ASA-ASO DIGEST: March 2, 2009

[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:

- Join us March 31, April 1 for Disability (including Autism) Public Policy Legislative Event and Rally

- OCALI to hold Ohio Autism Conference in November

- New Ohio IEP and ETR forms Available Online

- ODE unveils new website for Special Education

- ODJFS Budget Testimony

- ODH Announces new Chief of Early Intervention Services

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

Special Series: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- ASA-Greater Cleveland Meeting, March 2

- Wrestle Against Autism Fundraiser for ASA-Central Ohio, Columbus

- ASA-Greater Cincinnati organizing Bus for statehouse Rally

- Upcoming Seminars from ASA-Northwest Ohio Chapter, Toledo

- ASA-Dayton Chapter to hold Autism Walk April 4

- News from ASA National:

Pump It Up and Autism Society of America Host "Bounce for Autism" ASA Web Advocacy Campaign to Begin Next Week Sensory Friendly Films Expand to New Markets Race for Autism Autism on the Seas Breakdown of Health-Care Funding in the Stimulus Package Funding for Lifespan Respite Included in Appropriations Bill Request from the Office on Disability Read My Lips - Research New Resource Publication for Children with Disabilities, Health Issues or Who are Gifted 2009 Autism Society of America National Conference and Exposition, July 22-25, in St. ,

Ill. Defeat Autism Now! Spring Conference New Site Uses Comics to Teach Emotes Help Children Communicate New Book Provides Roadmap for Families Seeking Autism Treatment- Article: Man with autism goes back to school as a volunteer

- New Resources from AAPC

- Seminar: Getting the Most from Your Private Health Insurance Plan

- Article - Expert: People with disabilities can find jobs, even in down economy

- March ODMRDD Family Advisory Council Meeting, Columbus

- Self advocacy group The Riot! Hosts National Conversations on State Budgets

- MRDD Awareness Month Statewide Kickoff Event, March 5, Columbus

- People First of Ohio, Annual Meeting, March 7, Wilmington, OH

- Solidarity 2009 to Celebrate 10th Anniversary, April 14-16, Columbus

- Autism Featured on Good Morning America

- New Books from Kingsley Publishers

- AAPC - New Spring Catalog

- RUN FOR AUTISM at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K

- Introduction to Extended School Year Services (ESY) and Open Discussion, Medina

ASA-ASO is now posting all research opportunities on our website. For information on available opportunities, visit our webpage www.autismohio.org, click on "Information" along the left side of the home page and then click on "Studies/Surveys". CHECK OUT NEW LISTINGS AND OPPORTUNITIES!

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:

Join us March 31, April 1 for Disability (including Autism) Public Policy Legislative Event and Rally

Disability Public Policy Legislative Event and Rally - March 31, April 1

This event is sponsored, in part, by the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio! The Rally on April 1st is a joint rally with the greater DD community and the Autism Community to show collaboration and solidarity on budget issues.

Join us on March 31st and April 1st as the Ohio Disability Community rallies together for change! The growing list of sponsors will be distributed in our next mailing, but we wanted you to have a chance to register today. This event is free for Ohioans with disabilities and their families and only $89 for professionals. You need not register for the Rally on April 1st, which will be the first joint MR/DD and Autism Rally, but you do need to register for March 31st. Attached is registration information. The Voice of One –The Power of Manyâ€Disability Public Policy Legislative Event and Rally March 31 – April 1, 2009 PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Legislative DayHyatt on Capitol Square/Columbus75 East State St.Columbus, OH 43215 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration (includes Continental Breakfast)10:00 a.m. – Noon Opening Session: Noon – 1:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon Featuring Guest Speaker1:45 – 4:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions/Workshops5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception for Legislators, Staff & the Administration Bill Hoskett, Jr., a member of The OSU Hall of Fame, will deliver the Keynote Address. This team leader will provide a motivational presentation on the teamwork we need to succeed in public policy advocacy. The morning will also include a “State of the State†Address from Doug Lumpkin, Director of the Ohio Dept of Job and Family Services, Director of the Ohio Dept or MR/DD and Kathe Shelby, Ph.D., Director of the Ohio Office of Exceptional Children. Afternoon Breakout Sessions will include more detailed information on how to support, serve, and enhance the lives of Ohioans with Disabilities and their families. –More details forthcoming. Wednesday, April 1, 2009 RallyOhio Statehouse – Statehouse Lawn, West Plaza (High St.) Join with hundreds of individuals with disabilities, family members, advocates, providers, county staff and support personnel to present a united voice. Call your state legislator now and make an appointment to visit them and express your views directly. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00p.m. Disability Public Policy Legislative Rally – Exhibit Tables open at 10:30 a.m.All Day Scheduled Individual Legislative Appointments

