Letter from the editor:
Summer is finally here and already I'm complaining about the heat. I want to thank the few of you who have sent in the survey that I put in the June issue. It is of great help for me…please continue to send them in. Depending on how many I get, the results will be in an upcoming issue. There will be many great changes and I am very excited about them, one of them having this out on time. Right now it's looking like the August issue will be on time. No birthday parties to attend or throw (my Bria just turned 5, she's not supposed to be that old yet…Mom's not ready). If anyone has any GF/CF info for future issues, I'd appreciate it.
Thank you to everyone who has helped contribute information to me. It has been a tremendous help. Please send all comments, criticisms, renewals, etc. to:
Autism
News
PO
Box 1255
Crystal
Lake, IL 60039-1255
Email
address is [email protected]
Also
remember to make your checks out to Autism News for $17.50…
Don't
hesitate to send me stuff, I love to read it all and do appreciate everything
that is sent to me.
Happy
Reading,
Amy
All contents are copyright 2002 by the Newsletter mom. Total freedom is granted to recopy and share information as long as Autism News gets credit.
The Far West Suburban ASA will not be meeting in July or August.
Arlington
Heights Frontier Days
Recreation
Park, 500 E. Miner St.
July
3-7 2002
Disability
Day is Saturday, July 6th from 10:00-noon. Registration starts at
9:30
a.m. Hot Dog lunch afterward at 11:30
http://www.frontierdays.org/
call
847.577.8572
South
Elgin Riverfest
Panton
Mill Park
August
15-18 2002
Disability
Day is August 14th 6-9 p.m.
http://www.southelgin.com/riverfest/special_night.html
or call 847.341.3142
Schaumburg Septemberfest
Community Park
August 30-September 2 2002
Disability Day is August 31st. 2002 10am-noon
http://www.schaumburgtownship.org/calendar.htm#disabled"
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July
8-12; July 15-19 Dyer Indiana
Auditory
Training & Education Center
Sharon
K. Hurst, M.S.
17220
Ashdale Court
Granger,
Indiana 46530
(574)
272-2795 or (888) 248-0990
e-mail:
[email protected]
****Call
now to schedule times******
These
are the dates for the Northeast Illinois Chapter of the Autism Society
of America
meetings from June thru August.
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NOTE-StarNet
workshops give priority to parents within their region. If there is a workshop
you wish to attend but it is not in your region-let your local StarNet
folks know you'd like them to replicate it in YOUR region. StarNet folks
are waiting to hear from YOU. Don't make them guess what you want or need
to learn about.
Six-week special art therapy socialization group for children with Asperger's Syndrome and PDD.
Starting Thursday July 11th 7-8:30 p.m. for children up to 8th grade.
This is with Wendy Lauter A.T.R. LCPC and Alison Bailey MA at 120 N. Oak Park Avenue Suite 206 Oak Park.
Call
Wendy at 708-848-4333 for more information. The cost is $270, which is
$45 a session, and art materials fee is included.
Wednesday, July 10-11, 2002
Project
CHOICES Summer Institute
Crowne
Plaza Hotel
Springfield,
Illinois
**For more information contact PROJECT CHOICES 630-778-4508
FOR A SCHEDULE GO TO www.projectchoices.org/Program2002.pdf
It' s F r e e
ASPERGER
SYNDROME SUPPORT AND AWARENESS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS
WELCOMES
DR.
KAREN KIRKENDALL,
ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR IN THE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, IN
SPRINGFIELD, A COUNSELOR FOR ASPERGER SYNDROME CHILDREN AND A BOARD MEMBER
FOR OUR SUPPORT GROUP WILL BE AT OUR MEETING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THURSDAY-JULY 11TH
AT THE
KOKE MILL FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT 7 P.M.
WE ARE
HOPING FOR A BIG TURN OUT!
"IEP's …Don't you be the weakest link!"
Office of Civil Rights in Freeport
By Jackie Nieman, Services Manager
Many parents have had great difficulty this school year if their child had a 504 Plan. Due to the confusion and the inconsistency of information presented to parents and students, OCR has offered to come to Freeport to meet with any parent, student, advocate, or educator who would like to know more about 504 Plans, who legally is eligible for one, what are the steps in obtaining a plan, when do you ask for an evaluation, what do you do when the school attempts to cease the 504 plan, and much more.
