ASA-ASO DIGEST: May 18, 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:

- DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009| 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

Senate To Consider Changes To Medicaid Waiver

President's Budget Includes Increased Disability Spending

From the ASA: Autism Treatment Acceleration Act Introduced in U.S. House

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Max & Erma's Fundraiser for ASA-Greater Akron Chapter

- ASA-Greater Cleveland Chapter (ASGC) Summer Social Skills Camp 2009

- ASA-Dayton presents Free Ohio Medicaid Waiver workshop

- News from the ASA-Northwest Ohio Chapter

- National Autism Conference at Kent State

- Special Adapted Showing of Movie "Up", Solon

- New IDEA Part B Guidance Fails to Answer Important Questions

- Article: Michigan insurer to offer some autism coverage

- Transition Weekend – ‘My Life, My Future’, Columbus

- Northeast Ohio Regional Conference, People First, June 12-13

- Resource on Bullying

- Free Bowling for Kids all Summer Long all over Ohio

- Helping Autistic Kids Travel

- Book: MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD

- Article: Housing Options for People With Disabilities: In Search Of Home Sweet Home- Book: SURVIVNG IN THE RELATIONSHIP JUNGLE

- OCECD Audio Training Series and Registration - Variety of Dates and Topics

- News Story: Children with autism can overcome summer challenges

- Time Magazine Article: Growing Old with Autism

- Autism Research Institute Newsletter May 2009

- "The Rain Manâ€/Kim Peek to speak in Brunswick–Wednesday 5/20

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:

ASA-ASO Action Alert: Contact your Senators about HB 1

Ohio Sub. HB 1, the Ohio Budget bill has now moved on to the Senate for debate by the Senate Finance Committee.

There are several items in the budget bill that will affect individuals with Autism:

- Autism Insurance Coverage

- Funding for Special Education

- Funding for Charter Schools

Autism Insurance Coverage

This bill contains language that would require Autism Insurance coverage by health insurers - the language contained in HB 8 with three significant changes - a 6 month delayed start date, a $36,000 annual limit on services and additional licensing and oversight requirements for providers.

The Senate Finance Committee has begun hearing testimony on varying aspects of the budget. ASA-Autism Society of Ohio Chapter Executive Director Barbara Yavorcik will testify before the committee on Friday, May 15 in support of the Autism Insurance Coverage language in the bill.

Please contact your Senators to encourage them to support Autism Insurance Coverage language in Sub HB 1! It is especially important to contact members of the Senate Finance Committee (especially the Republican Members) to ask them to retain the Autism Insurance Coverage language in the version of the bill that is sent to the full Senate for consideration. Members of the Senate Finance Committee are:

Carey - R, Chair

Dale - D, Ranking Minority Member Mark Wagoner - R, Vice Chair

Ray - D Cates - R

Shirley - D Faber - R

H. - DTom Niehaus - R F. Patton - RBill Seitz - R Jimmy - RWidener - R

If you Senator is on the Finance Committee, please contact them as soon as possible. Even if your Senator is not on the committee, you can ask them to help.

Please use this link to write to your state Senator and urge him or her to support Autism Insurance Coverage language in Sub HB 1.

You can also click here to get contact information for your Senator if you are willing to write a letter or contact them by phone.

Funding for Special Education

Also, as you may be aware, the Ohio Budget Bill addresses funding for education, including Special Education.

Special Education students in Ohio are currently funded through a cost-based, special education funding methodology. Students are provided the same per pupil base funding as regular education students, and then this amount is enhanced through one of six special education weights, or multipliers, with the strength of the weight related to the severity (and related cost) of the disability. The policy logic that supports this funding model has strong bipartisan support in Ohio and it has won favorable attention nationally. Unfortunately, due primarily to funding constraints, Ohio’s model has never been fully funded or updated. It is currently funded at 90 percent of the original 2001 weights. The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (of which ASA-ASO is a member) supports an updated, fully funded, cost-based special education funding methodology as the right approach for Ohio.

