ASA-ASO DIGEST: July 13, 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:

- Ohio State Budget Update - Autism Coverage Language Removed

- Governor Signs Bill to Strike Words “Mental Retardation†From County Boards, Dept.

- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Medicaid Level of Care Survey

- OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

- Ohio Developmental Disabilities Guide Available

- OLRS reaches proposed partial settlement in Doe v. State of Ohio

- ODDD (ODMRDD) Announces Work Exploration Grant Opportunities

- ASA-ASO has Moved to Columbus!

- Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

   Obama picks Kansas education commissioner for special-education post

    Health Care Reform

    Education/Bullying

    Autism Services

    Long Term Services and Supports

 

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- Latest New from the ASA-Dayton Chapter

- Upcoming Sensory Friendly Films - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

- ASA-Tri-County Chapter of Ohio July Meeting - July 15

- ASA-Dayton Chapter hosts Bounce night 2nd Monday of the Month- Music Festival to benefit Autism, Cleveland

- Disability Scoop Accepting Questions About IEPs

- Project iAm offering Scholarships to families in NW Ohio

- Project iAm Fundraiser Acoustics for Autism, Toledo- Article: Going gluten-free: Even Betty Crocker wants to help

- PECS Online Training- Article: Schools will continue to receive Medicaid reimbursements- Article: Children With Autism Need To Be Taught In Smaller Groups, Experts Argue

- Preparing Student with Asperger for College - Focus Group for Parents, Kent- Extended Care Focus Group, Toledo- Aug. 25 Raun Kaufman at Whole Food, Columbus

- Conference: Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Indianapolis- Research: Autism tied to maternal history of autoimmune disease

- United Way Family Information Network Picnic- Week Long Teacher/Para Training: How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School Setting

- Seminar: Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Columbus- Article: Children with autism stress mothers more than other disabilities do

- Article: Autism research for adults

- Disabiltiy Scoop: Finding The Perfect Digs- Greater Cleveland Asperger Support Meet & Eat - For an Ice Cream Treat!

 

    

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.

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.

 

Sincerely,

 

Autism Society of America - Autism Society of Ohio Chapter1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 205-CColumbus, OH 43215(614) 487-4726

fax: (614) 487-4725general email: askASO@...

web: www.autismohio.org

 

News From ASA-ASO:

Ohio State Budget Update - Autism Coverage Language Removed

If you have been reading the papers, the General Assembly Leadership (House and Senate) and the Governor have finally come to an agreement regarding using slot machines to generate income to close the budget gap. 

 

The Conference Committee met today and came to and came to an agreement on a budget bill that will now be sent to Governor Strickland for signing.  Complete details of the bill are not available yet.   Please check this space next week and details on what programs and services are affected will be provided.

Unfortunately, one thing we do know is that the autism insurance coverage language has been removed from the bill.  THANK YOU to all of you for your many phone calls, letters, etc. to legislators.  While the language has been struck from HB1, the original bill addressing autism insurance coverage, HB 8, has been recommended from the House Healthcare Access and affordability Committee and is still ready to be considered by the full House.  We would expect it to be addressed after the General Assembly's summer recess.  We will provide you with information as soon as it is available.

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Governor Signs Bill to Strike Words “Mental Retardation†From County Boards, Dept.

Press Release provided by the Ohio County Board Association:

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A small group of individuals from Athens County recently demonstrated that the government process does work. Through their tenacity, Governor Ted Strickland today signed into a law a bill they began.

On July 7, the Governor signed Senate Bill 79, which was introduced by Sen. Jimmy of Athens County. The bill becomes law 90 days after the signing.The process began more than two years ago when a group of people with developmental disabilities attended the Athens County Board of MRDD, and said they didn’t like being called “retardedâ€.

Their personal stories touched the board members and then Rep. so intensely that the board immediately changed its named to Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Rep. began the process of changing the Ohio Department of MRDD and all County Boards of MRDD.

“After listening to my constituents, I decided to sponsor this legislation because I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do,†said Jimmy on Tuesday afternoon, just minutes after learning his legislation would be signed by the Governor.

In June, both the House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate unanimously passed the bill. The House version of the bill was introduced by Rep. Debbie and Rep. Deborah Newcomb.“Every legislator understood that this bill wasn’t about money or politics. It was about the people with developmental disabilities in Ohio and their families,†said Oda, Director of Communications for the Ohio Association of County Boards of MRDD, which also is expected to be making a name change in the near future.

While Athens County took the lead on the statewide change, other County Boards broke ground on this issue decades ago. In November 1990, the Delaware County Board of MRDD dropped “mental retardation†from its name and began doing business as a County Board of DD. Just a couple of months later, Fulton County followed suit.