On July 16, at 10:30 AM, RAMP will host an in-service given by Leo Stopa of Office of Civil Rights - Department of Education. Parents feel free to bring your information with you to the meeting. As far as a location, this is being worked out, so please call the Freeport RAMP office, 233-1128 v/tty prior to July 16th for a location!
Galena Parent Advocate Note
Please remember that ALL children that are eligible under IDEA are also covered under 504.
Even if your child does not have a 504 plan but IS receiving special education services, and you have any questions for the Office of Civil Rights-NOW is your opportunity.
Contact
Us
[email protected]
www.galenaparentadvocates.com
2002 ASA Conference
· 2002
Conference theme: "Champions and Challenges"
· Where:
Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana
· Why:
To hold a national forum for the presentation of important field studies,
intense educational sessions, structured networking opportunities, information
exchanges, and interaction between individuals interested in the well being
of children and adults with autism.
For
registration information, please email us at:
[email protected].
July 25-Springfield 10am-3pm
The next
Statewide Advisory Council on Developmental Disabilities meeting at the
Illinois Community Action Association, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield.
Agenda;
CALL
TO ORDER, Roll Call, APPROVAL OF MINUTES, INTRODUCTORY REMARKS,
New
Chair and Vice-Chair, Passing of the Gavel, New Council Members, Budget
Discussion, PUBLIC COMMENT, COMMITTEE REPORTS, UNFINISHED BUSINESS,
Presentation
on OIG Rule 50, Breakout Groups - Discussion of Quality Committee's proposal
on day programs. Working lunch.
NEW
BUSINESS, ANNOUNCEMENTS,
PUBLIC
COMMENT, ADJOURNMENT
Monday,
July 28 - 2nd Annual Golf Outing at Arrowhead Golf Course, Chillicothe
- details to follow. Questions or commentss call Renee Killion at 309-692-1433
I would
like to invite the Asperger's Support Group to attend the August
4, 2002 Celiac and R.O.C.K. Support Groups' Meeting at St. John's Hospital,
CJV Building, 4th Floor, Conference Room C/D, 1:30pm-4: 00pm - guest speakers
will be: Dr. John Hicks and Betsy Prohoska, from Grayslake, IL.
Dr.
Hicks is a Pediatrician who has worked extensively with developmentally
delayed individuals for the past 12 yrs. His primary focus is functional
medicine. Betsy Prohaska is a diet counselor who works with Dr. Hicks.
She has released two videos on the subject of dietary interventions (gluten
free/casein free diets). Betsy has an autistic son and 2 daughters with
ADD.
There
will be a small intermission between Dr. Hicks' and Betsy's presentations.
There is no charge for attending the meeting - however we
do ask people to bring a gluten free and/or gluten free/casein free dish
(plus a copy of the recipe), or bring a gf/cf product (such as pretzels,
cookies, chips, etc), or donate $3.00 at the door if they prefer not to
bring anything.
If you
have questions, contact Joyce via email [email protected].
August 6, 2002
6:45 - 8:30
Springfield Lincoln Library
Capitol and 7th Street
Springfield, Illinois
Guest Speaker: Chris Wasik, Family T.I.E.S.
Sponsored by Family T.I.E.S. Network and Asperger's Syndrome Support and Awareness of Central Illinois
To register please contact:
Linda Davis, Family T.I.E.S., 1-800-865-7842 or email davis@familytiesnetwork.net
Diana Noble, 217-585-7276
Dates:
August 6 & 7, 2002
Time:
8:00 - 4:00 pm
Location:
Neumiller Lecture Hall in Bradley Hall,
Bradley
University, Peoria, Il
Understanding
& Enhancing Communication & Language for
Young
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Featuring:
Dr. Amy Wetherby
Professor
in the Communications Dept. Florida State University, Executive
Director
of the Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
Topics
Include:
Lincoln Way Special Education Office is again replicating the training offered through the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project. This 10 Day Training is open to Educational Teams and MUST include a parent to receive the FREE training.
The dates are as follows: August 6, 7, 8, 14 and 15 October 2 and 3 November 19 and 20
Parents: Let your school staff know about this and organize a team ASAP.