The Sub. HB 1 budget proposal for special education funding is both complicated and confusing. It proposes that Ohio retain a weighted special education funding model, but since it also proposes the elimination of the state’s per pupil foundation formula (base funding), the weights will be used to develop a revised funding model that purports to reflect the reality that it costs more to educate students with special education needs.

When talking with your Senators, please ask them to:

Address Special Education Funding Formula Issues: The basic logic of the proposed special education funding formula has not been made clear, nor have important details. For instance, the assumption that the special education funding model should include a 1/20 teacher pupil ratio when it is very likely the case that the special education teacher/student ratio, particularly when related service professionals (OTs, PTs etc.) are included, is lower and therefore more costly. Please retain, update and fully fund a cost-based special education funding methodology as is currently in use. Assure that any school funding reforms in Ohio produce a system that provides parity for special education: Students with special education needs, their families and other advocates have worked for decades to assure that they receive a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) as required by IDEA. This work has resulted in clear federal and state mandates, but in order for these rights to be fully actualized, there must be funding parity for these students. Sub. H.B. 1, as introduced, assumes that new weights for special education students are funded at 90 percent. Given the eight-year plan to substantially increase state support for public education, why are students with special education needs are only funded at 90 percent of a new funding model?

Encourage Full Funding of Preschool Special Education. Progress is not being made in Sub. H.B. 1 to improve preschool special education funding. Preschool teacher salary assumptions have not changed since 1989 and there are approximately 1000 unfunded special education units, which contributes to the shortage of preschool special education teachers and related services professionals. Research would indicate that for young children with disabilities, the sooner services are provided, the better the educational results. Based on this research, the federal government passed early intervention legislation in 1986 as part of IDEA which required all states to fully implement these services by 1991 for preschoolers. This is especially important for young children with autism!

Please note that the changes in special education funding as proposed under Sub. HB 1 will NOT affect the Autism Scholarship program in any way and are NOT in any way related to the fact that Autism Insurance Coverage language was included in Sub. HB 1.

Funding for Charter Schools

Finally, Sub. HB 1 cuts funding to community schools by as much as 25%. Many students with autism are utilizing the community schools. Ask your Senators to restore this funding.

What happens next?

The Senate will debate and pass a version of the budget bill by early June. This version promises to be significantly different that the House version. The bill will then go to a conference committee made up of legislators from both chambers and parties to resolve the differences between the two bills. As these differences should prove to be significant, this should be a challenging process. You should also understand that many compromises will be made as part of this process and language that appears in one version of the bill and not the other may indeed be part of the final bill.

ASA-ASO will keep you posted as to developments with this most important budget bill.

Please contact your Senators today! Share this email with any of your friends and family that might be willing to contact their legislators and help us in our efforts!

DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009| 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition

Don't miss your chance to register for the 2009 OCALI Conference.November 18-19, 2009 | Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus OHThe premier event in autism, assistive technology and low-incidence disabilities.Spring Special rate – only $100DEADLINE FOR SPRING SPECIAL RATE – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009Save $50 by registering before May 18. Registration rate increases to $150 on Tuesday, May 19, 2009Details and registration information are online:[ http://conference.ocali.org ]

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

Senate To Consider Changes To Medicaid WaiverHealth care policy options released this week include ideas to change the way people become eligible for and utilize the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/05/12/medicaid-policy-options/3237/

President's Budget Includes Increased Disability SpendingPresident Barack Obama’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2010 includes increased funds for employment assistance for people with disabilities as well as autism research and awareness.http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/05/08/president-budget/3162/

