ASA-ASO DIGEST: April 6, 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:

- Autism Insurance Coverage Bill HB 8 recommended to Full House by HAA Committee

- Legislative Event and Rally big success!

- New PECS online module available from OCALI

- OCALI to hold Ohio Autism Conference in November

- The Call for Proposals for OCALI Conference is now open!

- Ohio RSC holding regional Community Conversations

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

- Ohio BMV changes policy on Autism Awareness License Plate

- Federal Update/Alerts

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc:

- News from the ASA:

ASA Calls for Global Recognition of Human Rights for Individuals with ASD AMC Entertainment® and the Autism Society of America Announce Partnership What is the Culture of Autism? Visit the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." website for information about- ASA-SE Ohio Chapter presents Athens Rocks for Autism 2

- ASA-Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) Monthly Parent Meeting Tonight

- Article: Autism Breakthrough: Girl's Writings Explain Her Behavior and Feelings

- Seminar: The Important Components for an Education Program, Aurora

- Study: Toddlers with autism focus on sounds, lip movements

- Article: Ohio group says budget would hurt special education

- Article: Children with autism practice skills on Nintendo Wii

- Meet Langston, Author of “Autism’s Hidden Blessingsâ€, Portsmouth

- 2 Parent Informational Seminars from OCECD, Akron

- Article: Growing up with Asperger’s - Massillon, OH - The Independent

- Webinar: "Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities."

- Jed Baker, OAR Conference Keynote Speaker on TV!

- “WHAT ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES WISH ALL PARENTS KNEWâ€, Toledo

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:

Autism Insurance Coverage Bill HB 8 recommended to Full House by HAA Committee

HB 8 has been favorably voted out of the House Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee!

Please use this link to write to your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 8.

The fourth hearing of HB 8, Autism Insurance Coverage, before the House Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee, held Wednesday, March 31, 2009 went very well. Many thanks to the individuals with autism, their families, service providers and other supporters who attended!

The Committee, chaired by Rep. Lorraine Fende, reviewed a variety of amendments to the bill. Rep. Garland, committee Vice-Chair and the co-sponsor of HB 8, introduced an amendment to the bill to clarify the language in some sections and to add an "opt out" if cost increases exceed 1%. This amendment was passed by the committee. The Republican committee members then introduced a variety of amendments intended mainly to limit the scope of the bill - a yearly cost cap of $36,000, an age limit for coverage to 13 years old, limiting the number of visits covered, exempting employers with 50 or less employees. All of these amendments were tabled and not included in the bill.

The committee then voted 10-3 to favorably recommend HB 8 to the full House for consideration with three of the Republican members - Reps. Hackett, Lehner and Snitchler - voting to support the bill! Rep. Lehner also signed on as a sponsor of the bill!

HB 8 will most likely be considered by the full House for a vote near the end of April after the General Assembly's spring break. ASA-ASO will provide information on when the vote will take place as soon as it is available.

This is a HUGE victory! Many thanks are due to co-sponsors Rep. Ted Celeste and Rep. Garland, HAA Chairwoman Rep. Lorraine Fende and the other members of the committee who supported this bill including Democrats Reps. Bolon, , Moran, Patten, B. and Republicans Reps. Hackett, Lehner and Snitchler. If one of these members is your legislator, please be sure to write and thank them for their support.

Now is the time to contact your representative and as them to support HB 8! Please use this link to write to your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 8.

The ASA-Autism Society of Ohio has created a web page devoted exclusively to Autism Insurance Parity. Click here to visit. It contains complete information on Autism Insurance Coverage and HB 8.

Legislative Event and Rally big success!