To register, contact the ARC of Ohio at arcohio@...

OCALI to hold Ohio Conference in November

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) is pleased to announce the 2009 Autism and Low Incidence Disabilities Conference and Exposition, November 18-19, 2009, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH.OCALI has hosted autism and low incidence disabilities conferences since its inception in 2005, and for 20 years prior when it was known as ORCLISH (Ohio Resource Center for Low Incidence and Severely Handicapped). Over the past two years, OCALI, as a member of ASA's Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) organization, has taken the lead in hosting the NATTAP Conference. We are honored to have been a part of this work, and look forward to a continued role as a partner on future NATTAP initiatives and activities.OCALI's mission is to build state- and system-wide capacity to improve outcomes for individuals with autism and low incidence disabilities through leadership, training and professional development, technical assistance, collaboration, and technology. The 2009 OCALI Conference will help advance this mission by focusing on improving programs, implementation, support and overall outcomes for those with ASD and low incidence disabilities (such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), orthopedic impairments etc.). Conference participants will have the opportunity to experience high-quality professional development and networking opportunities with peers and leaders in the areas of education, interagency collaboration and continuum of services. We've built a strong platform at OCALI, and are excited and honored to continue our work on effecting system-wide improvements in Ohio, across the nation and the globe in both ASD and low incidence disabilities. More information about the 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition will be released soon. The Call for Proposals and Conference Registration will open in April 2009. Information will be posted at www.ocali.org.

New Ohio IEP and ETR forms Available Online

From ODE-Office For Exceptional Children Director Dr. Kathe Shelby:

I am pleased to announce that the Procedures and Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities, lovingly called the “Guidance Documentâ€, is back on line. The Guidance Document contains the new ETR and IEP forms. Developing this tool was truly a team effort and we are grateful to all of you who wrote, reviewed or took the time to provide the 700 plus comments to make the Guidance Document and new forms come alive. Thank you for your patience, comments and assistance with this monumental task and hope that you will find it useful. When you go to www.edresourcesohio.org you will find:Procedures and Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies serving Children with DisabilitiesThe updated Procedures and Guidance for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities is now available for searching at the top left corner of the revised www.edresourcesohio.org Web site. Users can find the following references in section 5, Procedural Safeguards, in the Table of Contents or by typing the keywords below in the search feature of the Web site: When to Provide Prior Written Notice, Informed Consent, and Procedural Safeguards Notice; Quick Reference for Due Process Complaints; and Conflict Resolution Processes. It is important to note that ODE will review and update the Guidance Document quarterly to ensure that it reflects current policies. The date on the Guidance Document will change when it is updated. Users are discouraged from printing the document as the copy users print may not include important updates.

New IEP PR-07 FormThe IEP form has been revised to incorporate the "standards based IEP" requirement of the modified assessment process. Annotations for the IEP have been developed to assist IEP team members with the development of the IEP. Training on the use of the new IEP form will be provided by the state support teams (SSTs) to districts in their regions. The new IEP form may be used when writing IEPs in spring 2009, but it is required to be used for IEPs written beginning in the fall 2009 for the 2009-2010 year. IEPs written on the current form in spring 2009 for the 2009-2010 school year do not have to be revised (on the new forms) in September 2009.

