ASA-ASO DIGEST: October 27, 2008

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

Visit ASA-ASO's website www.autismohio.org for an "easy to read" version if this does not come through clean on your listserv. Or sign up to receive your own copy by "registering" on the "login" section of ASA-ASO's homepage.

News From ASA-ASO:

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

- ODJFS is now accepting applications for HOME Choice enrollment

- ASA-ASO to chair, participate in State Team Forums at NATTAP

- NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference Registration, Columbus

- Federal Update

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- News from the ASA: ASA Offers New Holiday Artist Cards Sensory Friendly Films Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You! Vote 4 Autism in 2008 Research Shows People with Autism Make More Rational Decisions M.I.N.D. Institute Researchers Find Important Clue to Learning Deficit in Children with Autism "Fun with Messy Play" National TeleClass for Family Caregivers

New Book Offers Suggestions for Asperger Couples New Site for Developmental Disability News "Rules" by Lord Learn Occupational Therapy at Home Book: "Beyond the Dragon" Autism Nutrition Expert Publishes Biomedical Autism Intervention Guide for Parents &

Pediatricians- New DVDs from Dan Coulter Video

- Article: New York Times, Reaching an Autistic Teenager

- New Books from Kingsley

- 2008-2009 Legal Webinar Series on Employment issues

- Health Freedom for All

- TREATING ANXIETY IN KIDS & TEENS WITH ASPERGER’S AND OTHER AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS, Independence

- SociAbilities Halloween and Holiday Dances, Akron

- Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of†Madagascar 2â€, Solon

- OASIS Mini Seminar with Dr. Nevada , Wooster

- Article: Autism genes can add up to genius - Intellectual gifts and certain brain disorders are closely related

- Transition and Teaching Strategies for Students on the Autism Spectrum, Pittsburg

- Social Skills and Differentiating Instruction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Detroit

- Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Columbus

- Vote before Election Day - Early Voting and Absentee Voting

- Autism Speaks Appoints Ohio Doctor Medical Director for the Autism Treatment Network - ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD - PRESCHOOL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN YEARS, Highland Hills

- Dining Out with the Autism Awareness Toolkit

- Articles on Autism from Science Daily

- Article: Autism genes can add up to genius

- An Event For Children With Autism At Maui Sands Resort, Sandusky

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ASA-ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the l eft side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys".

Have you purchased your Ohio Autism Awareness License Plate yet? To purchase yours, visit www.oplates.com and click on "Specialty Plates" or visit our website at www.autismohio.org for more information.

Sincerely,The Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311( 330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...web: www.autismohio.org Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASA-ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASA-ASO, either explicit or implied.

News From ASA-ASO:

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

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

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

You can volunteer to participate in two ways:

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

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

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

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

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

ODJFS is now accepting applications for HOME Choice enrollment

For complete details, visit http://www.jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/homechoice.stm

ASA-ASO to participate in State Team Forums at NATTAP

State Team Forums will be held in conjunction with the larger NATTAP Conference, with sessions on November 18 and 21, 2008. The State Team Forum is designed to bring together pre-identified team members from each state to interact and learn from others across the nation, providing opportunities for networking and continuous development of ideas and solutions for issues that all states face in the area of autism. This year’s State Team Forum will focus on interagency collaboration and building a continuum of services. ASA-ASO Co-President Sawan Caruso is chair of the State team for Ohio and ASA-ASO Co-President Barb Yavorcik will participate as part of the state team.

NOW OPEN! – 2008 NATTAP Conference RegistrationThe Autism Society of America (ASA) and Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) present the 2nd annual international conference on autism training and technical assistance. The objectives of the conference are to review current systems models for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), promote use of best practice in research and intervention and provide methods for capacity building – all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for individuals ages 3-21. Join the estimated 1,500-2,000 attendees from across the national and around the globe.NEW for 2008! Pre-Conference Sessions - November 18, 2008Pre-Conference sessions are provided by leaders and recognized experts in the field and provide attendees with a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussion and learning.What: 2008 NATTAP ConferenceWhen: November 19-21, 2008Where: Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, OHRegular Registration (July 1 - September 22, 2008): $250Late Registration (September 23 - October 20, 2008): $300On Site Registration (October 20 - November 21, 2008): $315Parent/Family Member Rate: $100Pre-Conference Session Rate: $100Conference registration and information available at: http://www.nattapconference.org

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

Federal Update

U.S. Congress in Recess

The Congress remained in recess. House and Senate Democratic leaders continued to advocate for the passage of a second economic stimulus package, possibly in a post election lame duck session. Otherwise, Washington remained quiet as voters focused on the various political campaigns.