From the ASA: Autism Treatment Acceleration Act Introduced in U.S. HouseOn May 14, the Co-Chairs of the Coalition on Autism Research andEducation, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and Rep. (R-NJ), alongwith Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Rep. Hank (D-GA) introducedthe Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). This is acompanion to the bill of the same name introduced in the Senate inApril. The Autism Society applauds this comprehensive autismlegislation focused around enhancing the quality of life forindividuals on the autism spectrum and their families.The Autism Society especially applauds the inclusion of supportservices for adults on the autism spectrum in this bill. Currently,the federal government provides for educational services until age 21;however, autism is a lifelong disorder, and when the school bus stopscoming, individuals and families are often left to fend forthemselves. ATAA creates a demonstration project to provide an arrayof services to adults with autism spectrum disorders, including:postsecondary education; vocational and self-advocacy skills;employment; residential services, supports and housing; nutrition,health and wellness; recreational and social activities; andtransportation and personal safety.The legislation also would provide for the establishment of a nationalnetwork in order to strengthen linkages between research and serviceinitiatives at the federal, regional, state and local levels, andfacilitate the translation of research on autism into services andtreatments that will improve the quality of life for individuals withautism and their families. A national data repository would be createdto share emerging data, findings and treatment models.Other key aspects of the bill include:* the establishment of a national training initiative on autismand a technical assistance center to develop and expandinterdisciplinary training and continuing education on autismspectrum disorders; and* a requirement that health insurers cover the diagnosis andtreatment of autism spectrum disorders, including AppliedBehavior Analysis therapy, assistive communication devices andother effective treatments.The Autism Society needs your help in order to help pass this criticallegislation. Please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him orher to co-sponsor the bill. We've composed an e-mail describingall the vital aspects of this bill but it will be especially effectiveif you add your own story describing how ATAA would help you and yourfamily.Take Action: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=OlDN9H3ypPSGoo_czC3Bzg..The time to act is now. Please support this important issue today, andurge your friends to take action as well. Together, we can improve thequality of live for individuals with autism across the lifespan.

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

Max & Erma's Fundraiser for ASA-Greater Akron Chapter Host: Autism Society of America - Greater Akron (Ohio) ChapterStart Time: Wednesday, June 3 at 11:00amEnd Time: Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00pmWhere: Max & Erma's , West Market Street

http://www.asagreaterakron.com/files/autism_society_of_american_greater_akron_chapter.pdf

ASGC Summer Social Skills Camp 2009for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDDThe Autism Society of Greater Cleveland is very pleased to announce the start of a fantastic opportunity for children ages 6 thru 18 with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or PDD. With the help of a team of dedicated Special Education Teachers, experienced in autism, we have developed a Summer Social Skills Camp for July, 2009. The camp sessions will be:Session One: July 6 thru July 10, 2009 for ages 6 thru 12Session Two: July 13 thru July 17, 2009 for ages 13 thru 18The camp will run from 9:00 AM till 2:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. It will be staffed with a ratio of 4 campers per certified teacher. There will also be one typical peer/student aid per four campers. The cost for the camp is $250.00 per week. There will be a limit of 20 campers with a diagnosis of autism, asperger's or PDD per session. The camp will be held at The City of Independence Old Recreation Bldg., 6200 Elmwood Ave., Independence, OH 44131. The building is located within the city park. It has access to a pavilion, playground, baseball, soccer fields and basketball courts. It includes full kitchen/bathroom areas. There are three separate rooms to accomodate teaching, play and a quiet area. It is located west of Brecksville Road, South of Rockside Road (I-77/480).Participants in the ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp will have opportunities to practice such skills as problem solving, conflict resolution, respecting the ideas of others, cooperation and team work without direct instruction. Positive social interactions promote healthy relationships, a sense of belonging and well being. ASGC Social Skills Summer Camp's goal is for children with autism spectrum disorders to further develop social skills taught and practiced at camp into their daily life. The Summer Camp will also provide educational support as identified through the camper's Individual Education Plan (IEP).If you have any questions or if you would like to be placed on a registration list, please call us at(216) 556-4937. This program will fill up fast, please contact us as soon as possible if you would like your child to enroll. Thank you.The Autism Society of Greater ClevelandP.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH 44141(216) 556-4937

ASA-Dayton presents Free Ohio Medicaid Waiver workshopThursday, May 21, 6:30 PMMiami Valley Regional Center4801 Springfield StreetDayton, OH 45431Presented by: Judith LaMusga, Attorney and Counselor at Law About the speaker: Judith retired in 2002 as the superintendent of the Montgomery Co. Board of MRDD and graduated from the UD School of Law in 2006. She devotes her law practice to helping individuals with disabilities and their families. This session grew out of the needs expressed by frustrated parents. The focus will be on the waiver program in Ohio, specifically the Level One Waiver and she will attempt to answer your questions regarding the recent changes in the Medicaid waiver programs in Ohio. Hope to see you there!