· New IEP PR-07 Form (dynamic PDF file) This form is a dynamic PDF file that will change format as the data is entered. Input fields expand to accommodate content. Some sections may be duplicated as needed. Some sections may be omitted based on user responses. Fields such as names and dates are linked to reduce duplication of entry. The resulting file with data may be saved for future use. Although the data is stored in an electronic form this is not be itself an "electronic IEP." Data is stored only within the individual files. Users must be careful to establish a file naming system, an organized storage system and a method of addressing the security of the data files. · New IEP PR-07 Form (static PDF file) (*will be available by February 27) This form may be printed and filled in. · Annotations for the New IEP PR-07 Form Services PlanThe new IEP PR-07 form will no longer be used for the Services Plan. A new Services Plan form has been developed by ODE/OEC and will be available by February 27. New ETR PR-O6 FormThe ETR PR-06 form has been revised to comply with federal and state laws, and annotations for the form are available in a separate document. · New ETR PR-06 form · Annotations for the new ETR PR-06 form We recognize that changes may need to be made and have built in a systematic plan to make revisions on a quarterly basis. If you sign up to receive alerts from the edresourcesohio.org website, you will be notified of all revisions. Thanks again for all you do to make the education of children with disabilities the best it can be! Sincerely,Kathe Shelby, Ph.D.Director, Office for Exceptional Children

ODE unveils new website for Special Education

http://www.edresourcesohio.org/

ODJFS Budget Testimony

A link to the testimony of R. Corlett, Medicaid Director, and Lumpkin, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services regarding their recommendations for the ODJFS Departmental Budget to the Ohio House Finance Committee.

http://jfs.ohio.gov/oleg/testimony2009_2010.stm

ODH Announces new Chief of Early Intervention Services

The Division of Family and Community Health Services has announced Mr. Green as the new Chief of the Bureau of Early Intervention Services. They state "He comes to ODH with many years of experience in the administration of various pediatric programs at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. will be instrumental in guiding the Bureau through the changes that will be made around the Help Me Grow program in the upcoming biennium." Debbie , the outgoing EI Chief, has moved into a new position as Assistant Chief of the Division of Family and Community Health Services. In addition to early childhood health policy activities, she is working closely with Leatherman, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Cabinet on the planning and development of the Center for Early Childhood Development which will be housed at the Ohio Department of Education. More information on the Center will be made available in the upcoming weeks.

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

The Ohio Budget is currently under development and autism insurance parity legislation is ready to be re-introduced in the Ohio House. 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 ASA-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

Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

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

Federal Update

Special Series: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

From the ARC-UPC Disability Policy Coalition:

The following are important sources of information on the ARRA. Stay tuned for updates over the next few weeks.

Feb 19 – Recovery.GovThe mission of this web site is three-fold: education (explain the ARRA), transparency (show how, when, and where ARRA money is spent), and accountability (furnish data that will allow citizens to evaluate the act's progress and provide feedback). http://www.recovery.gov/Feb 19 - Request for Stories Kareem Dale, the newly appointed Special Assistant for Disability Policy to President Obama, is looking for any person with a disability who has started working or gone back to work as a result of the economic recovery plan. For example, some company starts hiring again as a result of money they are going to receive. This important request is time sensitive and will assist in facilitating full inclusion of disability. Please submit stories (and note your connection to The Arc) at: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/share-your-experience

Feb 19 – Budget News - U.S. Department of EducationHere you'll find the latest news on funding of the U.S. Department of Education programs, including congressional action on appropriations. As of today, the following AARA tables are available: 1) a table showing the amounts provided for the Education Department; 2) state tables showing preliminary state allocations of ARRA funds; and 3) tables showing preliminary Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I LEA allocations under the ARRA. http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/news.html#FY2009action

Feb 18 - Detailed Recovery Act Guidance to Agencies The Office of Management and Budget released the first installment of guidance to Federal agencies for carrying out programs and activities enacted in the recovery plan. It contains immediate steps to be taken to ensure timely and effective implementation of the ARRA.http://www.recovery.gov/files/Initial%20Recovery%20Act%20Implementing%20Guidance.pdf

Feb 18 – DPC News & Information: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): Disability-related Provisions This document lists disability specific programs and the amount of increased spending they will receive from the time the bill is enacted through 2010.http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1489