In the past 20 years, nine of Ohio’s 88 counties made the change to doing business as County Boards of DD. State law required that they officially remained County Boards of MRDD, so that is the name voters would recognize on the ballot.

Many other County Boards of MRDD also wanted to drop “mental retardation,†but were prohibited by their prosecutors, who interpreted the Ohio Revised Code in such a way that would not allow County Boards of MRDD to do business under any name other than the state-sanctioned title. That is why a statewide name change was necessary, Oda said.

Oda said the name change is part of the continuing evolution for people with developmental disabilities. “As recently as 40 years ago, it was considered necessary to house our individuals in institutions, leaving many of them naked because it was easier to keep them clean, or putting people with autistic tendencies in cages to keep them from hurting themselves or others,†she said.

“In 1967, our parents said ‘enough’ and County Boards of MRDD were created to provide the services necessary. But even then, it was politically correct for learned people to refer to people with developmental disabilities as imbeciles or idiots,†she said.

Oda said much of the credit for the passage of the bill should be givens not only to the self-advocates of Athens County, but also advocates for the developmentally disabled throughout Ohio.  Many were in attendance as legislators voted on the bill.

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Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Medicaid Level of Care SurveyThe “Front Door†Stakeholder Group, formed as a result of Ohio’sMoney Follows the Person Grant, recently completed work to revise

preadmission screening and resident review policy. The Stakeholder Groupwould like to modify stakeholder membership and gather information inpreparation for the next phase of “front door†work. The next phase

of “front door†work involves short term changes to Ohio’s Level

of Care Criteria and Process. ODJFS seeks your participation in thecompletion of this survey to help us gather technical input to informthis important stakeholder work.Level of Care is a term used to describe the minimum amount of

assistance a person requires in order to receive services in a nursingfacility, ICF/MR facility, home and community based waiver program,residential state supplement and the PACE program. Ohio Level of Carerequirements are outlined in the below Ohio Administrative Code (OAC)

rules.NF LEVEL OF CARE (LOC)â–  5101:3-3-05 (Skilled LOC Criteria)â–  5101:3-3-06 (Intermediate LOC Criteria)â–  5101:3-3-08 (Protective LOC Criteria)â–  5101:3-3-15 (NF LOC Process)ICF/MR LOC

â–  5101:3-3-07 (ICF/MR LOC Criteria)

â–  5101:3-3-08 (Protective LOC Criteria)â–  5101:3-3-15 (ODJFS administered waiver program LOC Process)â–  5101:3-3-15.3 (ICF/MR Facility LOC Process)â–  5101:3-3-15.5 (ICF/MR ODMRDD administered Waiver Program LOC

Process)ODJFS is seeking technical input on the above OAC rules. See Section Bof this survey. You may provide technical input on any or all of the OACrules. We are seeking detailed input.ODJFS is also seeking input on how well the current level of care

criteria and process works for Ohioans who may not fall into thetraditional system of care. In particular, we are interested in ideas toimprove access to children of any disability and children/adults withbehavioral health needs. If you have input in this area, please respond

to Section A.Below is the link to the survey.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mGXuitm8cZylLkFJKltckg_3d_3d

The Medicaid Level of Care Survey will be open until Monday July 27th11:45 p.m. Please complete your response by then. Thank you for yourparticipation.

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OCALI Conference - Save the Date!

The OCALI Statewide Ohio Conference is going to be held in Columbus November 17-19, 2009!  ASA-ASO will again be subsidizing registrations for parents and will be sponsoring a " parents corner " as part of the exposition.  The Parent's Corner will be a place where parents can go to meet and network with other parents.  In addition, there will be informal sessions on a variety of topics including the autism scholarship, early intervention, transition, adult services, etc.  For complete information on the conference, visit http://conference.ocali.org/

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Ohio Developmental Disabilities Guide AvailableA Developmental Disabilities Resource Guide for parents and guardians of Ohioans with developmental disabilities is now available at http://www.DevelopmentalDisabilitiesGuide.com/   and may be downloaded online, directly from the site. The guide features 36 pages of helpful hints and information, and also has been posted at www.mrdd.ohio.gov/publications/public.htm

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OLRS reaches proposed partial settlement in Doe v. State of OhioAfter extensive negotiations, the parties in Doe v. State of Ohio have agreed to a proposed partial settlement. The proposed consent order will bring Ohio into line with federal regulations regarding the Ohio Department of Education's (ODE) monitoring of school district special education programs and investigation of complaints filed by parents or students.