Social Security

Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 55 million Americans will increase 5.8 percent in 2009, the Social Security Administration announced last week. The 5.8 percent increase is the largest since 1982. The 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that beneficiaries receive in January 2009; increased payments to SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31. In the SSI program, the maximum federal payment for an individual will rise to $674 per month, up from $637 in 2008. For couples, the maximum federal payment will be $1,011 per month, up from the 2008 amount of $956. SSI resource limits will remain at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Additional changes that will take effect in January include an increase in the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level and an increase in the amount of earnings required to earn quarters of coverage, or work credits. The SGA level is used in determining whether an individual is disabled. The SGA level for people with disabilities will rise from $940 per month in 2008 to $980 per month in 2009, while the SGA level for people who are blind will rise from $1,570 per month in 2008 to $1,640 per month in 2009. For more details, see SSA's website: http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/colafacts2009.htm

State Budget Cuts

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports that many states are imposing cuts that hurt vulnerable residents. At least 15 states are cutting medical, rehabilitative, home care, or other services needed by low-income people who are elderly or have disabilities, or significantly increasing the cost of these services. For additional information, see: http://www.cbpp.org/3-13-08sfp.htm Note the following specific to Ohio:

Ohio plans to close two mental health facilities.

The Ohio governor has announced plans to eliminate as many as 2,700 positions, about 4.5 percent of the state workforce. The reductions will be achieved through a combination of early retirements, lay-offs, and unfilled vacancies. In the Department of Jobs and Family Services — which oversees a wide range of functions including disability services, child care, child support, health care, and child welfare — fully 14 percent of positions are estimated to be eliminated or left unfilled.

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

News from the ASA:

ASA Offers New Holiday Artist CardsThe Autism Society of America recently launched an online art galleryto celebrate the creativity and diversity of the autism community byinviting submissions to our unique online art exhibition. Now, we areoffering you the opportunity to have select art from the exhibition professionally reproduced on holiday greeting cards! Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=RaxdrMFDDQdLWdS4Xa-9WA.. Sensory Friendly Films Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You!Don't miss the next ASA/AMC Sensory Friendly Film on November 8!This month's show is "Madagascar 2". Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=pjg9zftCy7NWc3ljG62VVw..

Vote 4 Autism in 2008For far too long, people with autism and their families have not hada voice in the electoral process. ASA is working to change that byeducating candidates about issues directly affecting the autismcommunity, offering solutions to our nation's challenges andempowering the autism community to make informed decisions. But ASAisn't the one in the booth pulling the lever--we need YOUto go out and VOTE! Election Day is only a few weeks away--be aninformed voter this November 4 and familiarize yourself with thecandidates' plans for autism. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=wXqDizjk1jymGdJWENh_zg.. Research Shows People with Autism Make More Rational DecisionsPeople with autism-related disorders are less likely to makeirrational decisions and are less influenced by gut instincts,according to new research. The study adds to the growing body ofresearch implicating altered emotional processing in autism. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=pBmiNI2mojgnrIwcbrkevA.. M.I.N.D. Institute Researchers Find Important Clue to Learning Deficit in Children with AutismA study by researchers at the UC M.I.N.D. Institute hasdiscovered an important clue as to why children with autism spectrumdisorders have trouble imitating others: They spend less time lookingat the faces of people who are modeling new skills. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=xbmw5zFVJEYanB0gEHq62Q.. "Fun with Messy Play"Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of theway in which children develop sensory awareness. "Fun with Messy Play"is an activity book that heightens the sensory perception of childrenwith special needs through the imaginative use of everyday messymaterials like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly or glue. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=AbE7E2uLl6dpFQc0bwvY9A.. National TeleClass for Family CaregiversThe National Family Caregivers Association will host a two-part freeTeleClass on November 6 and November 13, from 2 to 3 p.m. EasternTime. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Fy6PmHbROz4SPhIFGaFD5g..