Voice Mail: 206-984-5760Email: info@...

News from the ASA-Northwest Ohio Chapter

1. Check out the new look to our website & ndash; www.asno.orghttp://www.asno.org/Our website has a new look so be sure to check it out. We have pageslisting what & rsquo;s going on in the community, our events, informationpages (many are still under construction so check back often), picturesof our events, links to community resources (again, many are stillbeing added), fund-raisers and more. The newest addition is our SummerProgram Flyer. Keep checking back as more information is added.2. Parents of Adults Support GroupThis is a reminder that our Parents of Adults Support Group will meetnext Tuesday, May 19 from 11:30 am & ndash; 1: 30 pm at our office at4848 Dorr Street. We & rsquo;re in the house with the red door. Bringyour lunch!

3. Practical Solutions Spring workshop & ndash;Workshop Title: 21 Ways to Teach Your Child Keyboarding Skills:Fun with Squishy Keyboarding and More & hellip;Workshop description: Do you know a child who struggles with producinglegible written work? Maybe, you know someone who is struggling withkeyboarding in school? Making keyboarding fun is essential in order tooffer students the greatest opportunity for success. Multi-sensorykeyboarding uses fun and creative techniques to learn keyboardingskills. You will learn 21 or more strategies to use with children athome or at school, including on-keyboard and multi-sensory off-keyboardactivities, to promote learning. You will receive a Squishy keyboard totake home to use right away!About the speaker: Criss, OTR/L is an occupational therapistwho is presently on staff OT at the Autism MODEL School, as well asbeing an instructor and the Coordinator of Fieldwork and ProfessionalDevelopment in the occupational therapy department at the University ofToledo. She received her Masters of Occupational Therapy in 2000 fromthe University of Toledo. She also received her Bachelor of BusinessAdministration in 1998 from University in North Carolina. Themajority of her clinical experience has been in the pediatric setting,particularly in the areas of school-based, outpatient rehabilitation,and early intervention.Who should attend: Parents and professionals who want to try toteach a child to use the keyboard.Keyboarding: Wednesday, June 3 2009When: 6:30 & ndash; 8:30 pmLocation: Toledo Hospital Croxton Memorial Auditorium.Cost: $10 per parent; $15 per professional NOTE: You must pre-registerfor these workshops.(Scholarships for parents are available.)These workshops are partially funded by a grant from the Lucas CountyBoard of MR/DD.Download the registration form from our website www.asno.orghttp://www.asno.org/If confirmation is required, please include a stamped, self-addressedpost card with this registration.Certificates of attendanceavailable Questions? Call 419-578-2766. 4. Bittersweet Farms AcademyThe Bittersweet Academy & rsquo;s purpose is to share their philosophyand expertise with others who can and desire to provide services foradolescents and adults with ASD. Join them for a very special two-daysession where you will learn about identifying the primary qualities ofpersons with autism, communication, sensory, visual, programmatic, andproblem-solving supports that have been successfully implemented atBittersweet.Dates and Times:Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5, 2009From 8:00 AM & ndash; 4: 00 PMLocation:The Employers & rsquo; Association, 5800 Monroe Street, Building. F,Sylvania, Ohio 43560Bittersweet Academy Faculty:Jan Cline, Training & Consultation Director Watkins, Assistant DirectorPrice:$300.00 per person$200.00 per person if attending The BGSU Autism Summit of NW Ohio onJune 6, 2009To Register:By fax: 419-875-5593 By mail: Jan ClineBittersweet, Inc.12660 Archbold-Whitehouse RoadWhitehouse, OH 43571Questions: Call Jan Cline at 419-875-6986 Ext. 1221,jcline@...ODMRDD Professional Development Units available.