The parties have agreed to changes in the way ODE reviews school districts' requests for waivers of standards adopted to serve students with disabilities, the way ODE monitors districts' compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements and the way ODE investigates complaints about claimed violations of rights under the IDEA. These changes make those practices more transparent and increase parents' and other stake holders' ability to make their views known. In addition, a number of the changes will result in more prompt decisions in this inherently time sensitive area.

OLRS Chief Legal Counsel Sue Tobin, who initially brought intervenors into this case in 1993, and OLRS staff attorney Boylan were the primary attorneys working on the settlement. The school funding aspects of the case will continue to trial.

In Doe v. State of Ohio, OLRS represents eight students with disabilities, their parents, and a plaintiff class of over 250,000 Ohio students with disabilities. OLRS brought the case to ensure that state officials were meeting their obligations to ensure that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the IDEA, and because of the impact that inequities in Ohio's school funding scheme have on the education of these children. Plaintiffs seek relief under IDEA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the U.S. Constitution.

Next StepsThe proposed consent order is pending preliminary approval by the court. Once approved, a fairness hearing will be scheduled by the court.For more information:http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/DoeProposedSettle.asp

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ODDD (ODMRDD) Announces Work Exploration Grant Opportunities

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with CMS, announces funds available to implement creative, competitive solutions to increase meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The WE GO to Work: Work Exploration Grant Opportunities Request for Proposals is attached and will be posted the week of July 13, 2009 to:  www.mrdd.ohio.gov

Applications must be received no later than August 7, 2009. lManager, Office of Economic and Employment Development | SITA- Division of Community Services| Ohio Department of MRDD30 East Broad Street, 12th Floor, Columbus, OH  43215

Tel: 614.466.3240 | Fax: 614.728.7072leslie.paull@...

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ASA-ASO has moved to Columbus!

After being located in Akron and the NE Ohio area for our entire existence, ASA-ASO has moved, effective July 1, 2009, to Columbus.  Moving there puts ASA-ASO at the center of the state and no more than 2 1/2 hours from any part of the state.  Additionally, since state government is based in Columbus, it is the logical place for ASA-ASO to be located.  Our new location is in an office building on the southwest side of the city - just off of I670 and a quick drive to downtown.  Our new address is:  1335 Dublin Road, Suite 205-C, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, phone:  (614) 487-4726, fax: (614) 487-4725.

Use your Kroger Plus card and raise funds for ASA-ASO

 

Help raise funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card!  You can now earn funds for ASA-ASO just by using your Kroger Plus Card and it will cost you absolutely nothing!

 

For 125 years, The Kroger Co. has made a strong commitment to support the communities where its associates live and work.

In the Columbus Division (comprising most of Ohio and parts of West Virginia), the Kroger Cares program has helped more than 2,200 organizations raise funds for their own needs since its inception in 1995.

Beginning May 1, 2009, Kroger's is launching the Kroger Community Rewards Program and dedicating $5,000,000 to it! This program will enable them even more organizations, of all sizes - including ASA-ASO!

 

Remember, all of the funds raised stay right here in Ohio to help individuals with autism and their families throughout Ohio.  Visit the ASA-ASO website to see some of the programs and services that ASA-ASO offers.

 

Please share this information with any friends and family that may be Kroger shoppers!

 

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com

Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with ASA-ASO after you sign up.

If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.

Click on Sign In/Register

If you are a new online customers, you must click on SIGN UP TODAY in the ‘New Customer?’ box.

Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions

You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.

Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.

Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.

Update or confirm your information.

Enter ASA-ASO's organization number - 83893 or name of organization as ASA AUTISM SOCIETY OF OHIO CHAPTER, select organization from list and click on confirm.

To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page.

REMEMBER, purchases will not count for ASA-ASO until after you register your Kroger Plus card.

Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 877-576-7587 to get your Kroger Plus card number.

You must swipe their registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping for each purchase to count.

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

Obama picks Kansas education commissioner for special-education postPresident Barack Obama has picked Kansas Education Commissioner a Posny to be the nation's assistant secretary of special education and rehabilitative services. Posny previously served as director of the federal office of special-education programs and as a Kansas state and district director of special education.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/jul/07/kansas-education-secretary-nominated-federal-job/

From the Disability Policy Collaboration: Health Care ReformOn Tuesday, the Senate HELP Committee resumes its mark-up of the Affordable Choices Act. The Committee is expected to begin with consideration of the proposal's provisions addressing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act.  Acting Chairman Dodd (D-CT) reportedly predicted that the Committee will complete the entire mark-up by the end of this week or next week.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) is continuing to negotiate with Committee Republicans to produce a bi-partisan bill that is deficit neutral.  In the House, staff of the Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Labor Committees are meeting on the Tri-Committee proposal. No mark-up dates have been announced.