New Book Offers Suggestions for Asperger Couples"Asperger Counselling for Couples" is the first book to provide acomplete model for counseling couples where one partner has AspergerSyndrome (AS). The book, published in the U.K., provides details ofthe seven different stages of the model and includes anecdotalevidence from clients who have used it. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=1Sdq0K1nT_AQVDPgyaPLkQ.. New Site for Developmental Disability NewsDisability Scoop is a new Web site created by two professionaljournalists, Diament and Shaun Heasley, which gathersarticles from across the Web and publishes original content on theissues affecting everyday life. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Yq_e2P0hD_orbEgmGfTWFQ.. "Rules" by Lord Lord gives new voice to families struggling with theday-to-day realities of autism in her candid and witty debut novel,"Rules," which was awarded the Newbery Honor. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=l8JG9x5vo5xcEa6R4fmvHA.. Learn Occupational Therapy at HomeJackie Olson, founder of TRP Wellness and mother of a son with autism,created the "OT in the Home" DVD for families without access to anoccupational therapist as well as those who want extra information andguidance. The OT series can be used in addition to a child'sindividualized plan. The DVD takes you through an entire day withchildren with various special needs. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Euhl5W1dFfNHl0pzt8oOSQ.. Book: "Beyond the Dragon"In the new book "Beyond the Dragon" by Tremblay,nine-year-old Robbie Stanley, who has Asperger's Syndrome, wouldmuch rather stay inside playing on his computer and watching TV than go outside and interact with the neighborhood kids--that is,until one afternoon when he happens across a soccer game whileflipping through the TV channels. Immediately, Robbie is transfixedupon the dragon adorning the Greensboro players' uniform. Atthat defining moment, he decides that he wants to play soccer. Readmore: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Q8Dy4LbVM5tuDzfH-2OfFA.. Autism Nutrition Expert Publishes Biomedical Autism Intervention Guide for Parents & Pediatricians s, a Certified Nutrition Consultant, is an autismnutrition specialist who is putting recent scientific research aboutdiet and autism to work in her practice. In an effort to help familiesheal their children and gain access to vital biomedical science andnutrition information, has published a groundbreaking guide forparents, pediatricians and autism clinicians entitled "Nourishing Hopefor Autism: Nutrition Intervention for Healing Our Children." Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=if0kRjEjlZEoKYZeCQ6ksw..

New DVDs from Dan Coulter Video

CLICK HERE for the Coulter Video website or cut & paste this URRL into your search engine.... http://www.coultervideo.com/index.htm

Article: NYT, Reaching an Autistic Teenager

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/magazine/19Autism-t.html?ei=5070 & emc=eta1

New Books from Kingsley

The Red Beast, Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger's SyndromeThis vibrant fully illustrated children's storybook is written for children aged 5+, and is an accessible, fun way to talk about anger, with useful tips about how to 'tame the red beast' and guidance for parents on how anger affects children with Asperger's Syndrome.

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109433 Autism, Brain, and Environment Lathe "[Lathe's] book is a clearly and accessibly written account of his proposal that environmental poisons, including heavy metals, interact with genetic vulnerability to cause damage to the limbic brain system...resulting in autism...This is, overall, a scholarly book providing a possible explanation of autism. It will be of interest to parents as well as professionals." - Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science Click for more details Dyslogic SyndromeWhy Millions of Kids are "Hyper," Attention-Disordered, Learning Disabled, Depressed, Aggressive, Defiant, or Violent - and What We Can Do About ItBernard Rimland "From the brilliantly inquisitive mind of one of the world's foremost research psychologists, Dr. Bernard Rimland, comes this straightforward, meticulously researched explanation of and lucid plan of action for dyslogic disorders. A must read for parents, educators, physicians, politicians and legal practitioners." -Max Ricketts, author of The Great Anxiety Escape Click for more details

2008-2009 Legal Webinar Series on Employment issues

Questions and registration regarding this webinar should be directed to DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center at gldbtac@... or toll free number at 877-ADA-1990 (V/TTY) or 877-232-1990 (V/TTY).http://www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/ADALegal/Schedule/

The DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center is pleased to announce that registration isopen for the 2008-2009 Legal Webinar Series on Employment issues. The2008-2009 series will begin with a session on October 28th that will discussthe recently released EEOC Fact Sheet on Conduct and Performance Issues forPeople with Disabilities as well as give an overview of the recently signedADA Amendments Act of 2008.This 90 minute session will be held from 1-2:30pm Central (2-3:30pm Eastern,12-1:30pm Mountain and 11-12:30pm Pacific) on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.This session uses a web based conferencing system and is fully accessiblethrough use of on-line real-time captioning. For more information about theentire series as well as the October 28th session please go towww.ada-audio.org <outbind://66/www.ada-audio.org> and "click" on 2008Legal Issues Webinar: Employment and the ADA.The cost of the program depends on the type of entity registering but rangesfrom $50.00-$100 per connection. No charge for Real-time captioningprovided as a reasonable accommodation.Other topics in the six part series include the Interplay between the ADAand FMLA, Disparate Impact versus Disparate Treatment, Legal Update on MajorLife Activities, Legal Update on Title III case law, and Pretext cases.If you have questions regarding the program please contact us atgldbtac@... or call our toll free number at 877-ADA-1990 (V/TTY) or877-232-1990 (V/TTY).

