ASA-ASO DIGEST Extra: Autism Featured on NBC4 Columbus, ASAN Chapter at OSU

[Guest guest]

Dear Friend of ASA-ASO:

WCMH, Channel 4, the NBC affiliate in Columbus, will be running a special on autism - the first of three - on April 22, 2009 at 7pm. The special will run "commercial free" but will air "mini-features" with messages from the ASA-ASO, OCALI, Ohio Department of Education-Office for Exceptional Children and White Castle.

This first special will be focused on diagnosis and early intervention. The second, to air in June, will focus on school age services and the final segment, to air in late summer, will focus on transition to adulthood, employment and residential services.

In addition to the special, NBC4 will have their "Call 4" feature where individuals with questions can call in and get answers - folks from ASA-Central Ohio Chapter, ASA-ASO, OCALI and OSU will be on hand to answer questions via phone. There will also be an "i-chat" feature with folks answering questions via live chat on the internet.

Suell Denny, ASA-Central Ohio Chapter President and Bacon, ASA-ASO Board member will also be guests of Gail Hogan on Daytime Columbus this week.

NBC 4 has made individuals with autism a focus of interest for the station and we appreciate their helping to raise awareness of autism with the general public - so be sure to tune in!

Following my signature is information on the first meeting of the OSU Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This information came in after this week's digest went out, but I wanted to be sure that folks were aware.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikExecutive DirectorAutism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org

The Ohio State University chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network will be holding its first meeting on Thursday, April 30 at 5:45pm at the campus & Noble/Long's Cafe. We will meet in the coffee shop area on the first floor. OSU students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to attend!

The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN's supporters include autistic adults and youth, those with other distinct neurological types, and neurotypical family members, professionals, educators, and friends. ASAN provides support and services to individuals on the autism spectrum. ASAN also works to change public perception and to combat misinformation by educating communities about persons on the autism spectrum. Our activities include public policy advocacy, community engagement to encourage inclusion and respect for neurodiversity, quality of life oriented research, and the development of autistic cultural activities and other opportunities for autistic people.

During our first OSU-ASAN meeting, we will devise a plan of action for the remainder of this school year and for the beginning of next year. Some talking points include: obtaining official approval from Student Activities, starting a campus-wide conversation on neurodiversity and autistic representation, advertising our organization, and considering possible campus events. Additionally, we hope that this meeting (and future events) will help connect advocates for neurological diversity with one another.

Please contact asan.ohiostate@... with any questions.

Directions: & Noble/Long's is located at 1598 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43201 at the campus gateway. Paid parking is available in the parking garage at a rate of $1 per hour. Metered street parking is also available. B & N can be reached from the following bus routes: #2, #8, #18, #31, #54, #84. A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!