When you become part of the 1st RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland Team, you are choosing to be part of a special group of dedicated individuals taking on a personal fitness challenge and raising funds for autism research. OAR is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Rite Aid MarathonSunday, May 18, 2008 “SIGN UP NOW†go to run@... Organization for Autism Research www.researchautism.org run@... 866-366-9710 Her Name is Sabine DVD/World Autism Awareness Month In honor of World Autism Awareness Month, Film Movement, the exclusive distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films, is promoting a beautiful, educational, and moving film about the realities of autism and the need for appropriate care. Film Movement will offer the highly acclaimed French documentary, HER NAME IS SABINE, at a special 10% discounted price to consumers, to help support awareness about autism and make this humanizing portrait of a woman struggling with the handicap available to everyone in the U.S. Please use the code: Sabine10. This offer will expire on April 30th, 2008.Please visit www.filmmovement.com to learn more about HER NAME IS SABINE and to take advantage of the special discounted rate. Education Workbooks - Designed for Children with Autism Attention: Parents, Educators, Therapists, Home Trainers, Aides & other Autism Care ProvidersIntroducing: Training & Education Workbooks designed for Children with Autism - by a parent & curriculum development specialist with ABA experience...Workbook lessons are self-contained, ready-to-use, and easy to teach. No lesson planning or adaptation needed, and each book contains a section for data collection in order to travel easily between people and places! The Nashoba's Learning Series utilizes... ~Chaining, repetition, and gradually faded cues ~A visually based approach~Structured & concrete concepts~Follow up activities for further practice & generalization----------------------------------------------------------For further information or to preview books in the series, go to:http://stores.lulu.com/autismeducationworkbooksTax exempt organizations, please contact terresaydaol to order tax freeComing Soon: Emotions, Pronouns, Level I & II Math, & Reading Comprehension Stories... Events from Tools for Today, Cleveland Details about the following educational/informational events scheduled for April, 2008 can be found on the Tools website. Click on the link below to find out more information about them. 4/1 Type 1 Diabetes: What You Need to Know in 2008-04-02 4/2 Planting the Seeds for a Successful Future Sibling Rivalry 4/3 Achievement Centers Get Acquainted Breakfast 4/4 Tools Conference for Professionals Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs 4/5 Sibshops—A Program for Brothers and Sisters 4/8 Understanding Tests and Assessments 4/9 CEVEC—Could It be the Right High School Program for Your Child? Planting the Seeds for a Successful Future 4/10 Basic Foundations in Applied Behavioral Analysis Free Resource Fair Linking Families with Service Providers Epilepsy Surgery: When Drugs Aren’t Enough 4/11 Autism: Bridging the Gap Basic Foundations in Applied Behavioral Analysis Preventing Family Violence Conference 4/12 The Energy Equation Experience 4/14 “Including †Film Screening and Facilitated Discussion 4/16 Helping Yourself as a Parent Planting the Seeds for a Successful Future Children with Disabilities: Problems and Solutions for Parents and Practitioners 4/17 Teen Sibshop 4/20 Understanding Psychoeducational Testing and Your Child’s MFE 4/22 Facilitated IEPs Conference Parents and Teachers Together 4/24 Family Information Fair Parents and Teachers Together 4/26 KidShop 4/27 Be Prepared: Practical Behavior Plans 4/29 Parents and Teachers Together 4/30 Secondary Transition 2008: An Overview of Planning and Statewide Initiatives http://www.toolsfortoday.org/index.php?option=com_events & task=view_last & catid=0 & regionid=0 & topicid=0 & diseaseid=0 & year=2008 & month=04 & day=02 & Itemid=49 FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGColumbus Developmental CenterAPRIL 15, 200810:00A.M. TO 3:00 P.M. 10:00-12:00 Everything you should know about developing a good working Individual Service Plan: Community 12:00-12:30 Lunch provided by the County Boards Association 12:30-1:30 Director “Chat†Director, 1:30-2:30 OCALI: What is it and What do they do? Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence: Donna Owens 2:30-3:00 Wrap Up! Please rsvp to Michele Kanode at michele.kanode@... or by phone at 614-644-0265. ABA Training tailored for the public school setting from Milestones, Cleveland April 2, 2008 Dear Pupil Service Director, We are writing to invite you to send members of your educational team to participate in an intensive hands-on training of ABA, applied behavior analysis, tailored for the public school setting. The workshop will take place June 23-27, 2008. Milestones Organization for Autism Education was founded in 2003 by parents as a resource complementing other agencies and providing training opportunities in scientifically based therapies for all professionals working with the autism population. Milestones has served over 2000 parents and professionals in the autism community through its annual conferences and programs. The Milestones Teacher Training Workshop is a model for training school personnel to use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with students with autism in a public school setting. A targeted curriculum, presentation and the workshop schedule are designed to demonstrate the use of ABA techniques for students with autism at varied skill levels who attend classes with typical students and interact with many teachers who do not have a background in special education or ABA techniques. The faculty are highly qualified in the areas of ABA instruction and communication strategies. They have experience in public, private, and home settings as trained ABA instructors, speech language therapists, intervention specialists and classroom aides. This year's presenter will be Dr. Reeve, BCBA, Nova Southeastern University. Our faculty will also included: Gerami, SLP-CCC, Western Reserve Speech and Language Partners; and Suzann Fleming, BCBA, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools. During the