Disability Public Policy Legislative Event - March 31

This event was sponsored, in part, by the ASA-Autism Society of Ohio! With a theme of The Voice of One –The Power of Many†the ARC organized Disability Public Policy Legislative Event was a huge success. Bill Hosket, Jr., a member of The OSU Hall of Fame, delivered the Keynote Address and provided a motivational presentation on the teamwork we need to succeed in public policy advocacy. The morning will also included a “State of the State†Address from Doug Lumpkin, Director of the Ohio Dept of Job and Family Services, Director of the Ohio Dept or MR/DD and Kathe Shelby, Ph.D., Director of the Ohio Office of Exceptional Children. ASA-ASO Executive Director Barb Yavorcik sat on a panel with Missy Craddock from OPRA and Carmen Shelton from Nisonger at OSU and presented on tips for successful legislative advocacy. Wednesday, April 1, 2009 RallyThe Rally on April 1st was a joint rally with the greater DD community and the Autism Community to show collaboration and solidarity on budget issues. Ohio Statehouse – Statehouse Lawn, West Plaza (High St.) Hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and those who work with them came together to show legislators how much important issues such as waivers, waiting lists, insurance coverage, residential and employment options need to be addressed by the General Assembly. And although there was a brisk breeze, the weather cooperated for another sunny day. Legislators, including Reps. Ted Celeste, Garland, n , Lorraine Fende and Bacon addressed the crowd. Rep. Fende also presented a proclamation declaring April "autism awareness" month to ARC Executive Director Tonks and ASA-ASO Executive Director Barb Yavorcik. Gabe Spiegel, an ABC / Fox News Anchor and Jerod Smalley, an NBC4 sportscaster, both parents of children with developmental disabilities shared moving stories about their children. A variety of speakers, including representatives of People First Ohio, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities, Ohio Provider Resource Association, the Ohio Association of County Boards of MRDD, the ASA-ASO, Autism Speaks and the ARC, then charged the crowd with working with legislators to make their voices heard on issues important to the DD community. When the speeches were complete, the audience left to meet with legislators. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day a success.

New PECS online module available from OCALI

The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) leads the Autism InternetModule (AIM) project primarily through a grant from the Ohio Department ofEducation. This project is a collaborative effort with the Autism Society ofAmerica (ASA), the Nebraska Department of Education/Autism Spectrum DisordersNetwork, The National Professional Development Center on Autism SpectrumDisorders, and Geneva Centre for Autism, Toronto, Canada. In addition, ArizonaDepartment of Education and the Indiana Resource Center for Autism havecollaborated on content development for the AIM project. The AIM project willdevelop a series of 80 online modules including characteristics, diagnosis,interventions and supports, transition, and employment. Module authors includeexperts from across the nation.The partners are pleased to announce the launch of our newest module, ThePicture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The National ProfessionalDevelopment Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (www.fpg.unc.edu/~autismPDC) hasprovided the content for this module. Content was adapted from and with specialthanks to: Frost, L. A., & Bondy, A. S. (2002). The Picture exchangecommunication system training manual (2nd ed.). Newark, DE: Pyramid EducationalProducts, Inc.Please see Pyramid Educational Products, Inc. at www.pyramidproducts.com forthe PECS manual and other resources to make implementation more efficient[Visit http://www.autisminternetmodules.org to access the module]

OCALI to hold Ohio Conference in November

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

The Call for Proposals for OCALI Conference is now open!

Download a copy of the submission requirements at the OCALI Conference website:[ www.ocali.org ]Deadline for proposal submission: Friday, May 8, 2009The primary goal of the 2009 OCALI Conference is to further state- and system-wide capacity to improve programs, implementation, support and overall outcomes for those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and low-incidence disabilities (such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, traumatic brain injury (TBI), orthopedic impairments, etc.). The program will be comprised of over 120 sessions covering a variety of topic areas related to the systems in which individuals with ASD and other low-incidence disabilities participate and will cover the lifespan from early intervention through transition to adulthood.Some of the topic areas include:**Assessment, identification and diagnosis**Assistive technology**Behavior strategies**Classroom and instructional strategies**Comprehensive programming**Early intervention**Family systems and support**Models of training**School-based initiatives**Statewide systems and initiatives**Transition to adulthoodOCALI seeks presenters from a variety of disciplines and from all system levels to submit for the following types of sessions:**Lecture Presentation (75 minutes - 1 to 2 presenters)**Poster Display (60 minutes - 1 to 2 presenters)**Panel Discussion (75 minutes - 4 presenters)All presenters receive complimentary registration to the 2009 OCALI Conference and Exposition. All other expenses, including but not limited to travel, food, lodging, copies of handouts, and presentation equipment/software needed for the presentation are the sole responsibility of the presenter.Please note: All submissions must be made online and in English. All sessions will be conducted in English.Deadline for proposal submissions: Friday, May 8, 2009For more information and to download a copy of the submission requirements, please visit the OCALI Conference website:[ www.ocali.org ]