5. New Programs from the Arc of Lucas County a. People First Generation 2 (Gen2) The Arc of Lucas County andthe Lucas County Board ofMR/DD are pleased to offer a new program for young adults. People FirstGeneration 2 (Gen2) will be run by and for young adults withdevelopmental disabilities. The goal of the program will be forparticipants to have fun, make friends, and learn how to get what youneed in your life and will involve a mix of trainings and gatheringsheld at the Ability Center and at local & ldquo;fun & rdquo; destinations.Members learn new things about life as an adult and increase theircommunication and social skills. Individuals with developmentaldisabilities develop their capacities, strengths, and skills to shapetheir own lives and succeed as members of the community. Participantsmust provide own transportation. Participants must attend trainingsessions in order to attend community excursions.Who can join: Young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 18-25.When: 1st and 3rd Thursday each month, 4:30-6:00 p.m.How to join: Call the Arc at 419-882-0941, ext 2 or email:jeanb@...b. The Arc of Lucas County Ready to Work AcademyReady to Work Academy provides young adults and graduating seniors(ages 18-25) with information and tools about what they need to get ajob, interview skills, and how to be a good employee, via classroomwork, role-play experiences, andone-on-one mentoring. A parent workshop is offered to help parentsunderstand and reinforce what their sons/daughters are learning. Thereis no charge for individuals who are eligible for services from LucasCounty Board of MR/DD.July 28 - August 7, 2009 10:00am - 2:00pm (Tuesday - Friday)For more information, call the Arc at 419-882-0941.

7. BGSU 8th Annual Autism Summit & ldquo;What & rsquo;s Happening withAutism & rdquo; The Neurology of Autism with Keynote Speaker: Minshew, MDWhen: Saturday, June 6, 2009 8 am & ndash; 4:30 pmWhere: Bowling green State UniversityBowen- Student UnionBowling Green, OHCost: $69 with CEUs; $49 without CEUs $15 studentsInfo: Sherry Pickerel 1-877-650-8165 or psherry@...http://pace.bgsu.edu/registeronlineIf you are on the ASNO mailing list, you should have received a copy ofthe brochure in the mail.8.Seneca County Autism Family Support GroupMeets at the Early Childhood Center of Fostoria, 801 Kirk Street,Fostoria6:30-8pm. Contact Weisenauer for questions at 419-436-1898*These will be open to parents, grandparents, professionals, andanyone that has been touched by someone with Autism.*RSVP & #39;s are appreciated but not required.*Childcare will be provided in a child friendly atmosphere. For anyonewishing to use this service, we will need the number and age ofchildren one week prior.Please RSVP all information to Weisenauer @ 419-436-1898 or419-619-8689National Autism Conference at Kent StateJune 25-26 Sessions to Address the Essence of Autism and Addressing the Core Needs of Individuals with AutismIndividuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate unique strengths and needs in terms of communication, socialization, play and language development. The eighth annual Topics in Child Development Conference, being held at Kent State University’s Kent Campus June 25-26, will focus on approaches to intervention that can assist in understanding and effectively addressing core strengths and needs.The two-day conference, held in the Kent Student Center, will focus on a range of topics related to the basics of ASD. Regional and national leaders in ASD will provide strategies, insights and research based information valuable to both professionals and families.The conference is sponsored Kent State’s College and Graduate School of Education, Health and Human Services and the Hattie Larlham Foundation.Conference highlights include a Thursday evening session, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., for families of those with ASD featuring Ingrid Kanics, ita Greenwood and Ron Savage from the Hattie Larlham Foundation discussing the challenges families face.A Friday lunch-time keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Barry Prizant, an internationally recognized autism researcher and education specialist. Prizant, who is the director of the Childhood Communication Services and an adjunct professor at Brown University, will discuss the “SCERTS Model: A Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach to Educating Children with ASD.â€Additionally, there will be sessions on numerous topics including transformation planning for students with autism, executive dysfunction in children and adolescents, positive behavioral supports, vocational and social supports, play and autism, continuity between home and classroom, development of intentional communication, emotional regulation, social skills deficits and sleep disturbances in autism.For a complete conference schedule or to register online at http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/PD/conferences.cfm Registration also can be made by calling by 330-672-3100 or 800-672-5782.A resource room with vendors and agencies also be available to provide materials and information to participants.This year’s Topics in Child Development Conference is coordinated by Kent State’s Dr. Audet, assistant professor of speech pathology and audiology, and Dr. Cowan, assistant professor and coordinator of the school psychology program.