training, teacher participants progress from didactic lecture to observation to role play with each other to working directly with students on the autism spectrum and then receiving feedback on their performance. The dynamic flow from lecture to the hands-on setting helps participants gain experience utilizing ABA techniques in a functioning classroom. The program includes opportunities to evaluate the impact of the summer training on a student's educational team. Participants are asked to complete pre and post workshop surveys related to their knowledge, familiarity and comfort level using ABA strategies. In addition, observations are conducted of the participants in their own classrooms to evaluate their implementation of the ABA techniques learned at the workshop. A major goal of the workshop is to empower educators to share the ABA strategies with other team members to best serve their students with autism. A follow-up workshop during the school year is an opportunity for cooperative learning with the summer participants and members of their home districts. The tuition for participants in this training is kept at an affordable rate so that districts can send several team members. In addition, Milestones offers scholarships to approximately 15% of the participants. Attached are a description of workshop topics and a form for use for participation. If you have any questions, please contact us at the Milestones office, 216-371-4765, or email milestonesorg@.... Thank you very much. Ilana Hoffer Skoff Hill-Adognravi Executive Director Chair, Teacher Training Committee Milestones Organization Milestones Board Member Kentucky Autism Training Center - 2008 Autism Institute, Louisville, KY June 5-7, 2008 Sondra : “Define Me†Sondra is a [central Ohio] woman with an ASD, a wife, a mother to four children with ASD, a classroom aide, an author, and a member of the Ohio Autism Task Force…her insights into autism and life are truly an inspiration for others! a Kluth, Ph.D.“A Land We Can All Share: Access to the Literate Community for ALLâ€Diane Adreon, M.A.“Simple Strategies that Work for students with High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome†Jackie Marquette, Ph.D.“Walking the Path: How Teens and Young Adults with ASD Can Transcend their Disability and Shape their Own Lives†[featured at COASA's January meeting] RinaMarie Leon-Guerrero, Ph.D.“Show Me The Data! Practical Applications for the Classroom†Terry , Ph.D.“Training in Positive Behavior Supports Across the Tiers†Also a Three Day Early Childhood Track featuring… Strain, Ph.D.“LEAP Preschool: An Inclusionary, Evidence-based Program for Young Children with Autism†Bobbie Vaughn, Ph.D.“Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Settings: Using the Teaching Tools for Young Children withChallenging Behavior†Terry Hancock, Ph.D. and Alacia Trent Stainbrook, Ph.D.“Parents as Partners in Communication Interventions for Children with Autism†Full biographies, session descriptions and learning objectives will be located at:www.louisville.edu/kyautismtraining Build your Own Care Notebook National Center of Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special Needs http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/tools/care_notebook.html Dr. Onufer, Director, Division of Specialized Care for Children at the University of Illinois at Chicago and his Title V CSHCN staff, created a web site called “Build Your Own Care Notebookâ€. This web site is designed to assist families to build their own care notebooks for their own children with special needs. The web site allows parents to select different versions of care notebooks and put them together to build their own customized care notebook. Kent State Autism Conference June 26/27, 2008 2008 Topics in Child Development Conference: June 26th and 27th http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/PDO/conferences.cfm Topics in Child Development: Effective Use of Behavioral Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present with a wide variety of strengths and needs. Within the context of a behavioral approach to intervention, parents, educators, and other professionals can develop and enhance positive academic and behavioral skills while simultaneously addressing disruptive behaviors. The 2008 Topics in Child Development Conference will focus on behavioral approaches to intervention that can assist in enhancing existing skills and building new skills to promote success across multiple settings. see more... Keynote: Dr. Mark DurandFunctional Communication Training Thursday Evening: An Evening with Parent with Dr. Nevada Medication Management of Behavior Click here for Registration and Flyer Faculty advisors: Dr. Audet and Dr. Cowan For information on the 2008 conference, please contact Kathy Brown at 330.672.0537 or kbrown5@... The Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's Conference http://www.milestones.org/news_conferences.htm Annual Conference 2008 ConferenceThe 6th Annual Milestones Organization Autism/Asperger's ConferenceLife-Long Strategies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work Keynote Speaker Dr. Jed Baker Monday, June 16, 20088:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. (7:45 a.m. registration) At Executive Caterers at Landerhaven6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 This Conference is for YouScheduleRegistration InformationAdvertising and exhibitor spaceProfessional Development (CEUs) Offered Conference Location This conference is for you if you are a . . . special educator • inclusion teacher • classroom aide • speech therapist • occupational therapist • psychologist • social worker • nurse • music or art therapist • physical therapist • school counselor • parent or relative of individual with autism spectrum disorder • behavioral therapist Schedule Monday, June 16, 20087:45 a.m. — Registration/Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m. — Welcome 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 — Keynote 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 — Workshops A 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunch/Exhibitors — Award Ceremony 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Workshops B 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. — Workshops C Registration Information