Feb 17 - White House Releases State by State NumbersDocumentation that shows the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will save or create 3.5 million jobs.http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/White-House-Releases-State-by-State-Numbers-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act-to-Save-or-Create-35-Million-Jobs/

Feb 17 - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009Bill text (this is an extremely lengthy document, over 400 pages)http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills & docid=f:h1enr.txt.pdf

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

ASA-Greater Cleveland Meeting, March 2

Please join The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) - A Chapter of the ASA, for our monthly meeting on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 6:30 PM at The City of Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131. Our Guest Speaker will be Wilcock - Behavior Intervention Institute of OhioMs. Wilcock has recently opened a Center in Westlake, Ohio, they specialize in ABA Center Based Therapy and IEP Consultations.Please call (216) 556-4937 or e-mail at support@... today if you would like to take advantage of free childcare. Also, please Save the date for our 4th Annual Greater Cleveland Chili Cook off for Autism at Progressive Field on April 2, 2009 at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available at www.asgc.org or by calling (216) 556-4937. Corporate and Personal Donations and Sponsorhips are still being accepted. We hope to see everyone there!

Wrestle Against Autism Fundraiser for ASA-Central Ohio, Columbus

Presented by:

Ohio State University Wrestling Team and the Mad River Wrestling Officials AssociationThe Date Has Been Set...May 17, 2009 - Wrestle Against Autism II2008 Tournament "The Fray at the French" Nearly $10,000.00 was raised for Autism Charities, including the ASA-Central Ohio Chapter.Thank you all for making the tournament a success. We look forward to seeing you next year!!

http://wrestleagainstautism.com/default.aspx

ASA-Greater Cincinnati organizing Bus for statehouse Rally

Complete details on this and other activities in their latest newsletter:

http://www.autismcincy.org/pdf/current_newsletter.pdf

Upcoming Seminars from ASA-Northwest Ohio Chapter

Understanding Your Rights: Whose IDEA is This?†will be held on March 11 and 12 at the Toledo Hospital Education Center Auditorium, with Lynn Mielnik, M.S., CCC-SLP. Lynn will cover parents' rights under special education law including changes that were made to Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies serving Children with Disabilities in July 2008. Lynn Mielnik is the State Support Team Region 1 (formerly the SERRC) associate director of special education services. She serves as a resource for staff, districts, and parents in Region 1 in the areas of special education compliance, school improvement, universal design for learning, and assistive technology. She has over 25 years of professional expertise in the areas of education, special education, and speech pathology and audiology.

“7 Evidence-Based Strategies for an Effective Early Intervention Program†will be held on March 25 at the Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium and March 26 at the Lucas County Board of MR/DD Family First Zone, presented by Dr. Ball. This presentation will discuss seven systematic techniques for working with children with an autism spectrum disorder. It will focus on teaching specific skills, enhancing motivation, and generalization training. A step-by-step demonstration will be presented using real life examples. Modifications will be explored that allow this particular program to be effective with students significantly challenged with autism, as well as those students with Asperger Syndrome. Myths and facts about Applied Behavior Analysis will also be covered. A question and answer period will be provided. Dr. Ball a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is the President/CEO of JB Autism Consulting. He provides private consultation to organizations, schools, and families regarding staff training, parent training, home support services, classroom design/support, and behavior management/assessment. A past member of the Autism Society of America Board of Directors, he is currently co-chairperson of the ASA Panel of Professional Advisors.

“A Land We Can Shareâ€: Access to the Literate Community for ALL†will be held on April 1 and 2 at the Education Center Auditorium, with a Kluth, Ph.D. presenting. Dr. Kluth will explore how many learners have been excluded from literacy experiences that are inclusive, rich, and challenging. Participants will also learn some strategies for including and supporting students with disabilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. Ideas for enhancing skills in comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary will be highlighted. Dr. Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who work with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction, and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.