Monarch School Invites Children with Autism and Their Families to a Special Adapted Showing of Up." For families 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 School for Children and Adolescents with 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 “Up. The movie will be 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, May 30, 2009 Time: Movie begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. without trailers and ads. Please arrive at 9:45 a.m. to buy tickets and choose seats. Where: Solon Theaters6185 Enterprise Parkway Solon, OH 44139 Price: Tickets are $5.50 each. Cash only! In addition to the special light and sound adaptations, a designated area outside of the theater if anyone needs a break.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 at Monarch School at 216-320-8658. We hope to see you there!

New IDEA Part B Guidance Fails to Answer Important Questions

This week, the U.S. Department of Education issued non-regulatory guidance concerning the IDEA Part B Supplemental Regulations, which were effective December 31, 2008. Those regulations involved parental revocation of consent for special education services, positive efforts to employ individuals with disabilities, and representation by non-attorney advocates, among other things.

For the most part, the guidance merely regurgitates the regulations and the discussion of them in the federal register. The guidance fails to address, however, one of the biggest concerns for districts - namely, how are Section 504 protections impacted when a parent revokes consent for special education services? This oversight fails to provide districts a clear understanding of how to protect students' Section 504 rights without providing many special education services. In response, the Department merely stated, "[these regulations] do not attempt to address any overlap between the protections and requirements of IDEA and those of Section 504."

The guidance also clarified that in states where students reach the age of majority and receive all rights previously granted to parents, they can withdraw from special education on their own. Notably, schools must provide parents with a prior written notice, but parents cannot override their child's decision.

CEC opposed these regulations due to a lack of a demonstrated need for them, their failure to follow the spirit of the law and respect the IEP process, and due to the confusion they create for the education agencies charged to implement them.

Read the U.S. Department of Education guidance:

http://doe.sd.gov/oess/specialed/forms/pdf/April%202009%20Part%20B%20Supp%20Regs%20Guidance.pdf

Article: Michigan insurer to offer some autism coverageBlue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced it will begin covering some autism therapy on July 1, as a federal lawsuit looms. Children who are 2 to 5 years old will be eligible for up to 60 sessions of applied behavioral analysis under the company's plan. "We are pleased that the pressure of our federal court lawsuit has caused Blue Cross to begin doing the right thing, and we are confident that our litigation will cause Blue Cross to provide other relief and benefits to those children with autism," said attorney Gerard Mantese, whose client, the father of a 7-year-old boy with autism, is seeking class action status for the lawsuit.http://www.detnews.com/article/20090512/METRO/905120330/Blues-plan-to-cover-autism-therapies-for-children-2-5

Transition Weekend – ‘My Life, My Future’ The ODMRDD, along with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC) and the Nisonger Center of The Ohio State University are seeking applicants for the 2009 Transition Weekend, ‘My Life, My Future,’for families, students and their transition team members. ‘My Life, My Future’June 26-27, 2009Embassy Suites Columbus- Dublin5100 Upper Metro PlaceDublin, Ohio, 4301Phone: 1 (614) 790-9000

What is Transition Weekend? ‘My Life, My Future’ is an opportunity for students, their families, and a student’s inter-disciplinary transition team to learn about the ‘life after high school’ transition process, attend job training sessions, and brainstorm the next steps in each student’s life. The weekend includes information, guidance, and entertainment. Students and families must attend both days of Transition Weekend. Supporting transition team members are encouraged to attend both days.Funding for the Transition Weekend is through The ORSC and the ODMRDD Interagency ative Program. Application Deadline is May 20, 2009.Application packets are available to download at: http://Nisonger.osu.edu and at http://oaas.org For more information contact: Tom Fish, Ph.D., The Ohio State University, Nisonger CenterPhone: 614-292-7550; Fax: 614-292-3727