Fees Professional Registration Fee (price includes CEUs, continental breakfast, lunch and binder) 150 Professional Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single payment) -$20 Family Member Registration Fee (price includes continental breakfast, lunch and binder) 115 Family Group Discount per person (4 or more from same organization with single payment) -$20 Person with Autism Spectrum Disorder $75 Lunch without Conference Registration $45 Binder without Conference Registration $50 Scholarships A limited amount of conference scholarship aid is available. To requesta scholarship application, please email infomilestones@... or call 216.371.4765. Download Scholarship Form Changes/Cancellations Cancellations will be accepted in writing until June 14, 2006 andrefunds granted minus 30% of administrative costs. Substitutions fororiginal registrants are acceptable. Professional Development (CEU's) Offered6.0 continuing education hours are pending for counselors, educators, nurses,psychologists, physical and occupational therapists and social workers. .6 CEUs for Speech Languague Pathologists on various levels: professional and related areas is pending through ASHA. Professional development credit is pending toward a BCBA. General certificates of attendance will also be available. Workshop Selection Over the course of the conference, there are three workshop time slots with multiple options per time slot. Please choose one topic for each workshop time slot. Meals Registration fees include a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch. The meals include vegetarian options. If you require a kosher meal, indicate your preference on the registration form. It will not be possible to arrange for special meals on-site. Advertising/Exhibiting/Sponsorship InformationWe invite you to promote your organization at the 2008 Conference Life-Long Stragegies for Success: School, Home, Community and Work. Opportunities are available to be a conference sponsor, exhibitor at the conference, and advertiser in the conference binder. Your message will reach 400 attendees. Download our advertising, sponsorship, and exhibiting participation letter and form. Contact infomilestones@... for further information or to indicate your interest. Conference Location and Directions Executive Caterers at Landerhaven6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 Questions/Special Assistance Please call Milestones Organization at 216-371-4765 or email at infomilestones@.... Dayton Autism/Asperger Resource Network's Next Meeting Will Be April 7th. DARN’s support group meetings are the first Monday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 at Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC) located at 3340 Shroyer Road in Kettering, OH (adjacent to the Fraze Pavilion, Fairmont High School, Kettering Municipal Building). April’s Guest SpeakerAt our next support group meeting, our guest speaker will be from the Ohio Coalition. The topic to be discussed will be Transitions.The fire code occupancy capacity for our room at Christ UMC is 50 people. To ensure that we do not go over our room limit, we are requesting that if you are interested in attending that you RSVP. This will ensure that we do not surpass the room capacity and that we will still have a meeting facility in the future.Reservations will be honored by email date. I will notify you by early Monday afternoon. We currently have 20 RSVPs.RSVP - Please Register by Contacting: Audrey Schilbdaytonasperger@... Planning For Your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial Future Saturday, May 10th, 2008Planning For Your Son/Daughter’s Legal and Financial FutureEstate Planning, Wills, Trust, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Etc. Keynote by Attorney Judy LaMusga, LaMusga Law Office, LLCPreviously a teacher, administrator and superintendent of a county board of MR/DD. Her law office concentrates on serving people with disabilities and their families Additional Training Sessions Include· What You Need to Know About Wills, Guardianship, Power of Attorney· What You Need to Know About Asset Building· What You Need to Know About Investment Opportunities For Information, Contact: Lamb 740-594-8548 or lambinohio@... or Margaret Demko 740-698-1315 or margaretdemko@... Registration Fee (includes continental breakfast and lunch): Family / Individuals with Disabilities FREE! Professionals/Others $75.00 Watch for Conference Registration and Agenda in the near future!Athens, Ohio Community Center 10:00- 4:00MR/DD CEU’s will be available Advocating for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities1335 Dublin Rd, Suite 205-C, Columbus, OH 43215 Ph: 614.487.4720 I Fax: 614. 487.4725 www.thearcofohio.org You may register 3 ways:Online: www.thearcofohio.org Call Toll Free: 1-800-875-2723Fax: 1-614-487-4725 NAME:ORGANIZATION:POSITION:ADDRESS:TELEPHONE:E-MAIL:REGISTRATION FEES: Individual with Disability/Family ______FREEProfessional and/or Service Provider ______$75.00 PLEASE INVOICE ME ______P.O.# Your registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.ODMR/DD CEU’s available. Your registration includes a one-year membership to The Arc of Ohio.______Check here if you do not want to be a member. Autism the Musical comes to HBO For complete information, click HERE. Autism Society of NW Ohio has updated Website To check out the changes, click HERE. Celebrate National Autism Awareness Month with AAPC April is National Autism Awareness Month. Click Here for special savings from AAPC for the month. This year AAPC and the Sensory Gang are proud to be active participants in raising awareness about this increasingly common disorder. Throughout the month of April, we're sending out helpful tips from some of our best-selling authors for parents, professionals, and individuals with ASD. Each tip will help all of us better support our friends, spouses, patients and students on the spectrum. Most of the tips come from an upcoming release, Top Ten Tips - A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum by Cardon. CEC and AAPC join forces to create valuable resource for educators and related services staff, including paraeducators The Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) is proud to announce a partnership with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted In particular, the two organizations will focus on publishing and disseminating resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disorders. To launch this partnership, CEC and AAPC have teamed up to publish Strategies at Hand Quick and Handy Strategies for Working with Students on the Autism Spectrum by Robin D. Brewer, Ed.D. and G. Mueller, Ph.D. This handy flipbook literally puts easy-to-use strategies and other helpful hints for working with individuals with ASD at your fingertips. Established in 1999, the mission of the Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) is to be the first source for practical solutions related to autism, Asperger Syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders. We are an independent publisher, targeting professionals and parents alike. We strive to offer publications at affordable prices so that important resources will not be off limits to anyone with an interest in the autism spectrum. Greater Akron Chapter Autism Society - product and clothing store Hello! We are excited to let you know that we have 3 different sayings on many products in our cafepress store. The link below is our store. We hope you enjoy! http://www.cafepress.com/asagreaterakron/5226821 Visit CNN.com for Information and stories on Autism Click here to visit autism features on CNN. Bounce - music therapy DVD's online http://www.spectrumconnections.com/store.php Bounce is a developmental series that encourages cognitive and social learning through music, fun and established teaching tools. Every DVD finds , a preschool music therapist in real life, guiding her Bounce class through songs and activities. A few signatures of Bounce include: Each song's content is carefully constructed to contain many opportunities for repetition, modeling and practice. We examine the quality of what we are singing about from many angles. With every song, is building a 360 degree world that describes the quality of a song's topic. An interactive Bounce Quiz follows each song to reinforce understanding. The response to Bounce has been amazing, and now with our series on PBS KIDS Sprout, we are able to welcome millions of viewers to experience the magic of 's talent and connection with children. We are so proud of this series, and hope it brings laughter and learning to your home. S.M.I.L.E. Summer Camp(Special Memories Include Laughter & Enrichment Summer Camp)Social & Community Based Camp for Children with Autism & RelatedDisabilities* weekly sessions: June 16 - July 11, Mon-Fri, 9:00am-3:00pm* ages: 4-18, grouped by age/ability* location: Twinsburg, OH + greater Cleveland-Akron community* FREE t-shirt for all campers!* visit: http://hollyreimannslp.com/summercamp.html News from the ASA CNN Classroom Edition: "Autism is a World"CNN will air the CNN Special Investigations Unit Classroom Edition of the Academy Award-nominated documentary "Autism is a World" March 31 from approximately 4 to 5 a.m. EST. The documentary tells the story of Sue Rubin, a woman with autism in her late twenties. Read more: click here."Autism: Through the Lens of the Social Sciences" Conference"Autism: Through the Lens of the Social Sciences" will take place April 3-4 at the University of Chicago. Noted author and ASA Board Member Shore will be speaking at the event. This conference aims to generate conversations among speakers and audience about social science perspectives on the public and medical construction of autism in relation to the challenges of treatment and service provision in the United States. Read more: click hereRegistration Open for TASH 2008 Web Conference SeriesLearn about new research and information being documented on people who have the severest communication impairments and autism. Sessions take place at various times from April 4 through May 5. Read more: click here NADD Teleconference SeriesThe National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) will begin its teleconference series featuring experts in the field of dual diagnosis on April 15. Through the conference, you can take part in five educational conference sessions without having to make travel plans or even leave your office. Read more: click here. "Weather Reports from the Autism Front"Based on detailed research and a lifetime of personal experience, recounts his personal journey as the primary companion of his now twenty-six-year-old autistic son, Sam, in "Weather Reports from the Autism Front: A Father's Memoir of His Autistic Son." This realistic, irreverent account of an autistic young man and his misadventures while transitioning to adulthood provides enlightening truths as well as sardonic humor. Read more: click here New Communication Web Site Launcheswww.VoiceforLiving.com is an innovative new Web site designed to make it easier for individuals who cannot speak and their families to find information about communication solutions. Sponsored by DynaVox Technologies (providers of augmentative and alternative communication) and Mayer- (developers of the Picture Communication Symbols), the site creates an enjoyable and valuable learning experience as individuals and families discover how an array of tools and techniques, including electronic speech communication devices, can open a whole new world of possibilities for those who cannot speak. Read more: click here "Picture Dialogue" Sets Help Spark Interaction in Children on the Autism SpectrumLatest in the Natural Learning Concepts series of products are the "Picture Dialogues," card sets, created to boost communication. Thefill-in-the-blank method offered by the Picture Dialogues encourages children to converse spontaneously. Read more: click here. ASA Chapters Attend Inter-Agency Autism Coordinating (IACC) Committee SessionSeveral ASA chapter leaders attended the second public meeting of the IACC on March 14, 2008. The meeting was held in the Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, DC, and included a presentation on the need for services and coordination of care across the lifespan by ASA President and CEO, Lee Grossman, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services representative Ellen Blackwell, both parents of adults on the autism spectrum. At the end of the presentation, the Committee agreed to charge a subgroup to develop outcomes, update the 2004 Autism