Volume 6 Issue 3
March 2002

Letter from the editor:

To all of you who tried to renew your subscription and couldn't due to the fact that I forgot to put the cost in, I apologize. It is $15/yr.

It has been a busy month for me, my husband is at a contractual job right now, my job is starting to suffer, (I'd love to be working on this full time), and Bria was down sick for about a week with a doozy of an ear infection. The only way we knew she was sick was a very swollen lymph node under her ear.

Once again I have a very jammed packed issue and I hope I didn't bore, confuse, or wear anyone out with last month's issue. I know, after reading it myself, that it looked a bit overwhelming.

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:

Also remember to make your checks out to Autism News for $15 now…
Feel free to check out this newsletter or past ones out at our website www.autismnews.net

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 of the Newsletter mom, 2002.
Total freedom is granted to recopy and share information as long as Autism News gets credit.

Contents for March 2002

• Meetings
• Conferences-Workshops
• Announcements
• Two men who want to help our kids!!!
• CAN News
• Autism Society of America Announces New Outreach Course
• Birth to Three/Early Intervention (IDEA) Reauthorization Petition
• Bush's Special Education Commission
• Special Education Underfunded
• Wrightslaw seminar reviewed
• General Information on Services Children
• From Parent to Parent
• 115 Bourbon St. Fundraiser

Back to Autism News home:
www.autismnews.net

March 2, 2002 O'Fallon 10am-noon

Autism Society of Southern Illinois meets the first Saturday (second if it's a holiday weekend) at the O'Fallon Public Library, 120 Civic Plaza. Call 618-682-3783 or email [email protected] for info.
 

MARCH 5, 2002-S.N.A.C. Presents"how to Have a Successful I.E.P. Meeting" presented by Bill Kienzle at the Chatham public library-gallery a start at 7:00pm-483-5045 ***FREE****
 

MARCH 7, 2002-asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness Parent Group Meeting-koke Mill Road, United Methodist Church at 7pm. *Sorry, No Daycare Available. ***FREE****
 

March 12-Galena 6:30-8:30pm
Galena Parent Advocates
DeSoto House Hotel
230 S. Main St
General Smith Room

Topic: IEP Development
This workshop will focus on:
Legal requirements for the IEP (Constitutional, 14th Amendment, FERPA, IDEA, and ADA), IEP procedure and substance, 20 steps to a good IEP, common mistakes made by parents and school districts, resolving differences, how to write specific, measurable, relevant, time limited goals.

Target audience: parents, regular education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, SLP, OT, PT, etc.
CEU's/CPDU's will be offered. Contact us for a registration form (required)
 

March 14, 2002-Gurnee

The Northeast Illinois Chapter of the Autism Society of America will be having its monthly meeting at the Warren Special Recreation Association building, southwest corner of Washington and Almond Roads in Gurnee. Contact Eric L. Smith @ 847-543-4502 or [email protected] for additional information
 

Family T.I.E.S. Training

Wednesday March 20, 2002
6:30-9:00PM
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Road
Lincolnshire IL

Topic: IDEA '97 and Special Education Rights
By: Chris Wasik of Family T.I.E.S.
Contact: Susan Bauer 847-913-1978
 

March 18, 2002 Bolingbrook 7pm

Far West Suburban IL Chapter of the ASA will be meeting (usually the 19^th but it is primary day and the room is being used) A video will be watched and then group discussion. You can call the chapter voice mail 630-969-1094 for more information or the Bolingbrook Medical Center for directions at 630-226-8100
 

March 19, 2002 Naperville 7pm

Tuesday evening seminars. Learn more about biochemical imbalances and their relationship to behavior disorders, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia. It is at the Pfeiffer Institute. 1804 Centre Point Circle, Naperville. 630-505-0300 or on the web at www.hriptc.org.
 

March 24 Milwaukee (this is a Sunday) 6:00pm

Family support group, St Luke's Hospital
there is a possibility that Dr. Hicks will be speaking there. Contact Kelly Kozak 414-571-7023 for more information and directions there. You can also join them online at www.yahoo.,com/group/assew-biotalk.
 

March 26, 2002 7pm Hoffman Estates

Northwest Suburban IL chapter of the ASA will be meeting and will be open talk (as far as we know now LOL)
Schaumburg Township Meeting Hall
1 Illinois Blvd.
Hoffman Estates, IL
Call Randee for information 847-884-9194
or go to our website: www.Autismillinois.com

March 28,2002 Oak Lawn

Southwest Suburban Cook County A.S.I. and we meet every last Thursday of the month
at Hope Children's Hospital (93rd & Kostner) in Oak Lawn, IL. More information about our group can be obtained by calling
Jean, our President at 708/ 229-0653.
 