Health Freedom for All

Do you have health freedom?

Did you know that Ohio law tells you where and from whom you can get your healthcare? Health Freedom for All (HFFA) works on healthcare issues that protect your ability to choose which method of healthcare is right for you and your family.

What can I do to help? It’s easy—buy a book! Health Freedom for All does not ask for donations, we’re funded through book sales. To purchase a book and learn more visit our website at www.healthfreedomforall.org.

TREATING ANXIETY IN KIDS & TEENS WITH ASPERGER’S AND OTHER AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Greater Cleveland Asperger Support Presents: TREATING ANXIETY IN KIDS & TEENS WITH ASPERGER’S AND OTHER AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS PRESENTED BY DR. NEVADA REED OF KIDSLINKWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th , 2008, 7 p.m. Independence Civic Center6363 Selig Drive, IndependenceFree, but must rsvp to @... by Nov. 3rd Early Responses Appreciated Greater Cleveland Asperger Supportgc-as

SociAbilities Halloween and Holiday DancesThe SociAbilities program provides a variety of social, recreational and therapeutic activities for people age 18 and older. Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the planning process and are able to create a weekly schedule of activities where personal preference are emphasized. In addition, SociAbilities provides daily personal care, physical therapy, speech and language therapy and social services. Evening and weekend recreational events for persons with disabilities are also offered throughout the year by the agency's "After Hours" program. For more information call (330) 379-3337.

United Disability Services

Program Secretary, SociAbilities

1275 Sweitzer Ave

Akron OH 44301-1346

Phone: 330 379 3337

FAX: 330 379 3342

Email: lmiller@...

Visit us at: www.udsakron.org

Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of†Madagascar 2â€

For families like yours with children on the autism spectrum, an outing to the movies can pose an array of challenges. Many children and adolescents with autism may never get the opportunity to join their parents or siblings at the theater -- until now.

Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, is hosting with Cleveland Cinemas a unique movie viewing experience for the entire family. We are inviting families who have children with autism spectrum disorder to join us for a private showing of the animated film Madagascar 2. The movie will be specially light and sound adapted. Children are encouraged to bring personal sensory support items and special snacks (the theater’s concession stand will be open, as well).

When: Saturday, November 8, 2008 Time: Movie begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. without trailers and ads. Please arrive in time to buy tickets and choose seats.

Where:

NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION Solon Cinemas/Cleveland Cinemas @ Solon Commons

6185 Enterprise Parkway Solon , Ohio 44139

http://www.clevelandcinemas.com/theaterinfo.asp?id=2936

Price: Tickets are $5 each. Cash only!

To prepare your child with autism for the movie, special social stories have been created. These stories are available attached here and will be placed on our web site at http://www.bellefairejcb.org/autism-education-services/

Please direct any questions or concerns to Karin Hess-Hopkins at Monarch School at 216-320-8658. We hope to see you there!

OASIS Mini Seminar with Dr. Nevada Date: Monday, November 10Time: 7pm – 8:30pmLocation: Wooster Community Hospital/North Auditorium Topic: "Autism 101: Tips for Parents of Newly Diagnosed Children" Guest Speaker: Dr. Nevada from Kidslink Neurobehavioral Center www.kidslinkohio.com Nevada , MD is a board certified pediatric neurologist. She completed medical school at Washington University School of Medicine. She finished her Pediatrics residency and Pediatric Neurology Fellowship at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She came to Akron Children's Hospital in 2003 as a staff child neurologist and was named medical director of the Autism Program. During her years at Akron Children's, she developed an inter-disciplinary autism assessment team and was active in creating several programs for family support and education. Dr. was appointed by Governor Taft to serve on the Ohio Autism Taskforce and now serves in a three-year appointed position on the Advisory Board for the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence disabilities (OCALI). She has been the primary investigator for several autism research projects. Dr. enjoys treating children with a variety of neurologic needs and believes that family involvement is essential for the best medical care. She is married and has three children, ages 8, 10 and 10. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or you are a vetern, you will want to be here to hear Dr. speak. Dr. came to speak at our first Autism Panel regarding Medical Treatment of Children with ASD. The room was packed, so please RSVP to gerricoasisautism (DOT) org