Services Roadmap, and present an implementation at the next public IACC meeting on May 12, 2008. Read more: click here. Autism Inservice - Living With Autism, Fremont April 28, 2008 Speaker: Sondra Title: Define MeAutism Society of Northwest OhioSpeaker: Linell Weinberg, MSW Bittersweet FarmsSpeaker: Watkins, MRC For Complete details, visit http://www.sanmrdd.org/Autism-April%20In-Service.pdf Transition of Students With Disabilities To Post-Secondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transitionguide.html The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 U.S. Department of EducationOffice for Civil RightsWashington, D.C. 20202-1328 http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq5269.html ARTICLE: ONE SIZE FITS ONE By Dan CoulterYour child is unique. Yes, that's true for every parent. But parents ofchildren with Asperger Syndrome or autism may feel it's an understatement.Unique means one of a kind. But our kids are often...turbo unique. One ofa kind with extra difference sauce.And the world can be very unforgiving of differences. Or rather, with nomalice intended, the world is often just not set up to deal with thedifferent. I've run into challenges just being tall. At the first college I attended,it was mandatory for men to enroll in ROTC, the U.S. Army's Reserve OfficerTraining Corps. We were issued uniforms to wear during early morningmarching drills.As I stood in line to get my uniform, with my 6 foot 4 inch height and size14 feet, I discovered first hand that the Army was not into accommodations.When they didn't have a uniform long enough, they just handed me the closestthey had, inches too short in the sleeves and the pant-legs. But the shoeswere the real triumph of anti-accommodation. Not having a size 14, theygave me the biggest they had, an extra-wide pair of size 12s.Was I supposed to fold my feet in sideways to make them fit? To be fair, thearmy was not actively trying to torture me. The uniforms were bought to fitpeople within a common range of sizes and there was no system in place todeal with exceptions. It was my problem, not theirs.I sometimes see schools expecting our kids to conform to one-size-fits-allclassroom rules and routines in the way I was expected to cram my feet intomy army-issued footwear. As I recall, I tried, and limped through one longdrill session. After that, I wore black loafers and took the demerits forshowing up in non-regulation shoes.The other day, I heard about a mother who'd asked her child's teacher if shecould acquire an extra set of school books for her son because he hadtrouble bringing them home. The teacher refused, saying if she allowed onechild to have them, everyone in the class would want them. After presentinga doctor's note, the mom prevailed.Of course, we don't expect schools to accept dangerous or highly disruptivebehaviors or focus attention on our children to the exclusion of others.Unfortunately, there are many completely reasonable accommodations (manyincluded in Individual Education Plans) that some teachers resist becausethey don't understand that a child truly needs them. Also, a significantnumber of schools are based on a mass-production factory model. Find whatworks best for the most children and use it. My son attended such a schoolin a suburb of Atlanta. Luckily, even in factory-like school systems, I've heard parents tell ofteachers who are open minded, flexible and willing to adapt the rules tofind the best way to help each individual student. As parents, we lovethese teachers. We praise them to the skies. We want to clone them. Well, why not? If we can't exactly clone them, we can influence their school systems to setthem up as role models.If your child has a superb teacher, make sure your school's administrationknows what a great job she or he is doing. Write positive letters to yourschool's principal. Then write to your school system's superintendent orschool board. Write an open letter to your local newspaper. Be specificabout what this teacher has done and how your child has benefited. Seek outother parents who are also pleased and encourage them to write similarletters.I've worked extensively in both corporations and schools. Complaint lettersare frequently dealt with at lower levels, but everybody likes to showletters of praise to an organization's leaders.This can encourage your school system to hold your treasured teacher up asan example to other teachers, or even to include that teacher's attributesin future performance expectations for the entire staff. Even if you can'tclone a great teacher's natural abilities, the next best thing is toinfluence other teachers to use his or her methods.This is just one step toward making our schools more accepting ofdifferences, but it can be an effective one. There's no way we can always protect our children from situations where theyhave to take the demerits for being different. But the more teachers wehave actively supporting reasonable accommodations and flexibility, the moreclassrooms we can make into "demerit free difference zones."And that's a one-size-fits-one kind of environment that can free a child'sspirit.# # # ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dan Coulter is the writer/producer of the Intricate Mindsseries of DVDs that help students accept classmates with Asperger Syndromeand autism. You can find more articles on his website at:www.coultervideo.com. New Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators Last week the State Board of Education approved the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators. This document explains the expected behaviors of Ohio’s educators within eight domains: Professional Behavior Professional Relationships with Students Accurate Reporting Criminal Acts Confidentiality Use/Possession/Unlawful Distribution of Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco Accepting Compensation for Self Promotion of Personal Gain Commitment to Contract This document also details the investigative and discipline process that will be followed should an educator be accused of violating a provision of the Code. Following its approval by the Educator Standards Board last month and numerous opportunities for input by representatives of the various professional organizations and other stakeholders, the Code was approved by the