Galena Parent Advocates will sponsor its first annual golf outing

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!!
 

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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.
 

Illinois Autism/pdd Training and Technical Assistance Project

If anyone is interested in attending the following Illinois Autism/PDD training workshops, please contact Alyson Beytein, assistant project director. If there is a lot of parents, from this area, that is interested in the same workshops arrangements could possible be made to have parents bused to the Chicago training center or bring a workshop to our area. Email [email protected] or call 708-354-5730

1 March 7, 2002-"toileting"
2 April 25, 2002-"bathroom and bedroom skills"
 
 

March 12-14 Peoria
"Autism Middle/High School Team Training
Nan Negri, Ph.D., Jenny Potanos, M.A. CCC/SLP, Kate McGinnity, M.S. Victor Morris, L.C.S.W. and Michael Shoultz, Ph.D. present this 3 day training offered by the Illinois Autism/PDD Training and Technical Assistance Project. Priority in attending either of these extensive workshops will be given folks registering as a team of 3-4 professionals and a parent. Gather up your kid's teacher and grab the inclusion facilitator, etc. and contact Kathy Gould or Alyson Beytien at 708-354-5730 to request a registration application. For more information also check out www.illinoisautismproject.org
 

MARCH 15 & 16, 2002- Oakbrook

" The Continuum of Asperger's Syndrome / Autism / Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities -Clinical Features, Diagnoses & Treatment"
Margaret Bauman, MD - Boston, MAMartha Burns, Ph.D. - Chicago, IL Rosemary White, OTR - Seattle, WA Jerry Newport - Author & Adult with Asperger's Syndrome
This program is designed for practicing clinicians that are working with these children in school, home & clinic. This program will also be of interest to parents.

This program will provide the latest information on the neurobiology & biochemistry of these disorders as well point out the similarities and differences. Practical tips & techniques that can be immediately applied to the clinicians work setting will be provided along with a detailed course Syllabus. Participants will also learn first hand from an adult with Asperger's Syndrome who will discuss his life experiences and what therapists worked and what didn't.

For more information contact Linda S. Neilson, PhDC/o Continuing Education Programs of America PO Box 52 Peoria, Illinois 61650 Telephone - 309-263-0310E-Mail - [email protected]
 

March 15, Arlington Heights

"Legal and Future Care Planning for Your Relative with a Developmental Disability"
Theresa M. Varnet M.S.W., J.D., parent and experienced advocate, also specialist in probate and estate planning for folks with disabilities, periodically gives this useful presentation on a topic we all most likely need to think about and deal with. This presentation will be hosted by Glenkirk. Call 847-504-2732 for more details.
 

March 15-16 Oakbrook

Continuum of Asperger's Syndrome/Autism/ Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities-Clinical Features, Diagnoses & Treatment" Margaret Bauman, MD-Boston, MA, Martha Burns, Ph.D.-Chicago, IL, Rosemary White, OTR-Seattle, WA, Jerry Newport-Author & Adult with Asperger's Syndrome
This program is designed for practicing clinicians that are working with these children in school, home & clinic. This program will also be of interest to parents.
This program will provide the latest information on the neurobiology & biochemistry of these disorders as well point out the similarities and differences .
Practical tips & techniques that can be immediately applied to the clinicians work setting will be provided along with a detailed course Syllabus. Participants will also learn first hand from an adult with Asperger's Syndrome who will discuss his life experiences.. what therapists worked and what didn't.
Additional Information Contact:
Linda S. Neilson, Ph.D.
C/o Continuing Education Programs of America
PO Box 52
Peoria, Illinois 61650
Telephone - 309-263-0310
E-Mail - [email protected]
 

March 21, Chicago
"Habits, Rituals and Aggression and Methods to Modify"
Alice Belgrade presents this workshop and how to understand the function of, and then work to modify and/or eliminate undesirable habits, etc. of the person with autism. For more info contact StarNet Region V at 773-553-3413.
 

March 22, Downers Grove
"How Parents Can Effect Positive Change in Our Schools"
Staff from Everyone is Welcome will teach strategies for effectively collaborating with schools on behalf of one's child. Also learn how to join with other parents to be voices for all children and how to start a parent group. For more information contact the folks at Everyone is Welcome: 630-584-0970 or [email protected].
 

March 25-website www.autismtoday.com

Teleclass with Temple Grandin
Karen Simmons, who wrote the book Little Rainman, Autism Through the Eyes of a Child, has this website and Temple Grandin will be having a live teleclass. To check out more go to www.autismtoday.com
 
 
 

APRIL 2, 2002- SPRINGFIELD
"SENSORY ISSUES"-JULIE HOYLAND-OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
6:45-8:15 PM, @ Springfield Lincoln Library, corner of Capital and 7^th Street, Reservations In advance, please and a $5.00 donation at the door. CONTACT [email protected] or call Diana Noble 217-585-7276
 

April 3-6, 2002
2002 CEC Annual Convention and Expo
New York City
Contact: www.cec.sped.org/spotlight/nyc
or call 888/CEC-SPED (232-7733).
 