To register, download the registration form at www.asno.org, fill it out, and send it in with payment to Autism Society of Northwest OhioAttn: Workshop Series

Linell Weinberg, MSWExecutive DirectorAutism Society of Northwest Ohio4848 Dorr Street Suite 1Toledo, OH 43615phone: 419-578-2766 (419-578-ASNO)fax: 419-536-5038e-mail: asno.org@...website: www.asno.org

ASA-Dayton Chapter to Hold Autism Walk April 4

If you haven't started your walk team yet, there's still plenty of time!Visit our walk website:http://www.ASADayton5KWalk.kintera.org tostart your walk team, join a team, or register as an individual! Ifyou can't join us for the walk or are physically unable to walk, no problem!Join as a Virtual walker and still get your free walk t-shirt! This year'sshirt was designed by a 9 year-old with autism and features Winnie thePooh. Click the "order merchandise" link to view his artwork.

WDTN's own Holly s will be our emcee for the day as we welcome MaddieGeorgi, CMT's Music City Madness finalist. Maddie will perform her originalsongs including "Take My Hand" written for her brother, who has autism. Hermusic is amazing! This free concert, as well as the free sensory-friendlychildren's activities and free, special-needs related vendor fair & raffle are well worth coming out for. You do not have to participate in thewalk to enjoy the other festivities!

We have worked very hard to make sure this year's event is even moreorganized and more fun than last year! We will have two huge tents withsides to keep our vendors and concessions warm and dry. Check in andwalk-in registrations will be a breeze. Come prepared for the weather, aswe will walk rain or shine! And bring your sign for our Walk of Fame, whichwill be along the walk route. For more information on the Walk of Fame orany aspect of the walk, visit our walk site or give us a call.

All funds raised stay right here in the Greater Dayton area to help ourfamilies who are living with autism. We will also have informationavailable at our Autism Awareness merchandise booth on our new Family Grantprogram. Stop by and pick up your application packet. Money raised at thewalk will be used to fund our Family Grant, so come on out, support thisgreat cause, and have a great time with your family!

If you have any questions or need printable registration forms, contact at bernofamgmail or 937.859.4964. We are still looking forsponsors and vendors so if you have an autism-related business and want tobe a vendor, please contact us. If your company would like to be a sponsorand get great advertising while they support a great cause, contact ussoon. Our cut-off for the logos on the shirt is March 6th. Please hurry!We need your support!

News from the Autism Society of America National:

Pump It Up and Autism Society of America Host "Bounce for Autism"The Autism Society of America and Pump It Up, the nation's largest andfastest-growing franchise of giant indoor inflatable playgrounds forprivate parties, are teaming up for the second year to host "Bouncefor Autism" this April in over 30 locations nationwide. Thiscommunity-based fundraising event combines family fun with raisingawareness and support for autism in locations that welcome children onthe autism spectrum. Autism now affects one in every 150 children inAmerica, and ASA and Pump It Up hope to energize families affected byautism and their friends to raise funds for and awareness of autismtoday. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=tOjSyHSi0mzL48dbe9pgww..ASA Web Advocacy Campaign to Begin Next WeekVery soon, comprehensive autism legislation will be introduced in theU.S. Congress. In a few days, ASA will need your help to make sureCongress understands just how critical this issue is to all of ourfriends and families that are affected by autism. Next week, ASA willlaunch a Web-based email campaign to call attention to the criticalneed for appropriate lifespan services. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=dYsWo3nUUfd_M0hhYGRHLA..Sensory Friendly Films Expand to New MarketsThe next ASA-AMC Sensory Friendly Film will be "Race to Witch Mountain"on March 14, at 10 a.m. local time. Visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms to find a theatre near you, and be sure to look for our new locations in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Houston; San Francisco; Spokane, Wash.; and Tampa, Fla.Race for AutismNASCAR driver Lagasse will feature the autism awareness ribbonas he races Car #11, America's Incredible Pizza Company Toyota. Thecar's hood with be painted with the multicolored puzzle ribbonbeginning at the O'Reilly 300 on April 4 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Learn more about y, his charity work and upcoming races at http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=i60KSPXgtFxiP_sI541uPA.. .Autism on the SeasJoin the Autism Society of America on a fabulous 12-nightMediterranean cruise aboard award-winning Oceania Cruises as we sailfrom Athens, Greece, to Venice, Italy, October 22-November 3, 2009. Wewill visit 13 ports of call across six countries. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=nKbWTT79FbySaxYrPam3sw..Breakdown of Health-Care Funding in the Stimulus PackageThe economic stimulus bill has a large number of health-careprovisions. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Z0CGFYBzZ9YAz-XfQmcWew..Funding for Lifespan Respite Included in Appropriations BillThe FY09 Omnibus Appropriations bill, expected to be voted on by theHouse this week, includes $2.5 million for Lifespan Respite. Thefunding is included in the budget for the Office of the Secretary ofHealth and Human Services. A federal agency within HHS will still haveto be selected to administer the funding for the program.Request from the Office on DisabilityKareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for DisabilityPolicy, has requested ASA's help in finding people with disabilities who have gone back to work or been rehired as a result of the economic recovery plan (e.g., a company starts hiring again as a result of money they are going to receive from the stimulus bill). If you know of such cases that have recently occurred, please send your information to Jeff Sell, ASA Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy, at jsell@....Read My Lips - ResearchWhen someone speaks to you, do you see what they are saying? We tend to think of speech as being something we hear, but recent studiessuggest that we use a variety of senses for speech perception - thatthe brain treats speech as something we hear, see and even feel. In anew report in "Current Directions in Psychological Science," a journalof the Association for Psychological Science, psychologist LawrenceRosenblum describes research examining how our different senses blend together to help us perceive speech. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=vDQZksm988uxx8BayXocag..