Call
Amy Gatch at 815-485-6969 or Kathy Gould at 708-354-5730
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August 9, 2002
9:00AM-3: 00PM (Box Lunch Provided)
A full day workshop will include:
| August 14-15, 2002 | Functional Analysis and Positive Programming with Victor Morris |
| September 25, 2002 | Asperger Syndrome with Barbara Doyle |
| October 2, 2002 | Communication with Jenny Potanos and Nan Negri |
| October 23, 2002 | Sensory Processing with Sheila Frick |
| November 21, 2002 | Strategies for Success with Peg Mazeika |
| December 3, 2002 | Teaching Social Skills with Peg Mazeika |
Visit the NIA website at www.thenia.org for final dates and registration information.
These workshops sold out quickly when presented last year. Please register early to
ensure participation. Workshops are suited for parents, teachers, related service providers,
paraprofessionals, etc. If you are the parent of a child with autism, you MUST attend these seminars and if at all possible, encourage your school district to sponsor you AND your child's educational team!!!
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August
15th 2002 at:
"The
General"
Eagle
Ridge Inn and Resort-Galena
1:00PM
Shotgun Start
18 Holes
of Golf, Cart, Box Lunch, Dinner, Raffles, Prizes, Hole in One Event and
more!!!!!!
Watch
the newsletter for more information as we approach summer!!
August
19 Vernon Hills White Deer Run Golf Club
-Charity
golf outing to benefit the BHARE Foundation (promoting autism
awareness,
research, and education).
-Hosted
by: David & Donna Rosuck and Kids Therapy, Ltd.
-11-1
(lunch); 1:00 shotgun start; 6-8 buffet dinner and reception & silent
auction
-4 person
scramble, prizes, lunch and beverages, beat the pro, $10,000 hole-in-one,
unlimited range balls, unlimited beverages (open bar), buffet
dinner,
silent auction
-costs:
golf and reception $175; reception only $50
-Questions
call Sarah Kozak at 847-573-9486 ext.12 or you may email [email protected]
2002
Autism Seminars for staff and families
by Barbara
T. Doyle, M.S. Clinical Consultant, (217-793-9347)
August
20 and 21, 2002
Quad
Cities, Illinois Continuing Education Units (and CPDUs) will
be available.
For
more information contact: C.J. Sizemore (217) 356-8323
The Three SpeedNeed volunteers to help, sponsors, raffle prizes and bikers to collect pledges!
$100
Includes name on shirt, 4 passes to attendThe Five Speed
$250
Name of tee shirt, 10 free passes to attendThe Ten Speed
$500
name on tee shirt
free advertising
20 free passes to attend
Contact:
Rosanne Mugnolo at: [email protected]
or call (708) 771-8522
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6 Day Training Will Include:
The
dates for the training are:
Tuesday September 10, 6:00-9:00PMWe are requesting teams of individuals including parents, teachers, related service providers, and whenever feasible, students themselves to participate in this training. Students need to develop self-advocacy skills to prepare them for the future.
Thursday September 12, 6:00-9:00PM
Saturday September 14, 9:00AM-3: 00PM (Box lunch included)
Tuesday October 1, 6:00-9:00PM
Thursday October 3, 6:00-9:00PM
Saturday October 5, 9:00AM-3: 00PM (Box lunch included)
"Conflict
Resolution"
Saturday,
October 12, 2002
PACE
Center for Independent Living
Urbana,
Illinois
Sponsored
by: Family T.I.E.S. Network and PACE
To register
please contact:
Linda
Davis, Family T.I.E.S. 1-800-865-7842 or email [email protected]
**More
information will be added at a later date.
October
14 - 15, 2002 Kansas City, Missouri
Asperger's
Syndrome with Dr. Tony Attwood
This conference will cover two days. Day One will include the topics: Encouraging Friendship Skills and Managing Emotions. Day Two will include discussion of Asperger's Syndrome in the Adolescent Years and a question and answer forum.
The conference registration fee includes all materials and handouts, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Participants can either register for either day or both days. Early registration fees will be $175 for BOTH days and $125 for ONE day. For Groups of 4 or more, please contact BusyWeb Solutions, Inc. for information on discounted fees.
Registration received after September 1, 2002 will be $215 for BOTH days and $165 for ONE day.