Article: Autism genes can add up to genius - Intellectual gifts and certain brain disorders are closely related

For full article go to: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4882699.ece

Transition and Teaching Strategies for Students on the Autism SpectrumOctober 28 - 29, 2008Pittsburgh, PA

http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/pittsburgh.html

Social Skills and Differentiating Instruction in Autism Spectrum DisordersNovember 11 - 12, 2008Detroit, MI

http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/detroit.html

Social Skills and Human Development in Autism Spectrum DisordersDecember 2 - 3, 2008Columbus, OH

http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/columbus.html

Vote before Election Day - Early Voting and Absentee VotingIn Ohio, there are two ways to vote before election day: by voting at an early voting site, or by casting an absentee ballot.Vote at an early voting siteOhio voters can vote early at an early voting site that should be accessible and allow people to cast their votes in private. In most counties, the Board of Elections is the early voting site. lin, Hardin, Knox, Lucas and Summit counties have alternative early voting sites. The Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/mapsEV.aspx?page=361 has a map with links to early voting locations and voting hours.Bring the right identification:· The last four digits of your Social Security number; or your driver's license number; or· A copy of a current and valid photo identification, (for example, Ohio driver's license, state ID card, government ID). Photo identification must show your name and address; or· A copy of a current utility bill (including cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and current address (including from a public college or university).Vote by absentee ballotAn absentee ballot allows registered voters to cast their vote without going to their official polling place on election day. Anyone in Ohio who is registered to vote can vote by absentee ballot. You do not have to give a reason why you want to vote absentee. Mail your absentee ballot with a postmark of no later than November 3, or return it in person to your local county board of elections by Election Day, November 4.Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the absentee ballot process.

How do I get an absentee ballot?Absentee ballots are available from your county board of elections (see http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/boeDirectory.aspx). Vote by absentee ballot at your county board of elections:· Go in person to your county board of elections office and ask for an absentee ballot. You can vote with your absentee ballot while you are there. (Monday, November 3 is the last day you can do this.) Or you can take your absentee ballot and vote later, returning your ballot by mail or bringing it to the county board of elections.· Be sure to bring proof of identification (see below for examples of what you can bring).

Obtain an absentee ballot to complete and send through the mail:· Request an absentee ballot in writing from the board of elections office in the county where you are registered to vote.· Although an absentee ballot request form is not required, you can get one from the Secretary of State's Web site at http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/upload/elections/forms/11a.pdf. Your county board of elections may also have a request form.· You can also go in person to your county board of elections office and ask for an absentee ballot.· Your letter, note, or request form must include:o your name;o the address where you are registered to vote;o your birth date;o which election you want the ballot for, in this case the November 4, 2008 general election;o if you want your absentee ballot mailed to you, the address where you want the ballot sent;o your signature or other legal mark (your signature or mark declares that you are a qualified voter and are providing truthful information);o date you signed the form; ando you must include ONE piece of information that identifies who you are. Include one of the following: your Ohio driver's license number; the last four numbers of your Social Security number; or a copy of your current and valid photo identification, military identification, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address. (Note: You cannot show a notice that the board of elections mailed to you as proof of who you are.)

What do I do when I get my absentee ballot in the mail?Follow the directions provided and mark your ballot. Take your absentee ballot back to, or mail it to your county board of elections office.

The Board must receive your absentee ballot before the polls close on November 4. Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered to the county board of elections office no later than 7:30 p.m. on election day. The completed ballot can be delivered to the board of elections in person, or you can mail it.

If you mail it, get it in the mail far enough in advance to be sure it gets there on time. Your absentee ballot envelope may need extra postage. The post office can weigh it so you are sure to have proper postage so mail delivery is not delayed.Note: The board of elections will accept applications for persons who are hospitalized due to a medical emergency until 3:00 p.m. on election day.How do I know if the county board of elections got my absentee ballot?You can contact your county board of elections to check if your absentee ballot was received (see http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/boeDirectory.aspx).

Contact OLRS with Voter Rights ComplaintsThe Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) is the federally and state designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities. OLRS was created to protect the rights of Ohioans with disabilities, and that includes protecting the fundamental right to vote. If you experience problems when you register to vote or exercise your right to vote, please contact OLRS. You can call OLRS' Intake toll free telephone line, write to OLRS Intake, or complete an on-line form at http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/olrs_RequestForHelp.asp.