SBE as policy. Development of the Code was required by HB-190 which was approved last fall by the General Assembly. During the coming weeks and months it will be important for both you and your school staff to become familiar with the provisions of the Code. Not only must you adhere to these provisions, but certain provisions require educators to report selected behaviors of their colleagues. A copy of the entire Code may now be viewed on the ODE Web site at: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3 & TopicRelationID=520 & ContentID=41492 & Content=46187 Appeal and Information on Autism Awareness from the ASA The Autism Society of America is raising autism awareness around thenation during April for National Autism Awareness Month. What followsis our advocacy update prepared for our good friends like you, alongwith some suggestions on how you can help! Also, be sure to check out advocacy events this April. For more information please visit: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Zl74yKSjZRWoUp1smPsB8A..Also, be sure to check out advocacy events this April: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=QRtsgvHBkigGt8BegNQwEQ.. Spread the word about these important autism awareness efforts...FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=WAJazlxwr3hMPVPZBcFrBw.. Let Congress know you want more autism fundingThe Autism Society of America hosted its Day on the Hill, withadvocates from across the country storming Capitol Hill to supportASA's legislative priorities.The program included a rousing speech from the Chair of the Coalitionfor Autism Research and Education (Autism Caucus), (R-NJ), and legislative updates from Congressional staff, allies in thedisability community and other supporters. Participants also receivedtraining on effective advocacy strategies, working with the media, andlobbying at the state and local levels. Armed with these tools, participants then took to Capitol Hill to build support for ASA's legislative priorities.Even if you weren't able to travel to Washington for our Day on the Hill, you can still support ASA's advocacy efforts by asking your legislators to cosponsor legislation to improve services for individuals with autism here at home, and around the world!Support legislation to improve the lives of ALL individuals affectedby autism: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=RIILs5uDSBn2LxWvveN6QQ.. Thank you for supporting our efforts to increase autism awareness, andpromote early autism diagnosis and therapeutic research.Sincerely,Lee GrossmanPresident and CEOASA Member since 1991Parent of a son with autismClick the link below to view this message as HTML in your browser:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=nlDe9bEONyfUerAVGoHY9g.. Click the link below to forward this message:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=53ZFzB5QHkxK56NjaXzLWA.. Autism Presentation, OCALI - Greater Akron Area ASPIES Greater AkronSupport Group for parents of children w/Asperger Syndrome, high functioning Autism, & PDD/NOS In conjunction withThe Greater Akron Chapter of the Autism Society & SPARK (Sharing Perspectives and Autism Resources for our Kids) Presents Henry from OCALI at 6pmspeaking on the services OCALI provides. Followed at 7pm by"Shut up About Your Perfect Kid - The Movement of Imperfection" Come enjoy an evening of laughter about life’s imperfections!Today, more than ever, our society is obsessed with achievement & perfection. This is especially true when it comes to our children. It seems you can’t go anywhere without hearing about how someone’s child scored the winning goal or reading a bumper sticker that says, "My honor student loves me." So what’s a parent of a child who's not a star athlete or scholar to do? This long-overdue movement is allowing parents of "non-perfect" kids to come out of their messy closets & talk about the accomplishments of their children. With bumper magnets like "My Bipolar Kid Loves Me AND Hates Me," we're wearing our badges of imperfection & telling the world with humor & grace, "We're not always O.K., but that's O.K." Considine Professional Building (across from Akron Children’s Hospital Main Entrance)AuditoriumTuesday, April 15th - 6:00 - 9:00 pm For further information, contact ASA Greater Akron at http://www.asagreaterakron.com/or Joy Spencer 330-745-5115 Rreindeer@... Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will adopt the National Core Indicators THE NATIONAL CORE INDICATORS ARE HERE! The Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (ODMRDD) is pleased to announce that it will adopt the National Core Indicators as a basis for measuring the performance of and improving Ohio’s MRDD service delivery system. ODMRDD, legislatively charged to “examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the current system of separate and concurrent accreditation, licensure, certification, quality assurance and quality improvement activitiesâ€, was tasked to review and propose changes to improve that system. The ODMRDD Futures Committee collaborated for months and, as one of their 31 final recommendations, recommended adoption and implementation of the National Core Indicators for the MRDD system in Ohio. The Report was delivered to Governor Strickland and the General Assembly on March 28, 2008. WHAT ARE CORE INDICATORS?Core Indicators are a set of performance measures that emphasize the outcomes that people with disabilities within the service system desire to attain and the performance of a state to deliver those outcomes. Using a variety of survey sources (consumer, family, employment, provider, mortality, incidents, system, etc); this ongoing method of assessing performance at the system level will provide useful results for stakeholders’ operations improvement efforts. In addition, the Core Indicators will provide individuals with disabilities and their families, information relevant to their concerns and an assurance that the collection of this kind of data will lead to system improvement. To read more about the National Core Indicators, go to www.hsri.org/nci/index.asp?id=home Or contact Minnich at leslie.minnich@... or 614.728.2518 for more details. Rock the Puzzle for Autism April 26, Cleveland One of Cleveland's hottest parties is back! Rock the Puzzle Returns Saturday, April 26, 2008 