Ohio RSC holding regional Community Conversations

The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is looking for your valuable experience, input and ideas. Please join us for Community Conversations where we will discuss the long-term direction of vocational rehabilitation in Ohio. A flyer* is attached. Please share it with the people you serve, as well as your contacts, and print and post it in your organizations. Last year RSC partnered with 9,370 Ohioans to obtain or retain employment at wages above the national average. RSC's budget has been cut more than $7.8 million in state fiscal years 2008 and 2009 combined. We are looking for your input as we explore ways to maximize vocational rehabilitation services to Ohioans with disabilities in these difficult economic times. Here are some of the items we will be discussing: Vocational Rehabilitation State Plan Financial Needs Testing for some Vocational Rehabilitation Services Order of Selection Investing Federal Stimulus Funds Utilizing 3rd Party Matching funds in the RSC budget 2010-2011 Budget Sponsors: Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities Alliance of Community Centers for the Deaf Ohio Developmental Disabilities CouncilRSC State Consumer Advisory CommitteeOwens Community CollegeBrain Injury Association of OhioState Independent Living Council National Federation of the Blind National Alliance on Mental IllnessDisability Policy Coalition Ohio Association of the DeafDisability Network of OhioBrain Injury Advisory CommitteeAmerican Council of the BlindMarietta College

We hope you can join us at one of the following locations. We also welcome you to e-mail your ideas to RSC.MyTwoCents@... NEApril 2, 2009 6-730 p.m.Akron Summit Public LibraryLarge Conference Room183 E. Cuyahoga Falls AvenueAkron, Ohio 44310April 9, 2009 6-730 p.m.Trumbull Metropolitan Housing AuthorityRoom A4076 Youngstown-Warren Road SEWarren, Ohio 44484SEApril 8, 2009 6-730 p.m.Ohio State School for the BlindStaff Dining Area5220 North High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43214April 16, 2009 6-7:30 p.m.Marietta College501 College StreetMcDonough Building (#7)Marietta, OhioApril 15, 2009 1-430 p.m.Solidarity ConferenceHyatt Regency Hotel and Conference Center350 N. High StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215SWApril 6, 2009 6-730 p.m.Sharonville Public Library10980 Thornview DriveCincinnati, Ohio 45241NWApril 13, 2009 6-7:30 p.m.Owens Community College30335 Oregon Road Building AVCC (Biniker Drive just east of Oregon Road)sburg, Ohio 43551

Detailed information, including discussion topic fact sheets will be available soon under the Community Conversations link on RSC’s website (www.rsc.state.oh.us).Sign language interpreters will be provided at each forum. To request other reasonable accommodations, please contact Robin Gorham at robin.gorham@... or 1.888.707.3773Thank you for your time and your continued support of vocational rehabilitation in Ohio

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

Comprehensive Autism Legislation Introduced in U.S. CongressThursday, April 2, 2009, Senators Durbin (D-IL), Casey (D-PA), and Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the Autism Treatment and Acceleration Act of 2009 (ATAA). The Autism Society of America applauds this comprehensive autism legislation focused around enhancing quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=2jUohm6rs4OaFOtvFWrmgw..