As the heavy lifting begins for July, there is less expectation that the Senate will complete all action on health care reform in the next 5 weeks.  This is due to a number of factors, including the difficulty of reaching bipartisan consensus, some significant policy differences within the Senate, and the current absence of Senator Kennedy (D-MA), a key leader on health care reform.

Education/ BullyingOn Wednesday, the House Committee on Education and Labor's Subcommittees on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education and Healthy Families and Communities will hold a joint hearing titled, " Strengthening School Safety through Prevention of Bullying. "   See:

http://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/2009/07/strengthening-school-safety-th.shtml

From AUCD:Autism ServicesThe Autism Treatment Acceleration Act of 2009 (HR 2413 and S819) now has 22 co-sponsors in the House and 12 in the Sena The House bill has bipartisan support with 8 Republican co-sponsors. The bills are nearly identical and specifically mention interdisciplinary training to increase the number of professionals skilled to work with individuals with ASD.  Both bills have been referred to committee but have not yet been scheduled for markup.  AUCD submitted suggestions to improve and strengthen the bills. The bills need more bipartisan co-sponsors to help move the bil For more information and a sample letter to write to your Member about this bill, see AUs Action Center alert. http://www.aucd.org/template/capwiz.cfm

Long-Term Services and SupportsThe CLASS Act is expected to be considered first at the Senate HELP Committee mark up The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the CLASS Act would reduce the cost of the overall health reform package by approximately $58 billion over 10 years, approximately $2.5 billion of which would come from savings to Medicaid CBO also indicated that the program would be sustainable over ti Last week, the CCD Long-Term Services and Supports Task Force sent letter to the White House Office on Health Reform reiterating Cs strong support for the CLASS Act and Medicaid reforms to correct the institutional bi CCD also sent a letter of support for the CLASS Act to all members of the HELP Committ Several amendments are anticipated during mark up, some of which will aim to strike the CLASS Act from the bi

 Advocates in Montana organized a series of events across the state during the Independence Day recess to urge Senator Baucus (D-MT) to include long-term services and supports in health reform, in particular the Community Choice Ac The events picked us some excellent media coverage, some of which is available on You Tube: KPAX coverage of Missoula rally and Beartooth NBC coverage of Helena rallyAUCD Action Center to send e-mail messages on the Community Choice Act and CLASS Act and continue to contact members of Congress

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

 

News from the ASA:

 

Latest News from the ASA-Dayton Chapter

 

Click here to see their latest newsletter:

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001-VYj-myPVdviW35zTAVm7MtDyp7CHhMnHyNXar6YSY5-vrb1HFT8Of3Tl7XrRErqIBFjCaRQ2WX1wYTvrMReysGPdcrRjm-kZF0_rwhAYgY%3D

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Sensory Friendly Films - Autism Society of Greater Cleveland

AMC Entertainment and the ASGC - ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films.  Please join us to view the following films. Saturday, July 25, 2009 10:00 AM

  " Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince " Saturday, August 1, 2009 10:00 AM   " G-Force " All movies are at AMC's Ridge Park Square, 4788 Ridge Road Brooklyn, OH  44144. (480 & Ridge Road Exit)  Admission is reduced to $4.25. The lights are brought up and the sounds turned down and the " silence is golden " policy is not enforced.  Outside food is permitted.

We look forward to seeing you there!The Autism Society of Greater ClevelandP.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH  44141(216) 556-4937--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASA-Tri-County Chapter of Ohio July Meeting - July 15ASA-Tri-County Chapter of OhioJuly meeting will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2009All are invited to the business meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.

Support meeting  to start at 7:30 p.m. LOCATION: Zion Lutheran Church3300 Canfield Rd., Cornersburg please visit our web site atwww.triautism.com

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ASA-Dayton Chapter host Bounce night 2nd Monday of the Monthhttp://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001-VYj-myPVdviW35zTAVm7BTVsKr-GKTJPSQVsxCCl7DUz_E-LZ-XuV47oOPK_CJ3wpsci-1Q0j2oSR_BAEOkl-AzrB4reLxXTIbAPV-_oTI%3D

Music Festival to benefit Autism

Autism Benefit Music Festival featuring three-time Grammy - winner Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys and nationally renowned roots act, Donna The Buffalo on September 6, 2009, with net proceeds providing financial support for children with autism and their families in Northeast Ohio

 Cleveland, Ohio , June 24, 2008: The National Autism Association - Northeast Ohio Chapter (NAA-NEO) is proud to present its Autism Benefit Music Festival at the beautiful Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville, Ohio on Sunday, September 6, Labor Day Weekend, featuring three-time Grammy Winner Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys and nationally renowned roots act, Donna The Buffalo.  Ralph Stanley is most well known for his performance on the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. 