atthe House of Blues. The evening will again consist of 6 bands and the unveiling of two newwines for autism from Grand River Cellars. Rock The Puzzle is a gala fundraising event that hadits first annual debut as Cleveland Rocks Autism in April 2007. All proceeds from 2008's RockThe Puzzle will stay local to the Northeast Ohio area to help those affected by autism in our owncommunities through Northeast Ohio Autism Group.For more information, visit http://www.rockthepuzzle.com/index.html Upcoming E-MCH Webcast on Autism: Thursday, April 17, 2008. Register Now! The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) and CityMatCH present Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health Conference Series: Sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau & CDC National Center on Developmental Disabilities PreventionAutism Spectrum Disorders and the Role of Public HealthThursday, April 17, 2008 3:00-4:30 PM (ET) Goal: To increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and highlight opportunities for public health professionals to play a role in helping those affected to reach their full potential.Participants will gain knowledge of :Autism spectrum disorders and their impact on children and families CDC's ongoing surveillance and research in the area of autism spectrum disorders CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign and related resources The important roles public health can play in increasing dialogue about important developmental milestones, identifying children at risk for ASDs, and connecting children and families to appropriate early intervention. Speakers Dr. Rice, PhDLead Health Scientist and Surveillance Team LeadDevelopmental Disabilities BranchNational Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC P. Kilker, MPH, CHESHealth Communication SpecialistPrevention Research BranchNational Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC Dr. Carbone, MDAssistant ProfessorDivision of General Pediatrics, University of Utah Register at: http://webcasts.naccho.org/session.php?id=1307 Questions? Please contact (ecox@... ) Register Now Open! Solving the Social Equation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Social Storiesâ„¢ to "Real-Life" Strategies for Home and School, with Carol Gray April 18, 2008 It is well documented that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD): 1) struggle to make accurate guesses about what the people around them are thinking and/or feeling; 2) have difficulty retrieving and sequencing information; 3) often miss the underlying meaning in social communication, and may 4) use logic and deduction to process the social information that others arrive at "intuitively." Unable to quickly "get the gist" of what is happening, a day at school may be a frustrating series of events, filled with directions that are misunderstood directions and failed interactions with peers. Understandably, a child with ASD may be attracted to pursuits in line with his/her strengths, i.e. topics and activities that are logical, meaningful, and thus, hold greater promise for success. This fun and practical workshop uses lecture, demonstration, and activities to explore instructional strategies that directly address the core deficits in ASD through utilization of everyone's strengths. This includes: 1) a research based rationale; 2) a very new FAST TRACK to quickly learn/review the Social Stories 10.0â„¢, the most recent defining criteria and guidelines for writing and implementing a Social Story, with demonstration of Social Storiesâ„¢ in practice, and 3) social and emotional learning strategies that systematically model and teach friendship concepts and skills. Act 48 Hours available View workshop brochure Location: Lincoln Park Performing Arts CenterOne Lincoln ParkMidland, PA 15059 Directions Challenger Baseball, Barberton, Tallmadge and Canton What is CHALLENGER BASEBALL? This general info pertains to the Challenger leagues in Barberton, Tallmadge and Canton and is not to be considered as the all inclusive details. For more information, contact the individual listed below for your area. Most of the general info I was given by the Tallmadge coordinator: Tallmadge - Francis 330-784-4299 Season opens 4/23 - NEED TO CALL & APPLY A.S.A.P. Ages 5-22 (or until graduates high school)Practice 2 nights per week and play on Sunday afternoons at 3pm.2 inning games last about 1-1/2 hoursCoach pitch but given option of using teeFirst base is "given" to them. The rest they have to earn.All the coaches have kids in the league.Don't necessarily keep score - more for teaching turn taking and sportsmanship goals (older kids like to) Season goes from last week of April until the last week of June (about 6 weeks) Cost is $30 - You get a shirt and hat.Other perks: They go free to an Aeros game. Some kids get chosen to go on the field and play a game.They have a party usually at Pronio Sports in Ellet at the end of the season. SOME leagues may have already closed out their sign ups......you'll have to call to find out. Barberton - Adam 330-848-4332 Basically the same as Tallmadge except:Practice/games on Wed at 6 and Sundays at 2pm $45 includes tshirt, hat & 2 tickets to AN Akron Aeros game.Other perks: They go free to an Aeros game. Some kids get chosen to go on the field and play a game.End of the year picnic / awards banquet - every child gets a trophy! Canton - Bonnie McClelland 330-526-6463 Information pending. Win Prizes and Contribute to Autism Research!!I am a student from Otterbein College conducting a research study the looks at the positive characteristics of the older siblings of autistic children. If you have a child that has a younger sibling with autism, this study is for you! The study will take no longer than 25 minutes and once completed you will be entered into a drawing for 1 of 3 $25 gift certificates! If you have any questions or are interested in contributing please email me at: ashley.shier@... New Books from Kingsley Publishers http://www.jkp.com/ Autism and its Medical Management: A Guide for Parents and Professionals G. Chez MD Autism and its Medical Management explains the medical aspects of autism and how both parents and professionals can use current medical knowledge to better understand how to address the medical aspects of autism. The book begins with an overview... Click for more details Hardback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-834-4, 224 pages, April 2008, $29.95 Families of Adults with Autism: Stories and Advice for the Next Generation Edited by Jane and Anne Van Rensselaer Families of Adults with Autism is a collection of real-life stories of people on the autism spectrum growing up, as told by their parents and siblings. The individual accounts explore the challenges that families of people with autism have faced, and the techniques... Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-885-6, 192 pages, 2008, $19.95 Understanding Controversial Therapies for Children with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Other Learning Disabilities: A Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine A. Kurtz Offering a balanced overview of complementary and alternative therapies, this book will be useful for parents of children with autism, ADD or other learning disabilities. The book covers a wide variety of mind-body interventions and manipulative techniques, as well... Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-864-1, 208 pages, 2008, $19.95 Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals with Autism Merope Pavlides "Essential reading for families, teachers, and anyone who is interested in using service animals to help individuals on the autism spectrum" - from the foreword by Temple Grandin Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-867-2, 208 pages, April 2008, $21.95 The Myriad Gifts of Asperger's Syndrome M. Ortiz "This book is to Asperger's what Oliver Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is to neurology. Its relevance extends well beyond the ASD world as it addresses 'outside the box' individuals everywhere and those who wish they were." - Donna , Dip. Ed., B.A. Hons., author of 9 books, including international bestsellers Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere. Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-883-2, 176 pages, 2008, $19.95 Mind/Body Techniques for Asperger's Syndrome: The Way of the Pathfinder Ron Rubio "After a few sessions with you, became aware of how he was carrying himself. We noticed a change in his gait. He was straighter, taller and more assertive in his walking. His gait was that of a confident man." - letter to Ron Rubio from the mother of a 22-year-old client with Asperger's Syndrome Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-875-7, 152 pages, April 2008, $19.95 Dasha's Journal: A Cat Reflects on Life, Catness and Autism T.O. Daria 'Dasha is a brilliant feline! She is flat-out funny, wise beyond her cat years and a true champion of autistics everywhere! Read her journal and let her teach you about autism!' - Liane Holliday Willey, EdD, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-586-2, 176 pages, April 2008, $17.95 Create a Reward Plan for Your Child with Asperger Syndrome , Jane Donlan and Bob Reward plans encourage positive behavior using the incentive of earning rewards. This book provides a thorough nuts-and-bolts guide to creating a reward plan for your child with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to help him or her develop positive behaviours, such as social...Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-622-7, 112 pages, 2008, $18.95 Asperger Syndrome and Employment: Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon Employment is an important part of a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life but less than 20 per cent of people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are in work at any one time. The adults with AS in this book explore the issues surrounding employment, providing advice and insights... Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-648-7, 176 pages, 2008, $19.95 Asperger Syndrome and Social Relationships: Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon 'This book is essential reading to understand the social abilities of adults with Asperger's syndrome.' - Professor Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-647-0, 176 pages, 2008, $19.95 Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Using Learning Preferences and Strengths MacKenzie Reaching and Teaching Children with Autism provides a positive approach to understanding and educating children on the autism spectrum. The book gives greater insight into the perspective and behavior of a child with autism and explores how the child's learning... Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-623-4, 288 pages, April 2008, $24.95 Providing Practical Support for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Supported Living in the Community One element at the heart of effective service provision is an understanding of the service user's needs. This book unravels some of the common misunderstandings between people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and providers of support services, offering practical...Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-577-0, 192 pages, April 2008, $24.95 Promoting Social Interaction for Individuals with Communicative Impairments: Making Contact Edited by M. Suzanne Zeedyk All humans have an innate need and ability to communicate with others, and this book presents successful approaches to nurturing communicative abilities in people who have some type of communication impairment. The contributors look at a wide range of... Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-539-8, 192 pages, April 2008, $24.95 New in Paperback - May 2008 The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome Tony Attwood The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults. This book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition. Click for more details Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-669-2, 400 pages, May 2008, £15.99 Forthcoming May 2008 Making Sense of Sex: A Forthright Guide to Puberty, Sex and Relationships for People with Asperger’s Syndrome Attwood Puberty is a time of huge change in the physical body, in emotional experience and in social relationships. Having an understanding of these developments and learning how to deal with them is essential, and for people with Asperger’s syndrome it can be a challenge... 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