A Letter from the President recognizing World Autism DayIt is with profound commitment to Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), their families, and their communities that I join in celebrating World Autism Day. We celebrate the contributions of individuals with autism , their families and self-advocates across the world. We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination. Policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and we must ensure that everyone has the chance to live independently as full citizens in their communities. For too long, the needs of people and families living with autism have gone unrecognized and underappreciated. That is why my Administration supports increased funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness, and services for ASD. We must also remember that children with autism become adults with autism who deserve our support, our respect, and the opportunity to fulfill their potential. As we celebrate World Autism Day, let us recommit ourselves to this cause and to the responsibility we have to support those with ASD and their families. Signed: Barak Obama

Upcoming Events, Resources, etc.:

News from the ASA:

ASA Calls for Global Recognition of Human Rights for Individuals with ASDToday marks the second World Autism Awareness Day, as recognized bythe United Nations, and on this occasion the Autism Society of Americais calling on the nations of the world to support its Declaration ofthe Human Rights of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In honorof World Autism Awareness Day, the U.N. presented a paneldiscussion on "Autism and Human Rights: Understanding andSafeguarding the Rights of People with Autism" at itsheadquarters in New York. Lee Grossman, ASA President and CEO, was one of the distinguished panel speakers from across the globe, alongwith Dr. Shore, an ASA Board of Directors member andindividual with autism. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=gzgjHlXW6O-VXxczT7Onow..AMC Entertainment® and the Autism Society of America Announce PartnershipAMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society of America (ASA)announced at the ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas today, World AutismAwareness Day, a formal commitment to their current partnership thataims to include people with autism in their community through work andplay. For nearly a year, the two organizations have brought a pilotprogram to communities across the United States, giving familiesaffected by autism a chance to go to the movies together - most for thefirst time. Now, with the formalization of their partnership, the twoorganizations will continue to bring the popular AMC Sensory FriendlyFilms program to families while planning for a workforce program toaddress the needs of those children as they grow up. Read more: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=hT2c7-uco5Sl1jJMqyTDqA..What is the Culture of Autism?The April edition of the "Autism Advocate," the Autism Society ofAmerica's flagship magazine, was released this week anddedicates its entire content to authors and artists with an autismspectrum disorder (ASD). The authors discuss everyday issues, such asparenting, relationships and even shopping, all from the perspectiveof people with ASD. Through the articles and artwork showcased, themagazine endeavors to celebrate and bring to light the diversity andvaried accomplishments of people on the autism spectrum, and challengethe public to look at a new feature of autism--its growingcultural aspects. Read more:http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=Ww8JrTSfylZWUJ0yLLP1lQ..Visit the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." website for information aboutchildhood developmental milestones and delays. You'll be able to trackthe developmental milestones your child should be reaching anddownload fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3months to 5 years. Visit: http://www.autism-society.org/site/R?i=XzY-8CKPjT7BgOOH_fVrWw.. .

ASA-SE Ohio Chapter presents Athens Rocks for Autism 2

SEO-ASA's second annual benefit concert and silent auctionFriday, April 24, 20097 pm - midnightOhio University Baker Center BallroomFeaturing:The Jazz Cream Assassins at 7:30

The Royales at 10:00

Appetizers includedBeer and wine availableDress CasualTickets: $25 per ticket$15 for students and SEO-ASA members (only available at Athens campus booth or contact us)Buy tickets now via safe Paypal! We can mail you the tickets or keep them at the reception table. For questions, please contact rock@...For more information, visit http://www.autismseohio.org/rock2

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) Monthly Parent Meeting Tonight

April 6, 2009 @ 6:30 PMAtThe City of Independence Civic Center6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131Please join us tonight at 6:30 PM at The City of Independence Civic Center at 6363 Selig Drive, Independence, OH 44131. (Please look for the ASGC signs.) Free Child Care is available. Please call us at (216) 556-4937 if you need to take advantage of childcare. We look forward to seeing you tonight.

The Autism Society of Greater ClevelandP.O. Box 41066Brecksville, OH 44141216-556-4937

Article: Autism Breakthrough: Girl's Writings Explain Her Behavior and Feelings

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4311223 & page=1

Seminar: The Important Components for an Education Program

Partners for Full Potential is hosting The Important Components for an Education Program Thursday, April 30th, 7 pm At the Hanna Community Room, 195 Barrington Town Sq. Dr., Aurora Presented by Sawan Caruso, MA, CCC-SLP, Educational Consultant Appropriate goals for educational services for children with special needs are personal independence and social responsibility. The understanding of disabilities and how it impacts every individual differently will assist in establishing an appropriate learning, living, and working environment. has provided educational program consultations throughout the state of Ohio and has provided training and workshops throughout the state of Ohio as well as nationally. She has been involved in creating and consulting quality programs for children with special educational needs from early intervention through transition into the workforce.

Camp Sunshine, an adaptive recreational summer camp at Craddock School in a partnership with Aurora City Schools The camp will host two groups for kids ages 4-8 and 8-12. The camp will run the month of July, Mondays thru Thursdays from 9-3 pm. Kids will be provided with numerous transactional supports including visual schedules, social stories, alternating high and low demand, and incorporating movement. Camp activities will include reading, art, music, gross motor play, pretend play/drama, sensory regulation, journaling and swimming (1 day/week), for an adaptive summer camp experience. The camp can take up to 18 participants, including siblings, and is on a first come first serve basis. We are also looking for sponsors and donations to help supplement the cost of the camp. If you, your business or organization, or someone you know would like to help contribute, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you as well. For more information contact: Holly Reimann, Smile Camp Administrator, Peak Potential Therapy, 330-405-8776, contact@... Carol Denzinger, Aurora City Schools Special Education Manager, 330-954-2155, cdenzinger@... Brogan, Parent Contact, 330-995-5603, leeseb@... , Parent Contact, 330-995-0751, phillipsfore@...

For more information, please contact Partners for Full Potential at (330) 995-4440 or aurorapffp@...

Study: Toddlers with autism focus on sounds, lip movementsWhile developing toddlers usually focus on meaningful nonverbal cues, 2-year-olds with autism seem obsessed with audiovisual synchrony -- such as the coordination of lip movement and sound -- and pay little attention to social cues, according to a study from the Yale Child Study Center. The study may allow physicians to diagnose the disorder earlier and and may help therapists redirect the attention of children with autism.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329143314.htm

Article: Ohio group says budget would hurt special educationAn Ohio special-education advocacy group says the governor's proposed budget might leave some students with special needs without important services because it relies too heavily on education stimulus funds. The proposal fails to account for extra time needed to teach students with learning disabilities, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities said Monday.http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090328/NEWS01/903280351/1055/NEWS

Article: Children with autism practice skills on Nintendo WiiThe Nintendo Wii video game system is helping some children with autism practice listening, fine motor control and social skills. Therapists at a Florida therapy center who use the system say the fun nature of the Wii may help engage children in learning. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/schools/sfl-autism-kids-b040209sbapr02,0,6278971.story

Meet Langston, Author of “Autism’s Hidden Blessingsâ€

The Portsmouth Public Library, which is located at 1220 Gallia Street, Portsmouth and in conjunctionwith the Autism Project of Southern Ohio will present to the public on ~Saturday, May 2, 20093:00—5:00 p.m.(on the main floor of the library)Author of “Autism’s Hidden Blessings†- Langston. is a mother of an autistic child, marketing consultant, and autism activist. She has written professionally since her early days in the journalism school of Ohio State University and now writes the blog“Walking with Alec,†which has resonated with parents of autistic children from around the world. is also the author of two Web sites, www.autismblessings.com and www.kellylangston.com

2 Parent Informational Seminars from OCECD, Akron

SUPER LEARNING CENTER And the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with DisabilitiesIS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE HOSTING OF2 Parent Informational Seminars · April 9, 2009 Parents Rights for Special Education.· June 23, 2009 Understanding and living with a child that has special needs. Seminar information:· Register At www.brainchangers.com· Time-7-9pm · Location SUPER Learning Center· Cost FREE· Guest Speaker Lyke from Ohio Coalition 330-899-41192800 S. Arlington Road, Suite 100Akron, Ohio 44312

Article: Growing up with Asperger’s - Massillon, OH - The Independent http://www.indeonline.com/local_news/x917906632/Growing-up-with-Asp...