 This event will also feature music from internationally recognized, Akron-born singer-songwriter Tim Easton, the Ji Band, and Scene Music Awards winners The Jack Fords and Hillbilly Idol.  Gates open at 9 a.m. for swimming, hiking, and children’s activities with the music starting at noon throughout the day and evening.  Tickets are $35 per person with children under 12 admitted free and can be purchased at www.nlqp.com and at the gate.  A special price of $15 per family will be given to families with a special needs child or adult.  Overnight camping is included in the price of admission.  For more details of the event, please visit www.autismnortheastohio.org.

 Net proceeds from this benefit festival will continue to fund the many families who had applied to NAA-NEO’s 2009 Helping Hand Program, which provides financial assistance to Northeast Ohio families raising a child or children with autism in the counties surrounding Cleveland and Akron. Grants have been given out in the amount up to $1,000 to help pay for autism related treatments and therapies such as speech, music, behavioral and occupational therapies, summer camps, tuition assistance, biomedical treatments, respite care, and others.  To date, the organization has funded 65 families in 2008 and 60 families in 2009.  NAA-NEO has raised over $120,000 since its inception in December 2006.

NAA-NEO recently brought Grammy-Winning Children’s Musician Dan Zanes and Friends to Northeast Ohio and was attended by over 550 people.  Families that attended this event will truly enjoy the Ledges event as it offers relaxed family atmosphere with swimming, danceable music, and children’s activities. 

According to Don Pattison, NAA-NEO, President, “ Ledges was a natural fit as a venue to host this event as Ledges has presented world class events featuring the best in bluegrass and roots music. Moreover, the venue has hosted numerous fundraisers in the past that benefit the special needs population. "

For more information, contact Don Pattison, President, at (216)280-4544.

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Accepting Questions About IEPsRecently we brought you Scoop Essentials: IEPs Inside Out, a frank discussion of IEPs with the head of one of the nation's largest special education programs, Donnalyn Jaque-Antón. She is responding to reader questions. Click here to submit your own questions and check back soon to read her responses. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/submit-your-questions-for-donnalyn-jaque-anton/

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Project iAm offering Scholarships to families in NW Ohio

 

Project iAm’s main goal is to provide scholarship opportunities to children living within the autism spectrum. As funds become available, we hope to distribute finances to families no matter how big or small the amount may be. Please feel free to fill out our scholarship applications for our committee to review, but note that we will post application deadline dates for each cycle of funding. We hope we can continue to help children receive the treatment they need to fight this prominent disorder.

http://aboutprojectiam.com/?page_id=79

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Project iAm Fundraiser Acoustics for Autism

http://acousticsforautism.com/----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article: Going gluten-free: Even Betty Crocker wants to helpby Josh After two workers at Betty Crocker discovered that they needed to switch to a gluten-free diet, the popular baked goods manufacturer started a long and tricky quest to produce gluten-free desserts, on the reasoning that no one should ever have to go without a birthday cake.

The Wall Street Journal credits the rise of gluten-free products to an increase in the diagnosis of celiac disease, as well as more families limiting their intake of gluten for general health reasons. Others say gluten is the new cholesterol, and it's becoming trendy in some circles to avoid it.

While Betty Crocker is finding it easy to market the gluten-free foods to customers, creating a gluten-free dessert that was actually tasty proved to be quite the challenge. " From September to December, General Mills (which owns the Betty Crocker brand) food scientists baked more than 1,000 pans of brownies, cookies and cakes while conducting about 75 experiments with different formulations. " Rising above the limitations it faced, Betty Crocker now offers four gluten-free desserts mixes; Brownies, Cookies, devil's food cake and yellow cake manufactured in a gluten-free facility.

The mixes which began showing up on store shelves in June will average $2 more than those which contain gluten, due to the higher cost of gluten-free ingredients. To find a store near you that carries the new mixes you can visit the gluten-free product finder at Betty Crocker's Gluten free page, which also has plenty of recipes to jump-start your gluten-free baking.