Ohio Legal Rights Service50 West Broad Street, Suite 1400Columbus, Ohio 43215-5923Telephone: 800-282-9181 (statewide toll free) or 614-466-7264 (toll call)TTY: 800-858-3542 (statewide toll free) or 614-728-2553 (toll call)FAX: 614-644-1888Web site: http://olrs.ohio.gov Where can I find more information about voting?Visit the Voting section of the Ohio Legal Rights Service Web site: http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/olrs_Voting.asp Visit the Voter Services section on the Ohio Secretary of State Web site: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/voter.aspx Contact your county board of elections: http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/boeDirectory.aspx

Autism Speaks Appoints Ohio Doctor Medical Director for the Autism Treatment Network Autism Speaks has announced the appointment of Dan Coury, M.D. to the new post of Medical Director for its Autism Treatment Network (ATN). As Medical Director, Dr. Coury will provide the clinical leadership for the ATN's clinical and research activities, working with the Clinical Coordinating Center at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Autism Speaks ATN program staff, and the participating ATN centers to develop a strategic vision for the ATN. Dr. Coury was formerly with Nationwide Children's Hospital. Read more.

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD - PRESCHOOL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN YEARS

An advocate is one who pleads the cause of another and who defends or maintains a cause or proposal. As the parent or guardian of a child with a chronic illness and/or disability, you are your child's best advocate...no one else can do the job as well. It is important to understand your role and to know that you are not alone! Join us to find out more and talk about...

What it means to be an advocate for your child

What parents and guardians of young children advocate for

What parents and guardians need to know and do in order to be effective advocates for their children

Types of advocacy organizations, their roles, and how to find them

Speaker:

Norwood, Executive Director of The Arc of Greater Cleveland. She and The Arc work to promote effective service delivery systems on behalf of individuals and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to The Arc, she served as Parent Coordinator of the Ohio Higher Education Partnership Project, Parent Consultant for the Family Information Network at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, a founding member and chair, vice chair and outreach chair of Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council, a member of the Ohio Higher Education Early Childhood Consortium, a founding member of Cuyahoga County Early Intervention Collaborative Group, and a parent representative to the Governor's Interagency Early Intervention Council.

Date:

October 29, 2008

Time:

6:30-8:30 pm

Location:

Achievement Centers for Children, 4255 Northfield Road, Highland Hills 44128

Cost:

$10.00

Advance Registration is Required: Please call Kresnye at 216-229-5757, Ext. 126

Please forward this email to anyone who may benefit from attending. Thank you.

Tools for Today and Tomorrow workshops are designed for parents and caregivers. Professionals are also welcome to attend. Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide professional advice or guidance for individual issues. For individual issues, consult with a qualified professional of your choice.

KresnyeProgram Manager,Tools for Today and Tomorrow Mc House of Cleveland, Inc.10415 Euclid AvenueCleveland, OH 44106-4709www.toolsfortoday.org216-229-5757, Ext. 126

Dining Out with the Autism Awareness Toolkit

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Dining Out with Autism Awareness Toolkit

Articles on Autism from Science Daily

Autism reduces likelihood of irrational decisionsPeople with autism-spectrum disorders make less emotional decisions than the general population, according to a new British study. People without such disorders were more likely to make irrational choices depending on how a choice was framed, while people with autism tended to be more consistent. ScienceDaily (10/15) Children with autism less likely to focus on instructorsChildren with autism may have trouble learning because they focus on the wrong thing, say University of California, , researchers who used eye-tracking technology to examine 18 children with high-functioning autism and 13 without. "We found that the children with autism focused on the demonstrator's action and looked at the demonstrator's face much less often than did typically developing children," said lead author Giacomo Vivanti. "The typically developing children may be looking at the demonstrator's face to check for information on what to do or how to respond appropriately, information that the children with autism are less inclined to seek." ScienceDaily (10/12)

Autism genes can add up to genius

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4882699.ece

An Event For Children With Autism At Maui Sands ResortWhere: Maui Sands Indoor Waterpark & Resort in Sandusky, OhioWhen: December 6th, December 7th, December 8thWho to Contact: Email me Shacklj@... OR call 1-888-STAY-MSRThank you,Lindsey ShacklefordEvent ManagerMaui Sands Resort Company

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