New Resource Publication for Children with Disabilities, Health Issues or Who are GiftedResources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., has added a newpublication to its one-of-a-kind directories for families withchildren with disabilities and other special needs, "Schools forStudents with Special Needs: Private Day and Residential SchoolsServing Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs in theNew York City Metro Area." Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=3bI4Qv75_-YNHe0hNI3QcQ..2009 Autism Society of America National Conference and Exposition, July 22-25, in St. , Ill.Registration for the 2009 ASA National Conference and Exposition isnow open! This year's conference will be held in St. , Ill., atthe Pheasant Run Resort July 22-25. There are early bird registrationrates in effect until April 1, so register early for the best discount. You can access all information about the conference and registration at our website: www.autism-society.org/conference.We anticipate 2,000 attendees this year and more than 150 exhibitors,plus speakers from around the globe. In 2008, we were able to expandour professional credit offerings and create a comprehensive programthat drew a record number of attendees. The full schedule of conference offerings will be available online in early March.Over 80 booths have already sold for next year's event. Toparticipate as an exhibitor, program guide advertiser or sponsor,please contact Meg Ellacott, Ellacott@... or302.260.9487. Visit www.autism-society.org/conference and click onexhibit information to learn more. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us atconference@....Defeat Autism Now! Spring ConferenceDefeat Autism Now! will hold its 2009 Spring Conference April 16-19 atthe Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. Defeat Autism Now! is dedicated to the exploration, evaluation anddissemination of scientifically documented biomedical interventionsfor individuals within the autism spectrum, through the collaborativeefforts of clinicians, researchers and parents. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=LnBk83dxXO9hX0MEgi6XPA..New Site Uses Comics to TeachAt MakeBeliefsComix.com, parents and children can create their owncomic strips online and practice writing, reading and storytelling. Parents and teachers of autistic children are using the site to communicate more effectively with their children by creating comic strips to teach and convey information to them. The comic strips created provide a finite world with images and text that can be easier for youngsters with autism to grasp. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=zMLb54kNckW_Xbf2YMHV1A..Emotes Help Children CommunicateEmotes are a race of small cyber beings with human-like emotions thatdwell within the World Wide Web - from Abash "the embarrassed" and Jumpi "the scared" to Boom "the angry" and Cant "the frustrated." TheEmotes face the same challenges that our children deal with every day,situations that challenge children, as well as the Emotes, to be awareof their own emotions. When children are able to identify and expresstheir feelings, they learn to better cope with difficult situations,which promotes better social development and improves self-esteem. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=cLpv8c3vGmTVxkC9RMvG5g..New Book Provides Roadmap for Families Seeking Autism TreatmentLeeann Whiffen, wife and mother of three, shares the journey herfamily took with their son Clay in her memoir, "A Child's JourneyOut of Autism." Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=kUp8g1q9IWzdB-elmAVBFw..