Northeast Ohio Regional Conference, People First, June 12-13 The Arc of Greater Cleveland, Cuyahoga County’s chapter of People First, will host the Northeast Ohio Regional People First Conference June 12 -13, 2009, at the Sheraton Hotel in Independence, Ohio. The conference will feature presentations from self advocates and leaders on the political scene and in the community, along with time to make and meet new friends. Topics include several subjects of interest that affect adults with developmental disabilities. Deadline for registration is Friday, May 15. Registration is $190/ person, including hotel accommodations, conference materials, and meals. Contact: Woollard at (216) 622-0755 ext. 13, or, email mwoollard@... or visit www.cmr-cleveland.org .

Resource on Bullying

If you need more information on Ohio's anti-bullying law, or want to get some ideas/pointers on how to deal with school bullying, check out www.bullypolice.org . It is a great, informative site started by a wonderful lady who lost her son to suicide after persistent bullying at school.

Free Bowling for Kids all Summer Long all over Ohio

You can sign up your kids for free bowling all summer- beginning now through sept- two games a day. You can add the family pass (meaning 4 adults too for just $24 for the whole summer). There is a listing of bowling centers that are involved on the site. There are places all over Ohio. Here’s the website…. www.kidsbowlfree.com/sfpen

Helping Autistic Kids Travel Boston may be a world-famous center of autism research, but it doesn't do struggling familes much good if they can't get here. Travel is often a total nightmare for kids with autism -- many can't handle the stimulation of an airplane and don't last more than 30 minutes in the car. (Dirty looks from clueless onlookers who can't see that their parents are doing their best with a challenging child are no fun either.) Forget the crimp this puts in trips to Disney World -- the serious problem is that many autistic kids can't even tolerate a trip to see medical specialists who might be able to help. A New Jersey couple -- parents of an autistic 10-year-old named -- have launched a new service called Autism Escapes www.autismescapes.org/ . They got corporate jet owners and pilots to donate services so families can get a free private flight into Hanscom Air Force base in Lexington, and transportation to Mass General's reknowned LADDERS program for autistic kids. The young passengers get an advance tour of the aircraft and the services of a behavioral therapist -- key for kids who don't do well with unfamiliar situations. The first Autism Escapes www.autismescapes.org/ arrives in Lexington this Friday -- happy flying!

RTI Special Report Available Free By RequestMaking RTI Work is a groundbreaking new guide created under advisement from recognized Response to Intervention experts K. Burns, S. Shapiro, Ysseldyke, ph F. Kovaleski , and others. Click here for your free copy: http://www.renlearn.com/RTI/

Book: MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD By Francisco X. Stork Arthur A. Levine. $17.99, age 14 and up A summer job with a prestigious law firm might fuel the dreams of a bright high school senior, but Marcelo Sandoval has other ambitions. The teen, who has Asperger syndrome, plans to train the therapeutic ponies at his special school, but his lawyer father, Arturo, wants him to work in the "real world," specifically the mailroom of his firm, Sandoval and Holmes. As Marcelo learns, this entails making eye contact and small talk, keeping quiet about his interest in religion and music and dealing with harried people. Arturo also hopes his highly intelligent but naive son will develop street smarts and a greater awareness of the motives behind people's actions. Indeed, Marcelo begins to do just that when he stumbles upon a case the firm wants to hide. With the help of his supervisor, a resilient young woman named Jasmine, Marcelo pieces together clues in hopes he can help a disfigured girl. What should he do, though, when the girl's needs conflict with his father's professional obligations? Part coming-of-age story, part mystery and wholly compelling, this novel takes readers into the mind of a young man who can "perceive more of reality than others." Marcelo proves a wise and unwittingly humorous companion as he navigates the complex relationships, workaday concerns and ethical dilemmas of the real world.