While Betty Crocker is making it easier to find gluten-free foods and rolling out new products like gluten-free frosting later this fall; shopping for a gluten-free diet remains a challenge thanks to complicated labels. After listening to users who wanted an easy way to find gluten free groceries, Zeer.com is launching Zeer Select, a new service that helps shoppers find more than 30,000 gluten free products in a matter of minutes. The new service costs $14.95 and is available Tuesday July 7.

Zeer's product database is immense and the gluten-free results are served up in the same user friendly interface that drew me to Zeer in the past. The product database outperforms Google search results for gluten-free foods because its gluten-free ratings are determined by a board of experts with a cumulative 40 years of experience. These experts examine ingredient lists instead of relying only on manufacturer's claims.

Products are labeled as gluten free, appears to be gluten free, may contain gluten and contains gluten, making it simple to find new foods to enjoy. Each week 500 products are added to or upgraded in the service and you can request an update for any item that hasn't been revisited in the recent past. Another cool feature, especially for those new to gluten-free dining, is the ability to get suggestions of substitute products to replace old favorites.

While I haven't had to deal with the challenges of a gluten free diet my cousin suffers from celiac disease and cannot consume gluten, which meant that when he visited my grandparents, shopping was a challenge. Now with Zeer Select his mom can email my grandparents a shopping list of gluten free meals and products that they can find on supermarket shelves almost anywhere. Not only does this save time, but it takes the guesswork out of cooking safe meals for someone they love.

There are many food blogs dedicated to gluten-free cooking as well. Gluten-free Girl http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/ is a popular place to start.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/06/betty-crocker-launches-new-gluten-free-deserts?icid=main|htmlws-main|dl3|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F07%2F06%2Fbetty-crocker-launches-new-gluten-free-deserts

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PECS Online Training

Happy Summer!

While many of you are enjoying your summer vacations, perhaps you’dlike to learn important new skills while earning ASHA CEUs. If so,*/Study Guide: Creating Effective Learning Environments /*is theperfect option for you. You can earn *2.4 ASHA CEUs* from the comfort

of your own home or even while sitting by the pool!

Are you looking for creative ways to teach your students to be moreindependent? Would you like to incorporate research-based strategiesbased upon broad spectrum Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)? Thisself-study allows you to work at your own pace to read the Pyramid

Approach to Education book and complete the study guide filled withpractical questions. It is filled with everything you need to knowabout creating an effective learning environment! Specific topicsinclude the following:

 Functional Activities – Learn how to incorporate meaningfulobjectives and activities throughout the day Reinforcement Systems – Identify and create powerful reinforcementsystems to entice your students into the working environment

 Functional Communication – Explore options relevant to anycommunication system, including teaching nine critical communicationskills Contextually Inappropriate Behaviors and Alternatives – Learn howto identify the function of challenging behaviors and replace these

behaviors with appropriate alternative skills Other topics will include generalization, effective lesson types,specific teaching strategies, minimizing and correcting errors anddata collection and analysis

Earn 2.4 ASHA CEUs for the low price of $295! This cost includes allmaterials, as well as access to our expert consultants to answer anyquestions regarding the self-study. This is an amazing opportunity to

learn about practical information and earn a significant number ofCEUs!!

Contact us today to register for this course by phone or online: Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc. at 1-888-732-7462  www.pecs-usa.com

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Article: Schools will continue to receive Medicaid reimbursementsThree of seven Bush administration regulations that critics say shifted Medicaid responsibility to states will be rescinded by the Obama administration, the Health and Human Services Department announced Monday. One of the regulations would have prohibited schools from being reimbursed for some special-education expenses as well as for transporting eligible children with special needs.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003156522--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Children With Autism Need To Be Taught In Smaller Groups, Experts ArgueScienceDaily (July 4, 2009) — Since the 1970s, there has been much debate surrounding the fact that individuals with autism have difficulty in understanding speech in situations where there is background speech or noise.

At the annual meeting of the International Multisensory Research Forum (June 29th – July 2nd) being held at The City College of New York (CCNY), neuroscientists  argue in favor of smaller class sizes for children with autism.

Speaking at the conference, Dr. J. Foxe, Professor of Neuroscience at CCNY said: “Sensory integration dysfunction has long been speculated to be a core component of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but there has been precious little hard empirical evidence to support this notion.  Viewing a speaker’s articulatory movements can greatly improve a listener’s ability to understand spoken words, and this is especially the case under noisy environmental conditions.â€

“These results are the first of their kind to verify that children with autism have substantial difficulties in these situations, and this has major implications for how we go about teaching these children in the classroom,†he continued.  “Children with autism may become distressed in large classroom settings simply because they are unable to understand basic speech if the environment is sufficiently noisy.