Article: Man with autism goes back to school as a volunteerChad Norman, 23, who has autism, is a dedicated, four-day-a-week volunteer at Silver Valley Elementary. Norman spends his volunteer hours where he is needed, including timing students doing math problems and coding books by reading level. "He's had such a positive influence on every student in the school," fifth-grade teacher Tammy Everhart says.

http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20090220/ARTICLES/902200304/0/SPORTS

New Resources from AAPC

5-Point Scale and Anxiety Curve Poster

Teachers and parents constantly find themselves correcting and teaching appropriate behaviors -- everything from talking too loud to acting totally inappropriately. The 5-Point Scale and Anxiety Curve Poster helps erase the need for parents and teachers to remind students to check their behavior by empowering students to self-regulate. This 24x36" full-color, dual-sided, erasable poster is the perfect visual support to accompany the bestselling Incredible 5-Point Scale by the same authors.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9023.htm

The Incredible 5-Point Scale – Assisting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling Their Emotional Responses by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9936.htm

When My Worries Get Too Big: A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with Anxiety by Kari Dunn Buron; foreword by Myles

More than any other issue, “losing control†can cause major problems for children. Through the irresistible character of , this books gives young children an opportunity to explore with parents or teachers their own feelings as they react to events in their daily lives while learning some useful relaxation techniques. Children who use the simple strategies presented in this charming book, illustrated by the author, will find themselves relaxed and ready to work or play.

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9962.htm

A 5 Is Against the Law! Social Boundaries: Straight Up! An honest guide for teens and young adults by Kari Dunn Buron

http://www.asperger.net/bookstore_9975.htm

The Riot! Hosts National Conversations on State Budgets From the ODMRDD e-newsletter Pipeline:

One of the MRDD Futures Committee recommendations’ key themes is empowering people in the MRDD system. In line with that effort, we share this opportunity, organized by ‘The Riot’. ‘The Riot’ is affiliated with the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). In the fields of developmental disabilities, mental health, and child welfare, HSRI works to assist human service organizations to develop support systems for children, adults, and families. In addition, ‘The Riot’ publishes a newsletter and hosts a website at www.theriotrocks.org frequented by self advocates. The Riot’s Invitation to Participate The Riot notes, “Self-advocates and State Directors of Developmental Disability Services need to talk about things and work together to reduce the impact of budget cuts on people’s lives. But first, we must work together to come up with some common solutions.†The Riot extends an invitation to join in a National Conversation on the State of the States’ Budgets, noting, “Sign up now to participate in three teleconferences featuring real talk between self-advocates and state Developmental Disabilities Directors.†The Riot is hosting three teleconferences on the State of the States’ Budgets on March 2, 2009; April 6, 2009; and May 4, 2009. Each 90-minute session will begin at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, and will include a 60-minute panel discussion followed by a 30-minute Question/Answer session. Participants will include State Directors and self-advocates. Topics to be discussed are listed at http://www.hsri.org/leaders/theriot/National%20Conversation.html along with other details on the organization’s website at www.theriotrocks.org. Organizers note that the registration fee is $25 per teleconference, per phone line. Participants are encouraged to use a speaker-phone or other voice-sharing system and gather people to listen together. To register for the teleconferences, visit www.theriotrocks.org and follow the registration link. The registration deadline for the first teleconference, March 2, 2009, is February 25th.

MRDD Awareness Month Statewide Kickoff Event, March 5 The beautiful Ohio Statehouse Atrium will again host the annual MRDD Awareness Month Kickoff Event in Columbus, March 5, 2009, 10 a.m. - noon. The ODMRDD and Ohio Public Images (OPI), in collaboration with other statewide organizations, develop the event spotlighting Ohioans with disabilities who are exploring and creating opportunities for success in their communities. Included will be groups of self-advocates and organizations representing ideas in action from across the state. In addition to a short structured program, attendees to this free public event also are encouraged to take time to tour the Statehouse and meet their legislators. Visit the Ohio Public Images website at www.publicimagesnetwork.org for materials supporting this year’s MRDD Awareness Month theme, “Just Like You.†For event information contact Sherry Steinman at (614) 644-0262.