Fees can be paid by check, credit card, money order or purchase order. Please contact BusyWeb Solutions by phone 618-397-2131 or e-mail to receive a registration form. A printable registration form is also available at www.tonyattwood.com
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October 25-27 San Diego
DAN Conference
Email:
[email protected]
SPEAKERS:
Sidney Baker, M.D. * Jayne Barese, R.N. * Mark Blaxill, MBA * Kenneth Bock,
M.D. * Jeff Bradstreet, M.D. * Timothy Buie, M.D., Ph.D. * Jane El-Dahr,
M.D. * Barbara Loe Fisher * Sudhir Gupta, M.D., Ph.D. * Paul Hardy, M.D.
* Walter Herlihy, Ph.D. * Woody McGinnis, M.D. * Jon Pangborn, Ph.D. *
Karl Reichelt, M.D., Ph.D. * Bernard Rimland, Ph.D. * Karyn Seroussi *
Paul Shattock, Ph.D. * Andrew Stoll, M.D. * Andrew Wakefield, M.D. * Rosemary
Waring, Ph.D. * Carol Wester, MSN, CSN *TOPICS: Neuro-toxic effects
of and successful treatments for elevated mercury and other heavy metals
* The role of immunizations in autism and how to decrease the risk * A
fresh look at the epidemiological studies supporting the relationship between
autism and thimerosal * The latest research on secretin * The MMR controversy
* Nutritional strategies for improving health and cognitive function of
the autistic child * The role of omega 3 fatty acids * Understanding the
immune system's role in autism
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. Refrigerator
Mothers will broadcast on national public television July 16 at 10
PM EST. That would be on WTTW in the Chicago area, but you will need to
check local listings for exact time and date (sometimes stations change
their local air dates) in your area.
There
will be a big screen premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center downtown Chicago
on July 13 at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster,
and it is recommended that you do so as there is only one screening and
it is expected to sell out. At least three of the seven mothers in the
film will be at that premiere.
The
film can be purchased for educational use at www.fanlight.com, or you can
call them at 617-469-4999 to get a special deep discount price if you are
a parent of a person with autism. (Editor's note…I tried to get the exact
time and date for Chicago in time for the July newsletter but the website
would only take me to the 9th.)
The Committee
on Government Reform is holding a hearing today entitled "The Status of
Research Evaluating the Possible Vaccine-Autism Connection." The hearing
is scheduled for June 19, 2002, in room 2154 of the
Rayburn
House Office Building at 10:00 a.m. eastern. Background: During the 106th
Congress, the Committee initiated an
investigation
into vaccine safety and the dramatic rise in autism rates.
Just
ten years ago, autism was estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 children.
Today
the National Institutes of Health estimates that 1 in 250 children affected
with autism. We are faced with an epidemic, and determining its underlying
causes is critically important. The purpose of the hearing is to review
research advances regarding the two most prevalent issues that have arisen:
(1) the possible link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism; and (2)
the Wakefield hypothesis regarding autistic
entercolitis
and the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Dr.
Wakefield's controversial hypothesis resulted from clinical research that
found measles virus in the intestines of autistic children, suffering from
inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). These children became
autistic
and began suffering with IBD shortly after receiving the Measles-Mumps-Rubella
(MMR) vaccine. Dr. Wakefield postulated a connection between the MMR vaccine
and the condition he named autistic entercolitis.
For those
of you who do not have a copy of the transcripts from the senate hearing
on autism from June 19th and would like a copy, please email
me or write to the newsletter and I can get you a copy. It was just too
big to paste on the newsletter.
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Two
bills to amend IDEA
were introduced. One, sponsored by Cong. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) (H.R. 5001)
would mandatorily fully fund IDEA. However, school districts would have
to improve outcomes for students with
disabilities
to qualify for the increased funding. Outcome indicators in the bill are:
increased school attendance, increased academic proficiency, lower drop
out rates, increased graduation rates and improved post-secondary education
and employment rates.
Sen.
Rick Santorum (R-Penn.) introduced the Teacher Paperwork Reduction Act
(S.2653). This bill calls for mandatory mediation within the IDEA due process
system, a procedure not supported by The Arc. The bill also calls
for
the U.S. Dept. of Education to reduce paperwork by 50% within 18 months
of enactment and for the General Accounting Office to conduct a study on
how much paperwork is caused by federal, state and local regulations.
I had
a nice conversation with Eric Lovitsch, a young college student going into
special education. He would be interested in providing respite and possibly
doing ABA (he would need to be trained). He has worked with the Hanson
Center in Burr Ridge and with I.G.A. out in Will County. He is available
for the next few months before he goes back to school. His mom is a social
worker. He lives in Hinsdale. His phone # is 630-986-5110. (Editors note…I
know that it is a little late in the summer, but if you are interested,
give the guy a try. He sounds like he's just trying to help our kids.)
Michael Nanko, Ph.D. has joined Cure Autism Now as its Executive Director based in Los Angeles, California. Michael comes to Cure Autism Now with an extensive background in senior management in nonprofit hospital and healthcare and has been an advocate for community health initiatives. He has created several programs and services from inception including mental health, rehabilitative, home based and hospice programs. Some of his past employers include Cedars Sinai Medical Center, American Health Management, Catholic Healthcare West and the University of California.
In his recent past, Dr. Nanko has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations whose missions ranged from benefiting homeless families and children, education, health promotion and disease prevention, senior services as well as founding one of the first assisted living campuses for Alzheimer's.
Michael
was attracted to Cure Autism Now because of its clear mission and commitment
to finding a cure, the vision of the founders, CAN's considerable achievements
and the commitment and dedication of board,
staff,
chapter leaders and other volunteers.
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[From the Autism Society of America.]
The ASA
recently announced an important new Bill in Congress that would fund desperately
needed teacher training in the area of autism. Today, the ASA urges you
to contact your Representative to ask them to co-sign the bill to help
make this legislation a reality.
The
bill, H.R. 4728, is titled "Teacher Education for Autistic Children Act
of 2002." It was introduced on May 14, 2002, by Representatives Chris Smith
(R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) - leaders of the Coalition for Autism Research
and Education, also known as the Autism Caucus. (See "Caucus Introduces
Historic Bill to Fund Teacher Training" for more information.) The legislation
would authorize the Department of Education to invest $20 million each
year for five years in programs, grants, and, scholarships to train
teachers who teach students with autism. It would also provide an additional
$5 million each year for the states to invest in similar teacher preparation
and education programs. And, it will provide for a tax credit of up to
$10,000 each year for educators who undertake and pass certified courses
on autism education.
Specifically,
H.R. 4728 provides for the following:
I. Authorizes funding for teacher training.Action Requested
II. Authorizes funding to help improve the results for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
III. Authorizes an individual tax credit for education and training in ASD.
IV. Strengthens reporting mechanisms for school-based referral services for diagnosis and for teacher training.
V. Establishes a task force on ASD at the Department of Education.
VI. Requires a study and report on the effectiveness of federal vocational training programs for people with ASD.
VII. Authorizes grants to create state autism ombudsman offices.
Florida: Rep Alcee Hastings; Rep Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Rep Dave Weldon
Georgia: Rep Cynthia McKinney
Illinois: Rep Rod Blagojevich
Massachusetts: Rep Stephen Lynch
Michigan: Rep David Bonior
Mississippi: Rep Chip Pickering; Rep Ronnie Shows
New Jersey: Rep Donald Payne
New York: Rep Peter King; Rep Carolyn Maloney; Rep Michael McNulty
Ohio: Rep Steve LaTourette
Tennessee: Rep Zach Wamp
Texas: Rep Silvester Reyes
Virginia: Rep Eric Cantor
Vermont: Rep Bernard Sanders
West Virginia: Rep Nick Rahall
Tips
For Asking Your Representative To Become a Co-Sponsor
1. If
your Member of congress is not listed above you can reach their office
through and U.S. House of Representatives switchboard at
202-225-3121.
Once you are connected to your Members office, when the receptionist answers,
identify yourself and your city and ask if you can speak with the legislative
assistant for education.
2. If
the education legislative assistant is not there, please do leave a voice
mail and ask them to call you back. Many voice mailboxes only hold 60 seconds,
so be brief and do leave your name and number where you can
be reached
during business hours.
3. If
you reach the education legislative assistant please make the following
points:
or I
am sure you could probably call the Autism Society of Illinois.
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Illinois legislators have approved and sent to Gov. George Ryan a budget plan that preserves early childhood education and many other children's programs from devastating cuts that policymakers had considered in dealing with a $2 billion budget crisis. Instead, the General Assembly protected such programs with a combination of new revenue measures, such as a 40-cents-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax and an increase in gaming taxes.
Congratulations on your help in convincing legislators that Illinois must preserve vital services for children and families by raising new revenues as well as preserving existing revenues from erosion. Unfortunately, children and families still face many problems in FY 2003, which starts July 1 - and even more potentially dire problems in the future.
To learn
more about the state budget, visit
www.voices4kids.org/alert060302.html.
The IDEA
Partnerships Paraprofessional Workgroup has released a report entitled
IDEA
Partnerships Paraprofessional Initiative: Report to the U.S. Department
of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
This
publication is a summary of issues relating to paraprofessionals and assistants
in special education. It includes recommendations for training these paraprofessionals
and assistants as required by the 1997 IDEA Amendments, including:
· Clarification
of standards regarding the use of paraprofessionals and assistants in IDEA;
· Monitoring
of paraprofessionals on a federal and state level;
· Federal
funding for training;
· Creating
standards for evaluating job performance; and,
· Establishing
guidelines for mentoring first year teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
To read
the full report, visit www.ideapractices.org/resources/detail.php?id=22068
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HERE
IS SOME SOURCES ON INFORMATION FOR GLUTEN-FREE/CASEIN FREE DIETS AND AUTISM.
IF
YOU GO TO:
www.autism.org/contents.html#issues
'Leaky Gut' and the Gluten- / Casein-Free Diet
You can contact Joyce Hall at 585-0768 (home) or 787-9540 (work) OR Jane Gines at 698-6338 (home) or 789-2500, ext. 5281 (work), they are in charge of the Land of Lincoln Celiac Support Group in Springfield. They have information on the benefits and research of gluten free diets and autism.
Lisa S. Lewis, Ph.D.Please remember that Autism News does recommend that you speak with your doctor before trying any treatment and does not endorse any one particular treatment. We are just here to inform.
Dr. Andrew Wakefield
Dr. Sidney Baker
Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.
Dr. William Shaw
Dr. Jeff Bradstreet, M.D.
Dr. John Hicks, M.D.
Betsy Prohaska, Author,
Vicki Kobliner, MSRD,
Vicki Martin, R.N.registered dietitian
Karyn Seroussi, A Mother's Story of Research and Recovery
IDEA 2002: Congress Wants Your Great IDEAs
On June 6, 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled a new website called Great IDEAs. Congress is asking parents, teachers and others for recommendations about how to strengthen and improve the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Learn how you can submit your ideas at:
http://www.wrightslaw.com/news/2002/reauth.great.ideas.htm
If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you represent your child's interests. You need to stay informed about changes to the law that may affect your child. If you are a teacher or special education service provider, the reauthorized law is likely to affect you and your job.
http://www.wrightslaw.com/news/2002/reauth.great.ideas.htmFor news and progress reports about the reauthorization of IDEA, bookmark the IDEA 2002 Page at http://www.wrightslaw.com/news/idea2002.htm
To learn more about key issues and changes Congress may make in the law, please visit the IDEA 2002 Resources page -
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/idea2002.resources.htm
I do need everyone's help though. I know a mom who is trying to get Boardmaker for her daughter. The problem is that she and her husband are barely keeping up with the bills so they cannot afford to get Boardmaker. Is there anyone out there who would be willing to lend it to this mom for a couple of days so she can get the necessary pictures she needs for her daughter off and then it will be returned. Her school isn't being real helpful on this either due to computer problems and licensing agreements. Some of you I have talked to about this and you know who this person is. To the rest of you, I would like to keep it anonymous unless you contact me either by email or write to me. The mom would like it that way for now. Both she and I do appreciate it.
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(Repeated from June 2002)Autism News Survey
| The newsletter is going to be making some changes as to the content and make it more reader driven. Please take a few minutes and fill out this survey and mail it back to Autism News, PO Box 1255, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1255. You may also copy this section and paste it into an email back to me at [email protected]. I do appreciate the time you are taking out of your lives to do this so I can make this newsletter better. |
1. What do you like to see in the newsletter?http://autismnews.net homea. meeting info.2. What don't you like about the newsletter?
b. conferences
c. the news
d. other (please explain) ___________________________________a. not enough meeting info3. For the announcement/news section what would you like to see?
b. not enough conference info
c. too many fluff pieces
d. other(please explain)_____________________________________a. legal updates4. How many pages would you like to see the newsletter?
b. medical updates
c. education updates
d. personal stories
e. letters to the editor
f. other (please explain)____________________________________a. 1-45. Additional comments/criticisms/suggestions ______
b. 5-8
c. 8+