“We should start to pay attention to the need for smaller numbers in the classroom and we need to carefully control the levels of background noise that these kids are exposed to. Imagine how frustrating it must be to sit in a classroom without being able to properly understand what the teacher or your classmates are saying to you.

“Being able to detect speech in noise plays a vital role in how we communicate with each other because our listening environments are almost never quiet. Even the hum of air conditioners or fans that we can easily ignore may adversely impact these children’s ability to understand speech in the classroom.

“Our data show that the multisensory speech system develops relatively slowly across the childhood years and that considerable tuning of this system continues to occur even into early adolescence. Our data suggest that children with Autism lag almost 5 years behind typically developing children in this crucial multisensory ability.â€

Professor Foxe concluded that further studies may result in advances in the understanding of ASD and the communication abilities of individuals with autism by identifying the neural mechanisms that are at the root of these multisensory deficits. This will be an important step if viable intervention and training strategies are to be developed.

Adapted from materials provided by City College of New York. City College of New York (2009, July 4). Children With Autism Need To Be Taught In Smaller Groups, Experts Argue. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 4, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702110457.htm

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Preparing Student with Asperger for College - Focus Group for ParentsJuly 14, 2009 7:30-9:00

Speech & Hearing Clinic Rm A128Music & Speech Building, KSUDrs. Audet & Ann Devine are conducting research to examine the needs of high school students with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism as they prepare for College within the High School Curriculum. We are conducting a focus group with parents to learn more about their thoughts concerns, experiences. We will meet with professionals and those with AS/HFA at a later date.  If interested, please sign the form below and we look forward to seeing you on the 14th. For more information or if you have questions, contact: Audet laudet@...; Ann Devine mdevine@...

Focus Group Parents of Children with AS/HFA Name       Phone  e-mail ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Extended Care Focus Group

Do you have a child who is unable to attend traditional before and after schoolcare programs due to age, disability or be-havior?Please come and participate in a facilitateddiscussion regarding your concerns and needs.

Limited Child CareAvailable Please call to register your child.Light Refreshments will be served.Date: July 14, 2009 Tue.Time: 6:00pm-8:00 pmDate: July 23, 2009 Thur.Time: 11:30 am - 1:30pm

Children’s Options De p t.Family First ZoneNorth Wing1155 Larc LaneToledo, OhioContact: Sue Kibler419-380-5173 or Email: skibler@...

orContact: Rolita Noble419-380-5172 or Email: rnoble@...-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aug. 25 Raun Kaufman at Whole Foods Whole Foods3670 W. Dublin-Granville RdColumbus, OH 43235 USAPhone 614.760.5556Store hours:Monday - Saturday: 8am - 10pmSunday: 8am - 9pm Autism Hope Action Plan Seminar Presented by the Autism Grass Roots Tour

6:00 p.m. Free, Registration RequiredWith Raun K. Kaufman, CEO of The Autism Center of AmericaTM and Selby , Director of Autism Education for Enzymedica® and mom of a son with autismHear Raun K. Kaufman share the story of his complete recovery from autism! This event is perfect for family members and health professionals seeking autism education. The Autism Grass Roots Tour is an initiative of the Autism Hope Alliance, a nonprofit foundation working to promote education about autism and provide immediate help for children challenged by autism and other neurological difficulties. Find more information online at www.agrt.org.

Attend this FREE LECTURE and LEARN:    * Where to begin after a diagnosis    * What to add to existing treatments    * Biomedical treatments    * Dietary intervention    * Sensory integration    * Educational, enzyme and play therapies

    * Living toxin-free    * How to stay inspired --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

November 16 - 17, 2009Indianapolis, INhttp://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/indianapolis.html

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Research: Autism tied to maternal history of autoimmune disease A study in Pediatrics found that children of women who have autoimmune diseases -- such as celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis -- have a three times higher risk for autism. Researchers said there may be a genetic overlap between the conditions, or an environmental trigger that affects the fetus, but that the findings would be useful in tracking down the cause or causes of autism.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/hscout/2009/07/06/hscout628750.html------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United Way Family Information Network PicnicThursday, August 6, 2009 at 5:00pmWalbridge Park Community Building2701 Broadway(across from the Toledo Zoo)Bring Your Own picnic fair and maybe a little extra to share.

This is an opportunity for both parents and kids to have some fun. Parents willhave an opportunity to connect with other parents. There will be tables withresources and information from the community.Please save the date and plan to join us. RSVP’s are appreciated.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!Contact: Diane Frazee (419) 254-4645Or emaildiane.frazee@...