People First of Ohio, Annual Meeting, March 7People First of Ohio’s Annual Meeting will be March 7, 2009 at ’s Convention Center, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The meeting theme is, “Your Voice, Your Choice, Your Life.†Guest Speaker, Ollie Cantos, is Special Council to the Assistant Attorney General in Washington D.C., Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. He will address issues involving advocacy in today’s environment. The meeting also will include the election of new Board Members. Event cost is $15.00 per person, and includes a pizza buffet, salad, dessert, and beverage. A dance will follow the annual meeting, training, and elections. For more information, contact Rhonda at (740) 397-6100.

Solidarity 2009 to Celebrate 10th Anniversary, April 14-16Solidarity 2009, billed as, ‘Ohio’s leading conference by and for people with disabilities’ returns to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Columbus, April 14 -16, 2009. The tenth anniversary celebration will continue Solidarity’s tradition of bringing information to people with disabilities so that they, their friends and families, may be more aware of -- and better advocates for -- issues important to the disability community. Solidarity 2009 also will include legislative training, and more than 30 practical workshops. Solidarity ’09 sponsors include the ODMRDD, the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Buckeye Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Invacare, Ohio Legal Rights Service, and others. Registration materials are available at www.dnos.org or, call 1-866-966-2028, the toll-free number for the conference.

Autism Featured on Good Morning America

Learning to Lovehttp://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6955074

New Books from Kingsley Publishers

CALMING MELTDOWNS IN KIDS WITH AUTISMNew Manual Helps Parents Manage Catastrophic Reactionshttp://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109082

Autism and Diet What You Need to Know

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109839

Autism and Gastrointestinal Complaints What You Need to Knowhttp://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843109846

AAPC - New Spring Catalog

Our Spring 2009 Catalog is bursting with new and exciting books and products. Download NOWhttp://www.asperger.net/Catalog_AAPC_Spring09.pdf(.PDF format - 5,133 Kb)or call us for your free copy, 1-877-277-8254.

03-31 Seminar on Special Education Law (Cleveland)

On March 31, 2009, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association is hosting a seminar on special education law for parents and practitioners. This is a full day seminar, and will bring parents and practitioners up to date on various issues of importance and concern. Many members of the special education bar in Cleveland will be presenting, so this seminar provides the opportunity to meet them (us) and ask questions. The cost is relatively low for parents – and includes lunch. I hope you will assist us in publicizing this event, and also consider attending yourselves. The link for this event is: http://www.clemetrobar.org/EventDetail.aspx?Event=S09CHILD

RUN FOR AUTISM at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10KMay 17, 2009 Everybody knows that Cleveland rocks! Why not start another tradition? RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland style. You and your friends are invited to sign up to run or walk in the Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K on May 17 and raise money for autism research. Members of the RUN FOR AUTISM team receive team gear and fundraising support. In addition, team members enjoy a no pressure, “set and meet your own goal†fundraising approach. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national charity committed to excellence in its research and services to individuals with autism and their families, educators, and caregivers. The RUN FOR AUTISM is OAR’s signature fundraising effort, having raised more than $1.7 million since its inception in 2003.To become a member of the RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland team, visit OAR’s web site, www.researchautism.org/news/run.asp or contact OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM staff toll-free at 1-866-366-9710 or email run@....

Introduction to Extended School Year Services (ESY) and Open Discussion FREE Presentation open to all parents. Presenter: Medina County – S.E.E.K., Inc. When: Thursday, March 5th Where: Medina City Library Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Open to: Parents This meeting will provide a short presentation explaining what Extended School Year (ESY) is and is not. Following the presentation will be an open discussion for families to ask, share and learn. Due to a scheduling conflict, Lyke of the OCECD is unable to attend. PRE-REGISTRATION is required – Registration deadline is February 27, 2009. To Register Contact: at 330-241-4505 or Email S.E.E.K. at SEEK4LD@... Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession.