I head to Chicago today to
chair the Pace Blue Ribbon Committee on Paratransit Services. This afternoon
we will vote on recommendations to improve paratransit services in the
Chicagoland area.
Monday, we meet with
Director Teninty to discuss recommendations to the Governor for
developmental disability services in 2009.
Tony Paulauski
The Arc of
Illinois
815-464-1832
Geraldo Rivera
Takes on the Waiting List Crisis!
Videos and
stories documenting the crisis needed NOW.
January 6, 2009
hour-long news special to focus on the emerging crisis for people with
intellectual disabilities and their families.
Visibly moved by comments from self-advocates, family
members and chapter leaders at the Opening Plenary Session of The Arc's 2008
National Convention, renowned television journalist, Geraldo Rivera,
electrified the audience, pledging that on January 6, 2009 - the anniversary
of his expose about Willowbrook - he will present a one-hour news special to
shine light on the current crisis facing people with disabilities and their
families - the Waiting List.
This news expose will only be possible if chapters of
The Arc, self-advocates and family members come forward IMMEDIATELY with
VIDEO and STORIES that dramatically illustrate the challenge people with
intellectual disabilities face today in accessing the service they need to
live freely in the community.
The Arc of the United States
will be working with Geraldo and his staff to gather the background
information, stories, video and other media to make this show a success.....
but time is very short.
Have good video to share? Send it in today.
Have a compelling story to tell? Then get to work
today. Write it down or, better yet, take out your video camera and film
away!
Geraldo needs stories about the crisis people with
disabilities and their families are facing at all stages of the life span.
Let's make this
the beginning of the end of the Waiting List.
Peter Berns
Executive
Director
The Arc of the
United States
Subject: [SibGroup] Author Mary McHugh looking to talk
to teen sibs!
My friend Mary McHugh,
author of the wonderful "Special Siblings: Growing up with Someone with a
Disability," is writing a book aimed at teen-aged siblings of people with
disabilities which will be called "Special Siblings: Advice for Teens
Growing up with Someone with Special Needs.
Her goal is to write a practical book that will help teens cope with
problems, help them find resources, books, cd's, dvd's, websites that will
address their unique situation.
She¹s looking for teen sibs who (with their parents¹ permission of course)
who would be willing to talk to Mary about this -- she won't use their names
-- they can contact her at
mmchugh655@aol.com.
I told Mary that there are numerous Sibshops serving teens and I would
encourage them to share this announcement with teens and parents.
In case Mary is new to you, she¹s a terrific writer and the author of
numerous books and articles in the NYT, Good Housekeeping, and elsewhere.
Communication Innovations, a PT, OT, and Speech clinic in
Madison, is opening a branch in Rockford! Services will begin at the end of
October. Spaces will be very limited. This company has a clinic in Madison
that has been around for a few years and has 16 therapists.
They
provide Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Social
Groups, AIT, Fast ForWord, Tutoring, Handwriting, Social Groups, Sensory
Integration, Therasuit Therapy, and more. Their Rockford clinic will open
with PT, OT, Speech, AIT, and Tutoring. They are organizing everything
through their Madison location 608.204.6083 Their website is
www.communicationinnovations.com
New tool for autism education
This is Karl Smith, creator of the DT Trainer, and this is one of my
few blasts per year informing the autism community on our continued
progress.
Thanks for your support of the DT Trainer as we are now in over 800
school districts, 220 private schools and service providers, and thousands
of homes. I will continue to expand the DT Trainer to cover more topics and
a wider developmental range (currently the developmental range is 2-9 years
old).
However, there is another area of learning that is critical for our
kids. There is 15 to 20 years of research showing how video modeling
increases acquisition rates across a wide range of topics. Video modeling
materials have been available for 10 - 15 years, and yet I was amazed that
this powerful teaching method is impacting few of our kids.
Looking into this disconnect, I discovered that video modeling media
has been released to be played in standard media players starting with video
types, and now computer based media players. The problem is that video
modeling is not just about playing videos, but is about the management of
the process. Regular media players lack the capabilities to organize the
materials to facilitate quick access to a student's specific tasks in a
teaching situation. Trying to find and use up a piece of video is clumsy,
cumbersome and impractical in a fluid teaching situation. Standard media
players also lack the support for task analysis (breaking down tasks),
sequences, transitions from video to images, transitions from images to
text, data collection, visual schedules, and many other useful features to
fully exploit the power of video modeling across a wide range of students
and skills.
I set out to fix this situation and created the first designed player
for video modeling the Activity Trainer. There is a short 2 minute video
that introduces the Activity Trainer at www.dttrainer.com/atpromovideo. This
tool is feature rich being driven by both research and feedback from experts
in video modeling. The Activity Trainer allows users to create their own
activities, and we are developing a Skills Library that includes skills in
the categories of academic, daily living, communicating non-verbal
initiation, recreation, social and speech. We are reaching out to video
modeling creators for third party libraries which customers could add to the
Activity Trainer. We will also reach out to Universities and others for a
community library.
Our goal has been to offer a robust, easy to use tool that makes
video modeling practical for school and home and that is affordable for
schools and parents. We had to go way out on the limb financially to create
this tool, but I felt that it is important for our kids to get access to the
power of video modeling. I hope the community will download our free trial
and either provide feedback or purchase to benefit your child or students
and to help support this work. The work has been endorsed by Dr. Peter
Gerhardt of the Organization for Autism Research. (See our web site) We have
thus far released about 167 activities in the developmental range of 2 to 9
years old. We are currently working on over 60 more and will continue to
expand our skills library.
There is a short 2 minute video that introduces the Activity Trainer
at www.dttrainer.com/atpromovideo. Visit our web site (www.dttrainer.com)
for more information on the Activity Trainer and to download a free 30 day
trial.
Kris
Bergstrom
Paula
Kluth
As the
rate of autism diagnosis increases, many more public and private schools
will include students with autism. Learners with autism may have some
additional challenges in the school environment, but with the support of the
school community – the teachers, administrators, aides, office staff, bus
drivers, nurses, custodians, peers and parents -- students with autism can
make great strides and become valued members of a student body. Just as
students can learn from
each
member of the school community, the school staff and peers can learn that
students with autism have a lot to offer in return. The purpose of this kit
is to provide information about autism – the features, challenges and
strengths -- as well as some of the tools and strategies that may result in
more positive interactions for all members of a school community.
This tool kit is not intended to be a curriculum for special
education for students on the autism spectrum, but rather a support for the
general education and administrative school staff who interact with students
with autism in various capacities. However, it is envisioned that this tool
kit will provide valuable information and resources that can be employed by
special education and administrative staff in their efforts to plan for and
support students in general education environments and involvement in the
school community as a whole.
Meet Lisa Barrett Mann, Author of
More Than Little Professors
Dear Readers,
I'm excited to announce the release of
More Than Little Professors: Children with Asperger Syndrome, In Their Own
Words. This book represents the work of 70 children and teens
with Asperger syndrome. Through their quotes, stories, poems, and artwork,
they give the rest of us a glimpse into how they experience the world and the
people around them.
Researchers often say that children with Asperger's have poor "theory of
mind," meaning they have a poor ability to discern what other (neurotypical)
people are thinking and feeling. For a moment, let's turn that theory on its
head. How good are you at guessing what's going through the mind of a child
with Asperger's-especially when he's having a meltdown, interacting in an odd
manner, or performing a behavior repetitively? (Read
more from Lisa … )
Other related
AAPC titles …
Sibling Stories: Reflections on Life with a Brother or Sister on the Autism
Spectrum
by Lynne Stern Feiges and Mary Jane Weiss; Foreword
by Sandra L. Harris Right Address ... Wrong Planet: Children With Asperger
Syndrome Becoming Adults
by Gena P. Barnhill Embarrassed Often ... Ashamed Never
by Lisa Elliott
_____________________________________
Autism Asperger Publishing Company
877-277-8254 (toll-free) •
www.asperger.net
Meet Maureen
Flanagan, Author of Improving Speech and Eating Skills in Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorders
ABC News Seeks
Submissions for iCaught: OnCall+ Autism
Thursday, July 3, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik
Share your stories via video
ABC News is presenting an opportunity for you to share your personal
experiences as part of a special hour on Good Morning America Now: "OnCall+
Autism." You can also send a question about autism that may be answered by a
top medical expert in the field.
ABC News is looking for video submissions on the following topics:
1) Your thoughts on living with autism or with loved ones with autism
2) Any questions you might have on autism to be answered by our medical
experts
Most digital cameras now have a video function that allows the user to record
30-second to 1-minute videos. Once recorded, you can upload the video to your
computer the same way you'd view digital snapshots. ABC News is specifically
requesting 15- to 45-second videos.
How to submit:
1) Via cell phone:
Record a 15- to 45-second clip and email it to: icaught@abcnews.go.com
2) Via the web
Click on the red "RESPOND NOW" button
Videos submitted by the end of July may appear on ABC News NOW!
STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES HAVE A VIGOROUS ADVOCATE
AS DEPAUL LAUNCHES LEGAL CLINIC TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS
Students with developmental disabilities will have a powerful
advocate to champion their cause as the DePaul University College of Law
opens its new Special Education Advocacy Clinic. The clinic will join the
College of Law’s seven existing clinical programs, which are all designed to
serve the community while providing law students with the opportunity to
learn the law while representing actual clients.
"The Special Education Advocacy Clinic will address the needs of children
with developmental disabilities who may have otherwise never had a voice,"
said Glen Weissenberger, dean of the College of Law. "The most attractive
component of this clinic and the law school’s other clinical programs is
that they serve as a rich resource for practical education for students
while simultaneously benefiting the community at large."
A developmental disability is any condition that impedes a child’s
development. Most often such conditions are evident before a person reaches
the age of 22. Examples of such developmental disabilities include mental
retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or specific learning
disabilities.
The Special Education Advocacy Clinic will work to protect the educational
rights of children with these types of developmental disabilities. It is
funded in part by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities through
a $123,000 Cultural Diversity at the Policy Table grant. The council is
dedicated to leading change so that all people with developmental
disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. The
council’s efforts are focused in such areas as education, employment,
transportation, community living and health care.
In addition to promoting policies favorable to the educational needs of
children with developmental disabilities, the Special Education Advocacy
Clinic also will provide legal representation to financially distressed
parents of these children. Among the clinic’s central goals is increasing
educational opportunities for law students in the area of special education
law while facilitating the adoption of better practices to help shatter
barriers often faced by culturally diverse children with developmental
disabilities who live in underserved communities.
The clinic’s clients will be represented by law students, under the
supervision of a clinical law instructor. Among their responsibilities will
be encouraging collaborations between school districts and parents as well
as advocating at individual education plan meetings, mediation sessions and
special education proceedings.
"There is a clear link between disabilities, poverty and minority status,"
said Nelly Aguilar the clinic’s director. "Legal representation through the
clinic will substantially impact the ability of our state’s most vulnerable
children to obtain a free and appropriate public education, as federal law
mandates."
Aguilar, who conducts special education law trainings for families,
professionals and students, has personal motivation for leading the clinic.
The mother of a young son with a developmental disability, Aguilar was
forced to sue a school district when her son was unlawfully displaced from a
public school preschool program.
The Special Education Advocacy Clinic joins the College of Law’s
asylum/immigration, civil rights, criminal appeals, death penalty, family
law and technology/intellectual property clinics as well as its new
misdemeanor defense clinic. All follow a long DePaul tradition of education
through service and community-based service learning.
Established in 1912, DePaul’s College of Law is ranked among the top 100 law
schools in the country by U.S.News & World Report. It enrolled 1,024
students for the 2007-2008 academic year, and boasts nearly 12,000 living
alumni. Graduates of the College of Law include state and federal judges,
municipal, county and state leaders and two generations of Chicago mayors.
"Days of our Lives" Storyline Addresses Autism
Actors, Writer, Discuss Storyline on
"Today" On Tuesday, June 24, NBC's daytime drama "Days of our Lives" began a
storyline in which a couple, Dr. Lexie Carver (Renee Jones) and Commissioner
Abe Carver (James Reynolds), are told their 3-year-old son, Theo, has
autism. The storyline is based on the experiences of the series' head
writer, Dena Higley, who, with her husband has raised a child with autism of
their own. In order to share the storyline responsibly, “Days of our Lives”
has joined with Autism Speaks. Check local listings for time and channel in
your area. On Tuesday, June 24, actors Renee Jones and James Reynolds
and head writer Dena Higley appeared on "Today" on NBC to discuss the
plotline.
Artwork
Author looking for art submissions from
ASD artists Jill Mullin is compiling a collection of artwork created by
those with diagnosed with autism. "Working with these popultions, I have
become interested in the illustration they create," said Mullin. "I have
found illustrations by autistic people possess a unique perspective
that is acute, both in how they see the world and how laypeople can be
helped to understand how autistic people see the world."
Mullin says, "The ultimate goal of this project is to compile a book's worth
of this work, but I also hope to have in place the ability to showcase all
submissions on a website."
Submissions can be mailed to:
Attn: Buzz Poole
Mark Batty Publisher, LLC
36 West 37th Street, Suite 409, New York, NY 10018
Or they can be e-mailed as high resolution jpgs (as large a file size as
possible) to drawingautism@gmail.com
Artwork is not limited to illustrations; any form of art is acceptable.
Artists will be credited using as much information as they or their
parents/guardian determine acceptable: name,
age, location, notes on the work.
Information on Jill Mullin, MA, MSED, BCBA: I am a behavior analyst with 8
years of professional experience working with children and adults who have
been diagnosed with autism. Over the course of my career, I have worked with
multiple agencies supporting and training families and developing behavior
plans and curriculum for individuals in need. Currently, I work in New York
City as a clinical supervisor at Manhattan Center, training social workers
and teachers to work with families and children who have been recently
diagnosed. I have also worked as a part-time consultant with adults with
autism at the Center for Family Support (CFS).
ShowPlace 16
ShowPlace 16
is offering a free movie program for six
weeks (June 18 to July 31) for kids of all ages. On Wednesday and Thursday
mornings at 10 AM they offer free admission to a particular movie. Doors
open at 9 and seating is first come first serve with “lots of seats for each
show” available. There are no advanced ticket sales for these shows. The
shows offered for this program are:
June 18-19 Surf’s UP
June 25-26 Shrek the
Third
July 2-3 Bee Movie
July 9-10 Night at the
Museum
July 16-July17 The Water
Horse: Legend of the Deep
July 23-July 24
Alvin and the Chipmunks
July30-31 Horton Hears a
Who
They’re obviously older
movies, but this may be a good way to introduce going to a theater to
children/teens with disabilities. On the flip side, if there are long lines
or a long wait, it may be a problem for some. With the high cost of
tickets, though, some might find it to be a good way to practice and not
feel bad if you end up having to leave early.
ZAC Browser
ZAC is the first
web browser developed specifically for children with autism, and autism
spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental
disorders (PDD), and PDD-NOS. We have made this browser for the children -
for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it,
play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC.
Liquid Nutrition
February 9, 2005
When our son Evan was 2 ½ years old, he was diagnosed with autism. Knowing
nothing about autism, our search for knowledge began. We explored in-home
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy. We worked extensively with speech
therapy and we tried alternative therapies. All these therapies helped us
learn how to deal with Evans' behaviors, but nothing we tried addressed the
underlying cause of why he reacted as he did. We never knew what triggered
his out burst of anger and aggression. Screaming, throwing anything within
reach, and slapping were all common occurrences whenever he didn't get his
way.
It's been almost 2 years since we introduced Evan to Body Balance, a liquid
whole food supplement. The benefits for Evan as well as our family have been
dramatic. Our family has a life where we no longer live in fear of the phone
ringing saying there's been a problem with Evan at school. For Evan, what
are most dramatic was his digestive problems improved almost overnight.
Diarrhea, foul smelling stools, and excessive gas has almost been
eliminated. His hyper-sensitivity to textures and his compulsive obsession
for smelling everything and everyone no longer exists.
Although Body Balance is not a cure for autism, his quality of life has
improved dramatically. Evan still has autism but without the aggressive
behavior. He went from being in a classroom with a one-on-one aid and
frequent time outs, to being integrated into the educational classroom
within 8 weeks of taking Body Balance. He has not had a behavior at school
or home since Feb. of 2003. Last year Evan received a certificate for the
most improved child in the entire 4th and 5th grade. Needless to say, I
cried through the entire ceremony. If there is anyone out there with a child
experiencing similar patterns of behavior, I would love to talk with them
and share my experiences with them.
“Midnight In Chicago,” a tourism and cultural initiative that
raises funds and awareness for autism, has produced a series of free
informative podcasts, available at
http://mic.mypodcast.com/, designed to provide factually correct
information to the public on ASD. Topics to date have included AS and ASD
Web Resources and Forum Communities, Autism and Bullying, and Autism and the
Media.
Online Course Can Build
Advocacy Skills
Thursday, April 24, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik
Free tutorial helps "make your case"
“Making Your Case” is a self-study course designed to help people with
developmental disabilities and their families create positive change through
advocacy.
Since 1987, graduates of Partners in Policymaking® have used their newly
acquired advocacy skills to bring about major policy changes at all levels
of government in the United States and the United Kingdom.
The free course was designed to give potential advocates the critical skills
they need to make a difference through advocacy by telling a story in
writing and in person; identifying the policymakers who can help bring about
targeted changes; writing effective letters and e-mails; conducting
productive meetings with policymakers; giving effective testimony and
answers to questions; and organizing with others to tackle community issues.
For more information or to take the course, visit http://www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/makingyourcase/.
Normal Folk
"Normal Folk” is a
coming of age story about a 65-year old woman, who’s about to get married
for the first time. But her life-long dream comes to a halt when an
estranged and mentally challenged relative is suddenly left in her care.
What unfolds is a shattered woman, forced to confront her past in order to
salvage her future.
Director/Screenwriter Graham Streeter prepares up for his next feature film
NORMAL FOLK, a drama that deals with second chances in life. Pivoting around
a 70-year old woman Eddie and her estranged autistic relative, Dora, the
journey celebrates love and acceptance when challenged by life’s unexpected
gifts.
In addition,
see the documentary featured on YouTube:
THE OTHER SIDE
All her life, she has struggled with autism spectrum disorder. For years it
ruled her, unable to speak at times, challenged with sensory overloads and
volatile meltdowns. But, now she is being asked to act in the feature film
NORMAL FOLK. Once again she will set herself apart from her "typical" peers
to play the role of an autistic character named DORA. Be sure to catch the
latest episode as we follow the behind the scenes progression of this
feature film project NORMAL FOLK - A Graham Streeter Film.
Financial Assistance for Conferences: The ARC of Illinois
has consumer stipends for parents of individuals with disabilities and
people with disabilities to attend conferences. Contact them at 708-206-1930
or online atwww.thearcofil.org
April is: Autism Awareness Month
Occupational Therapy Month
Donate Life Month
Earth Day
Grant Information
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is a non-profit charity funded by
contributions from UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare and its employees.
It was established to help families whose children
Have medical needs and are not insured fully To provide coverage for all of
their medical treatments. This program helps families who
have gaps in their private/group health benefits. Please note that Medicaid,
Medicare, SCHIP or other state or federally subsidized health insurance
programs are excluded from this program. For eligible
families, grants of up to $5000 may be awarded. Services must aim to improve
the child’s quality of life and can include dental treatment, hearing aids,
eyeglasses, physical therapy and speech therapy. Applicants must reside in
the U.S., and the child must be 16 or under. For more information, go to
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
website at www.uhccf.org or call 800-328-5979, x24459.
Sample Holiday Letter for Relatives
HOLIDAY LETTER TO RELATIVES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD
AND AUTISM
This was written for the purpose of it being sent to relatives,
friends, and hosts of holiday gatherings that might need a crash course in
what to expect from their guest with autism. This letter is written as if
the autistic individual person is writing it personally.
Entry Point! Offers Science Internships to
Students with Disabilities
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
By: Carin Yavorcik
Work for NASA, Google or IBM
Graduate and undergraduate students with disabilities can land a 10-week
paid summer internship through Entry Point!, a program of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science. The program is open to all
students studying science, math, engineering, business or computer science
who have a B average or higher and are U.S. citizens. Major companies
throughout the U.S. participate, including NASA, IBM, Lockeed Martin and
Google. Visit
http://www.entrypoint.org/ to learn more.
Online Game for Children with Autism
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
By: Carin Yavorcik
PECS PLACE designed for fun and learning
MoPro Software, a company specifically created to design games for
children with autism, launched the new online game PECS PLACE last week. The
program is based around the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), an
alternative therapy designed to help initiate communication - children
explore a virtual town, collecting PECS identification cards.
A portion of the profits from PECS PLACE will go to ASA and other autism
charities. To learn more, visit
http://www.pecsplace.com/.
Holiday Tips for Families Living with Autism
The holiday
period can be a stressful time for those on the autism spectrum because it
is a breach in their daily routine. However, if we anticipate the holidays
and what they entail before they arrive, the person with autism can be made
more comfortable and at ease—ensuring joy for all throughout the holidays!
At ASA, all tips are transferable—pass them along! These tips can be
easily adapted by a parent, a friend, a sibling or any family member. Try
them out with your loved one on the spectrum. A few tips can really pay off
big.
“Everyone in the car!” Starting Off on Successful Outings
To help day trips run more smoothly, travel in two cars so that one
person can return home with your loved one on the autism spectrum if
he/she gets distressed.
Eat before leaving home or bring food with you.
Bring a quiet toy, like a calculator, to a restaurant, during
religious services or other social activity.
“We are going to Grandma’s!” Tips for Social Gatherings
When going to large social gatherings, arrive early to let the person
on the autism spectrum get accustomed to the growing number of people.
If he/she becomes distressed during a social gathering, pick a quiet
place to go or take him out for a walk.
When visiting someone’s home, ask to remove breakables from reach;
think carefully about visiting those who refuse to accommodate your
request.
Bring a preferred item, favorite toys or stuffed animals to a family
gathering or other social event.
Before going to a family event, look at individual pictures of family
members and teach him/her their names.
Before going to a social event, use “social stories” and practice
simple courtesy phrases and responses to questions, either verbal, with
pictures, or gestures. (“How are you?” “I am fine.” “How is school?”
“Good.”)
Let trusted others spend time with your child if they volunteer.
Ask for help if you need it. Families and friends are often eager to
participate.
“Do we have to go to the mall???” Shopping Without Stress
To help your loved one with autism get used to malls, go early before
the stores open. Walk around, get familiar with the building, buy a snack
when the stores open, and leave. Extend the amount of time at the mall
each time you go.
When shopping, be positive and give small rewards, such as a piece of
candy, for staying with you.
To teach your child not to touch things when shopping, visit a
clothing store or another store with unbreakable objects; this gives
him/her an opportunity to model behavior and minimize risk.
When shopping, bring a helper to have an extra set of eyes and hands
until you are confident of a safe experience.
Provide headphones or earplugs to the person with autism spectrum to
moderate the noise and activity around them.
Going to Worship Services
Talk with the worship leader about what he/she might expect and how
the congregation might support the family.
Arrange for a friend or neighbor to come with you to stay with
siblings should the person with autism spectrum need to leave during the
worship service.
Bring a quiet object of concentration, such as a rubber band,
pictures, books, or an object of visual focus, can be very helpful,
particularly if it has religious significance to enhance the worship
experience.
Have the child or adult on the spectrum help out. Depending on their
ability, they can:
Greet people with a smile, and hand out service bulletins.
Gather up the bulletins and papers left in the pews after the
service, restoring order to the sanctuary.
Assist in holiday volunteer activities of the congregation, such as
the delivery of cards, toys or food.
For detailed tips for worship services, read our
Living with Autism series.
Above all...
Be Consistent. Remember to apply the techniques used to
involve the person with autism in daily activities to these special
activities.
Discuss your expectations. Unwelcome surprises are never
fun for anyone.
Be prepared and stand firm. Accept well-meaning but
unwanted advice with the phrase, “I’ll have to think about that,” and smile.
Be safe and have fun!
Enjoy the holiday season!
From Your friends at the Autism Society of America
I am looking for
others who believe that these toys can help our children communicate and
learn. If you would like to know more, please contact me. I would love to
share more about my business, and how you could be part of it.
On July 18, 2007,
Governor Blagojevich signed House Bill 817
into law. This new law establishes uniformity in the School Code with
respect to the definition “children with disabilities” making
students statewide eligible to receive special education services up until
the day of their twenty second birthday. This reflects the
State Board’s interpretation of IDEA’s three to twenty one mandate as
apparent in its proposed changes to rules and regulation governing special
education. It would allow some students to have up to an additional year
of eligibility to
meet certain transition goals and would facilitate their successful
transition into adult life.
Real
Wages & Real Jobs with Real Employers in the Community
We want, need and value your input, opinions and advice on what you want for
work opportunities in the communities where you live. If you are a Person
with a Developmental Disability, Family Member/Representative and/or an
Advocate for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, we want your voice to
be heard!
A Public Forum Series on Supported Employment Issues and Options for Persons
with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois.
Wednesday September 26, 2007
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Milestone Elmwood Heights
2662 Elmwood Road
Rockford, IL 61103
Pre-Registration is not required but is requested
*Please note that there are a limited number of stipends available for
persons with disabilities who pre-register for the event
This event is proudly supported through an investment from the Illinois
Council on Developmental Disabilities
And is presented by
Public Policy Impacts of Washington, DC
&
The Association for Community Therapeutic Supports
Scholarship
The Organization for
Autism Research (OAR) announces the Schwallie Family Scholarship, to support
qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome pursuing
post-secondary education. Beginning with the spring semester 2008, OAR will
present one award of $3,000 in each of three categories: 1) Four-year
undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and;
3) Trade, technical or vocational school. Applications are due by Friday,
September 28, 2007.
Easter Seals has been approved for a grant to build a new play ground at our
North Main facility.
The
playground will be used by clients of Easter Seals, support groups as well
as other children in the community. This play ground will be worth
$40,000.00.
A
stipulation of the grant is to have as many parent volunteers as possible to
help design, plan and build the playground. Easter Seals will be looking to
current and past families who have received services from the agency to help
with this project.
There
will be many opportunities to volunteer. We will need 10 parents to help
design the playground, along with 15 children. We will need 10 parents to
serve on a planning committees that will plan and coordinate Build Day, the
day the playground is built. We will need 10 strong men to unload materials
two days prior to build day and 50 - 100 volunteers on build day.
Build
day has been scheduled for September 27th and Design Day August 2.
If
you are interested in volunteering please
let me know and you will be contacted within a week to get you involved.
Easter Seals CDC thanks you for your support.
NOTE:
The granting agency is KaBoom!, a non profit agency that develops, manages,
and coordinates community-built playgrounds four community and funding
partners.
Family Support Specialist
Easter Seals, CDC
650 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 61103
815-965-6745
We exist for the children and families whose special needs demand our
creative and caring solutions.
Easter Seals Children’s Development
Center, Family Support Services has a wonderful library called the Corner
Room. The library is full of books, videos and DVDs. The information is
available on specific disabilities, community resource, sibling information,
parenting support, behavior and much more. Family Support has many new
materials to in the library. For more information on what’s available,
call 815-965-6745 x 173.
We Care Wednesday at Coco Key Water Park
Clock Tower Coco Key Water Park is
offering, We Care Wednesday for families that have children with special
needs. The cost of admission to the park is $8.00 from 10:00 to 2:00 P.M.
For more information call Coco Key Water Park at 815-398-6000.
Announcing GLIMPSE
GLIMPSE is a new publication of ICDL that will showcase the
unique perspective contained in the writings and artwork of individuals with
a history of autism and other developmental and learning disorders. We are
seeking poetry, essays, reflections, short stories, photography, and
two-dimensional artwork on any subject, so that we may gain a GLIMPSE into
the rich inner life of these individuals. We are seeking work from
individuals of all ages.
GLIMPSE will be published online at www.icdl.com and will be available in
hardcopy for purchase. The first issue will be available by the November
ICDL conference, with yearly issues thereafter.
Please help us spread the word and seek submissions!
Submission guidelines, editorial policy, and information about the editors
can be found on the ICDL website under Publications, or by following this
link: www.icdl.com/staging/bookstore/glimpse/index.shtml
We look forward to hearing from you!
Lori Jeanne Peloquin and Austin Retzlaff (editors) GLIMPSE@icdl.com.
LifeBridge Free Insurance Program Easter Seals Children’s Development Center is working
with MassMutual to bring FREE life insurance to working families in our
community. If you answer yes to the following questions, you are eligible
for a FREE ten year term life insurance policy. If the insured person dies
within the ten year period, $50,000 is put into a trust and used to cover
educational expenses for the children. (Educational expenses can include
specialized services for people with disabilities, also.)
1. Are you between the ages of nineteen and forty-two?
2. Are you the parent or legal guardian of at least one dependant child
under
the age of eighteen years?
3. Are you currently employed (full or part time)?
4. Do you have a total family income that is at least $10,000 but not more
than $40,000?
5. Are you a permanent, legal resident of the U.S.?
6. Are you the only member of your household who has applied?
If you answered yes, to all of the questions and want to apply for the
insurance, call Toni at 815-965-6745, x278 to register. The enrollment
meeting will be held on June 12, 3:00-6:00 P.M., 4848 Turner St., Rockford
and 4:00-6:30 P.M at 650 N. Main St., Rockford.
Durable Medical and Adaptive Equipment
UCP Chicago is giving free of charge durable medical and adaptive equipment to children and adults with temporary or permanent disabilities in metropolitan Chicago and throughout Illinois. For more information, contact Infinitec Durable Medical Equipment at
www.infinitecdme.org or Matina Travis at 708-444-8460.
Milestone Dental Clinic
Milestone Dental Clinic now has two full time dentists, trained to treat patients with special
needs. They now have evening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Milestone has dramatically reduced the wait time for appointments. Dr. Grinter is also staffing the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and is willing to see special needs patients on the van. For more
information, call 484-8678.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Act
As of January 1, 2007 a new state law went into effect called the “Carbon Monoxide Detector Act”. This new law
requires single family and multiple family residences to have at least one approved and operating carbon monoxide alarm within fifteen feet of all bedrooms.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is fatal to humans if it builds up in the home. The new law states it is the responsibility of the owner of the structure to supply and install all required alarms, along with written instructions for alarm testing and maintenance.
Carbon monoxide alarms are available at hardware and home improvement stores and start around $20.00.
Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a sports program
for people ages eight years and older
with mental retardation. It offers
opportunities to participate in various
athletic events throughout the year.
The purpose of the program is to offer
opportunities to develop athletic skills
and physical fitness, challenge individuals
physically, provide the opportunity to
experience being part of a team, and
provide opportunities to practice social
skills. The athletes compete in divisions
based on age, gender, and physical abilities.
There are divisions for individuals who also
have physical disabilities.
There are several teams for children in
our area. All participate in the spring
track and field events. Each team decides
about participating in other sports (bocce,
bowling, softball, soccer, volleyball,
basketball, snow shoeing, cross country
skiing) based on the interest of members
and coaching staff available. Many teams
also have occasional social events.
Rockford Public Schools, Belvidere Schools, Harlem
High School, Hononegah High School have
teams. There is an Ogle County team and an
independent team for individuals in
Winnebago/Boone Counties.
Most teams start practicing for spring
sports in March, so February is a good time
to inquire about joining a team. To obtain
information about the team in your area,
contact the Area Special Olympics
Director, Debbie Kelly: 965-3795 or dkelly@soill.org.
Computer Classes
Goodwill offers FREE computer
classes and job placement for
individuals with disabilities.
Their classes are small and
personalized and will teach different
programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel
and more. A high school diploma or GED is
required. For more information about this
program, contact Wayne or Courtney at
965-3795.
PCCM
When Governor Blagojevich
announced his All Kids program
last fall, it was also announced
that most Medicaid participants
would be enrolled in the new Primary Care
Case Management (PCCM) system. The name
of this new PCCM system is Illinois Health
Connect. For information on enrollment
and eligibility, please visit the Illinois
Health Connect website at:
www.illinoishealthconnect.com or contact Automated Health Systems at:
1-877-912-1999.
Midnight in Chicago
Midnight In Chicago is designed to raise funds for autism organizations, specifically the Asperger's Society of Ontario and the Metropolitan Chicago Autism Society of America.
The project entails selling CDs and artwork with 20% of the sales from the CDs and 20% of the sales from the artwork (Blank Art Cards and Limited Edition Prints) being donated to these two organizations.
If you're looking for more details on the project, go to www.midnightinchicago.com . We're gearing up for the start up of the second year of this endeavor, with hopes for growing and ongoing success.
Although 20% of the sales from the downloads do not go to autism, they DO go to funding the project so we CAN give 20% of the sales from the CDs and Artwork to the autism organizations.
Autism is a developmental disability that affects, often severely, a person's ability to communicate and socially interact with others. It is four times more prevalent in males than females.
Research indicates that as many as 60 individuals per 10,000 have some form of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Based on current population statistics, this prevalence rate translates to over74,000 individuals in Ontario and over 76,000 individuals in Illinois living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In the United States, leukemia affects 1 in 25,000 children.
Muscular Dystrophy affects 1 in 20,000 children.
Cystic Fibrosis affects 1 in 5,000 children.
Juvenile Diabetes affects 1 in 500 children.
Autism affects 1 in 150 children.
Asperger's Syndrome -- a form of autism -- affects 1 in 285 children.
Research dollars are not invested proportionally to these numbers. In fact, autism research is one of the most under-funded areas of research in Canada and in the United States.
We need all the support we can get to raise funds for autism and we appreciate your help with this incredible undertaking.
It's IEP Season!
Spring is approaching...and that means IEP meetings. Now is the time to educate yourself and prepare your child's best IEP ever! Below in the Helpful Brochures Section is a document regarding my most popular consulting service, the Personalized IEP Training Session. It is a wonderful way to learn about special education law and become the most effective advocate you can be. Call for additional information about this in-home seminar.
Sincerely,
Maureen A. Lowry-Fritz, J.D., M.A.
Lowry-Fritz Special Education Consulting Services
630-222-9735 www.specialedmoms.com
Grants
The United Healthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is offering support to meet the needs of children across the United States with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance. Parents and caretakers will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000 for healthcare services that will help improve their children’s health and quality of life. Examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech and physical therapy, psychotherapy sessions, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses, orthodontia and dental treatment.
Any child sixteen years or younger living in the United States will be considered eligible for a grant. Families must meet economic guidelines and be covered by a commercial health insurance plan. For more information, check the web site at:
www.uhccf.org