Housing Options for People With Disabilities: In Search Of Home Sweet HomeMay 12, 2009It’s tough for anyone to find just the right living situation when mom and dad’s house is no longer an option. But throw in a disability and the answer to what’s next becomes even fuzzier. In this installment of Scoop Essentials our experts walk through residential options for people of all ages and give you the tools to create a situation that’s right for you. Check out what they have to say and then click here to submit your own questions. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/05/12/home-sweet-home/3196/

Book: SURVIVNG IN THE RELATIONSHIP JUNGLENew Book Offers Advice for Love-Shys and SexophobesFor many people, romantic and sexual relationships are complex and cause feelings of anxiety. For people who are love-shy, this anxiety is so overwhelming that it can make finding a partner feel like an impossible dream. “The good news is that one can overcome love-shyness,†writes Shockley. “The bad news is no simple, easy treatment or drug exists to do so. Do not expect a quick fix. It is not a simple walk out of this jungle.â€A self-confessed love-shy, Shockley explores the condition, its links with Asperger’s Syndrome and how it differs from normal shyness. He gives candid advice on how to deal with being love-shy, make dating an enjoyable experience and survive the “relationship jungle.†While love-shyness is predominately a male problem, it can also affect women, and the book offers tips on relationship success for both sexes.“This book is a practical guide, written by someone who struggled for years and years trying to find a way out of the love-shy jungle and finally did,†writes Shockley. “Everyone, even those with physical or mental hardships, deserves a full and productive life. You deserve it. As the wilderness experts advise, the most important aspect in a survival situation is keeping up morale.â€Shockley’s book provides not only advice for love-shy individuals themselves, but also advice on how to present this book to a love-shy individual without offending them. Shockley’s direct, no-holds-barred account will inspire and educate those suffering from long term “involuntary celibacy†to overcome their fears and allow themselves to meet prospective partners, date and eventually maintain romantic relationships.Talmer Shockley lives in the United States and has spent most of his career as a high-tech research technician. Talmer has been diagnosed with both Asperger’s Syndrome and love-shyness and speaks professionally about Asperger’s, love-shyness and the spiritual aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders.To purchase this book, please visit: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108979

OCECD Audio Training Series and Registration - Variety of Dates and TopicsTO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE AUDIO CONFERENCES, PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE for the any of the topics listed below by clicking on the name of the one you wish to attend and filling in the required information. OR CALL JANE SEATON AT 1-800-374-2806 EXT. 13 if you experience any problems.http://www.thelinkto.org/OCECD/

News Story: Children with autism can overcome summer challengesSummer provides challenges for children with autism, with less structure and more isolation causing some children to regress. Expert Deb Schipper says children with autism need to continue to practice their social skills during the summer, but do best when they are prepared for new environments and have visual and verbal supports.

http://www.kare11.com/news/local/mornings/sunrise_article.aspx?storyid=703418 & catid=16

Time Magazine Article: Growing Old with Autism

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1898322,00.html

Autism Research Institute Newsletter May 2009

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001zhxIANf2OP4KNrc-H8q1BkEn9pQeZBOcGPPYAccipo761X-fnVJGCfCO1DpHdE2PCcJ8VX7TahRMf1R5ntvEDaR26FWrZ56bFA2eFRdjaE-R2Kh35k1XNuRev64MPILFBYkOoGRpSYLlp15aOLx4zyMLKQ1MNyP

"The Rain Manâ€/Kim Peek to speak in Brunswick–Wednesday 5/20Kim Peek is an internationally known savant, who served as the inspiration for Hoffman’s role in The Rain Man. Kim and his father Fran are here to speak about the challenges of being different. While he has incredible challenges to overcome, he has an amazing photographic memory which enables him to remember 98% of what he reads. He is an awesome role model for people with disabilities.Literacy Luncheon sponsored by Project: LEARN of Medina CountySpeaker: KIM PEEK – the real “Rain Manâ€When: May 20, 2009, 11:30 a.m.Where: Mapleside Farms, BrunswickCost: $20 per personPlease make checks payable to Project: LEARN and mail to:105 W. Liberty St., Lower Medina, OH 44256 or Contact: 330-723-1314.

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