Webinar: "Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities."

Transition Opportunities through Career Tech EdMonday, April 20 2009, 2:00pm - 2:30pm Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center (PEATC) 2009 Webinar Series "Next Steps: Transition for Students with Disabilities."Webinar presenter: Betty Siegal, Director of Accessibility, the F. Kennedy Center for Performing ArtsRegistration is required. To register click on link below.Audience: FamiliesRegion: Multiple

Location: Webinar Organization Name: Parent Education Advocacy and Training Center Contact Name: PEATC Contact Phone: 1-800-869-6782Website URL: http://www.peatc.org/newsmanager/news_article.cgi?sess=8ee7992460bb0064160079671f724c0a & news_id=66 Cost: Free but registration is required

Jed Baker, OAR Conference Keynote Speaker on TV! On Monday, April 6th at 8 PM EST, tune your TVs to the Discovery Health Channel to listen to OAR's 2009 Conference keynote speaker, Jed Baker, Ph.D. He will be discussing social skills in teens with autism transitioning to adulthood on a segment called "Unlocking Autism."This is an excellent opportunity to get an idea of what to expect at OAR's 2009 Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference, taking place on October 23-24 in Arlington, Virginia. During these two days of presentations, attendees will view 22 leading autism professionals, researchers, and experts on various subjects related to education and intervention across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families.THE OAR STIMULUS PACKAGEIn honor of Autism Awareness Month, and in an effort to help out financially in these economic times, OAR is offering its own version of a stimulus package throughout the month of April. In addition to the group rates for three or more attendees, OAR is introducing a “Couples/Friends†special discount rate for this period only.The two-person costs are: $112.50 for one day; $187.50 for the full conference. This represents a 25% per person discount from OAR’s Early Bird Registration fees that will come into effect on May 1.This means that for a per person cost of only $56.25 for one day or $93.75 for both days, attendees will receive:• Their choice of 11 out of 23 conference presentations• A 300 page conference manual with slides from every presentation• A set of all OAR’s Life Journey through Autism publications on CD-ROM• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day, and • An audio CD including each presentation (after completing a feedback form)To register, please visit www.researchautism.org/news/conference and click on “Conference Registration†or call 703-243-9717. To view the full conference schedule, http://www.researchautism.org/news/conference/schedule/. For more information, contact Alyssa Kruszyna, Assistant Director, Research and Programs: akruszyna@..., or (703) 243-9717.

“WHAT ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES WISH ALL PARENTS KNEWâ€P.E.E.R.SPeople Exemplifying Excellence with Real Life Stories We the Northwest Ohio Center for Families and Children (NCFC) have always believed that a person’s experiences and their successes are two of the greatest forms of education and encouragement to others; these people are often identified as P.E.E.R.S. The NCFC is going to provide an opportunity for children born with a disability / developmental delay (DD) or the parents of a child w/DD to see and hear from these very people who have also had to overcome tremendous fears, challenges and barriers and who have fought to gain a rightful place in their community for themselves and their children. These people are positive role models, advocates, teachers and leaders exemplifying the excellence they have fought to achieve by believing their futures are attainable. We will provide this opportunity in a four part educational series focusing on Family Life, Education, Vocational, and Social / Recreational topics. Parents and their children will hear from four panelist which will consist of parents, consumers and one local expert, sharing the wisdom and skills they have gained from their personal life’s experiences. Forum DatesSession I: Family Life Sat. April 18, 09 Session II: Education Sat. April 18, 09 Session III: Vocation Sat. May 02, 09 Session IV: Rec /Social Sat. May 02, 09February Sessions Will Be Held At:

The EMS Building2127 Jefferson Ave.Toledo, Ohio 4360410:00am. – 3:00pm.Childcare & Lunch will be provided for all sessions, please rsvp by calling Deborah @ 419 251-1816 or email to: debarmstead@...

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