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Week Long Teacher/Para Training: How to Use Behavioral Interventions Effectively in the Public School SettingMilestones Autism Organization

Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional Training WorkshopAugust 17-21, 2009Week-Long Hands-On Teacher/Paraprofessional ABA Training (Milestones) Beachwood, Ohio. 8:00am- 4:00pm. Includes hands-on training in small groups with BCBA trained instructors, school observation, and follow up workshop with fellow team member. Limited to 25. PDC (30) included in price, Graduate Credit (2), additional fee. For more information call 216.464.7600 or email info@.... See below for more information.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Career Planning for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Columbus

November 18-19, 2009 http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/columbus.html

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Article: Children with autism stress mothers more than other disabilities do

Mothers of children with autism experience higher levels of stress than mothers of children with other developmental disabilities, according to a new study in the journal Autism - http://aut.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/4/375   " Both groups of women are dealing with children who need high levels of caregiving. But there is something about autism that is making a difference and adding stress, " said the study's lead author. http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/08/autism-stress/4055/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Article: Autism research for adultsBy Jackie M. MarquetteSpecial to The Courier-Journal

April is Autism Awareness Month, and on Saturday we will mark the first Adult Autism Awareness Day, initiated by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).Until now, addressing the issues of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) beyond childhood has been non-existent in research projects. The National Institutes of Health will receive from the Recovery Act funding totaling $60 million for autism research. Though still a low priority, issues facing adults are being targeted within one of six research areas. Yet hope and good news are ahead.

For too long, there has been political disinterest in funding research projects that may improve the quality of life for adults with ASD. Early childhood treatment and therapies are tremendously valuable. Yet the same people who as children benefited from early interventions suffer later during adolescence and adulthood when necessary services are unavailable or have long waiting lists.

As a result, this vulnerable group is often r elegated to these realities: unemployment, isolation, discrimination, neglect and violence. Tens of thousands of families in the United States are caring for these young adults with daily hardships. These outcomes reflect a system failure, the result of economic, cultural and social forces.

" Where are all the people now who had autism as a child? " people ask. Some professionals have claimed that adults with ASD are fully integrated within our communities and doing well. These views reflect denial of the real issues of today. Many persons with autism live in isolation. In other words, that which cannot be seen is not there.

Persons with ASD often fall into the cracks during life transition phases. Without support, families are left trying to hold it all together (if they can) on their own. People with autism and their families need provisions to manage life transitional patterns. With supports provided to a son or daughter, a family is better able to maintain its functionality and well-being.

The good news is that people with autism in their adult years have shown enhanced ability to develop skills, use talents and live in integrated settings. Yet these outcomes occurred because supports met a person's needs, which lessened the disability challenges.

Many have become employees, have self-employment or pursue higher education — even those diagnosed with significant autism. One research study indicated that adults with autism are artists, musicians, have strong memories,20math abilities and humanitarian interests.

The autism puzzle can be solved with all the important pieces for an adolescent or young adult:Acknowledge challenges and meet the individual where he or she is with supports to integrate and live as community members.

Recognize and create supports to help people with autism have employment, enjoy leisure and/or pursue higher education/learning.Provide plenty of opportunities to identify and develop every person's strengths, talents and interests.

Accommodate the person to live in his or her own home, independently or with a roommate.Early childhood treatment and therapies are tremendously valuable. Yet the same children who once benefited from interventions suffer low quality of life later in adolescence and adulthood when services and supports are nonexistent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism is a spectrum of disorders that are complex and lifelong, with problems ranging in social interactions and communication skills.The current atmosphere using Recovery Act funding is ideal for initiating new research in this critically overlooked area. Quality-of-life education promotes human values. With new knowledge and public education, reduced negative risks and improved outcomes are likely to unfold.

Dr. Jackie Marquette of Louisville is an independent scholar and educational consultant publishing books, articles and newsletters on autism. She has first-hand kno wledge as she has a son with autism who lives in independent-assisted living.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200904150540/OPINION04/904150361

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disabiltiy Scoop: Finding The Perfect DigsJune 30, 2009 How to find the best living situation. Plus, transitioning to it and getting support along the way.http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/30/housing-questions-answered/3898/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Greater Cleveland Asperger Support Meet & Eat - For an Ice Cream Treat! Bring the Kids!

This Tuesday, July 14, 7 PMCold Stone Creamery4826 Ridge Road (Ridge Park Square), BrooklynIn the building with the clock tower, between Cici's and Game Stop(Coupons in the 2009 Entertainment Book, page A4)

Email Theresa at gcas21@... if you are coming and for additional info.