 

April 12, Hoffman Estates
2^nd Annual CARE (Curing Autism through Research and Education)
The BHARE Foundation will be holding their conference at the Stonegate Conference Center in Hoffman Estates. Speakers will include Dr. William Walsh of Pfeiffer Treatment Center, Raun Kaufman from the Option Institute (The Son-Rise Program), Dr. Kenneth Bock (pediatrician specializing in autism), Genevieve Jereb, OT, DR. Vijendra Singh, and Betsy Prohaska with Vicki Martin, R.N. to discuss "what's new" about the GFCF diet. Last year sold out so register early to guarantee a seat. Go to www.bhare.org for a registration application to mail in or fax. Address and fax number is on the website.
 

April 19, Downers Grove
"Navigating Uncharted Waters: Understanding Your Rights and Case Law"
Matt Cohen, widely know for his legal advocacy on behalf of children with disabilities, will address your rights, rules governing special education, and recent federal and state court cases relating to special education. For more information contact Everyone is Welcome 630-584-0970 or [email protected].
 

APRIL 17 AND 18, 2002- GIANT CITY,
" 2002 AUTISM SEMINARS"
Barbara Doyle, MS Clinical Consultant, Call C.J. Sizemore at 217-356-8323.
Barbara Doyle will be speaking for us JUNE 18, 2002- on "10 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL LIFE" Springfield Lincoln Library at 6:45-8:15PM**We ask for a $7 donation at the door to cover expenses, NOT REQUIRED.

Asperger Syndrome Support and Awareness of Central Illinois.
Diana Noble 217-585-7276
 

April 21 Washington, DC 12 noon to 5pm.
Mark your calendars now to attend the
3rd Annual Autism Awareness Rally
in April 21, 2002.
Unlocking Autism once again brings you
The Power of ONE! this year on the mall
in Washington, DC
Pack your blanket and sunscreen and come for a day of family and community fun!
We will have an activity section for the kids.
Learn how YOU can make changes in your state and across the nation.
Keep tuned to our website at www.unlockingautism.org
for speakers and additional information.
Grab some friends, rent a van, fill it up
and head for DC this spring!
We hope to see you there!

May 9-11 Boston, MA

DAN 2002 Conference
SHERATON BOSTON HOTEL
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call 609-921-3717
Email: [email protected]
Save the Date: FALL CONFERENCE
* San Diego, CA * October 25-27

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
 
 

May 3 Naperville
LDA/IL STATE SPRING WORKSHOP Holiday Inn, Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a Registration Form, contact the Illinois LDA Office at 708-430-7532
E-Mail: [email protected]
FAX: 217/243-7596
http://www.ldaamerica.org/Affiliates/IL/

Special Education Attorney Reed Martin will be there!!!
 

July 17-21 Indianapolis IN

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].
 

Editor's note: I know that this is a little early to be put in, but I figure that it will most likely be a sellout.
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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Announcements:

I would like to take this moment to apologize to Dennis Debbaudt. I was supposed to have his book review in this issue and due to circumstances in my house this month, I haven't finished the book yet. I could do the review based off of what I read, but I don't feel that I would do the book justice. I hope to have the review in the April issue of Autism News.
 

As you all know, April is Autism Awareness Month. I want to make it a really special issue and send it to people in our government, i.e. Senators Durbin and Fitzgerald, the two candidates for governor, Governor Ryan-not that I like him, and the President of the United States. If there is anything that you want to see in this issue that is of good taste, please get it to me early. I am going to be very vigilant to make sure that it is not going to get me in trouble with our government officials. I just want them to see one small part of Americana and how we deal with autism. I hope all of that made sense. Please get your stuff into me early-March 15^th sounds like a good deadline date.

Speaking of deadlines, the meeting deadline will always and forever, until something screws it up, be the 15^th of the month. The newsletter for the most part will be going out either on the last Sunday of the month or the 25^th of the month whichever is first.
 

My name is Jason Braasch and I am interested in learning more about your organization. I am a behavior therapist for autistic children working through a company called Behavioral Consulting Group. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee last May and moved to Portland Oregon to take this job as a private therapist. We work mainly with discrete-trial and the verbal behavior methods. I have also been a research assistant for a year and a half and plan to go into research at DePaul University. I want to study the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis when working with autistic children. I am coming to you to find out more about any possible job openings.. I am moving there in May and would like to get some contacts if at all possible. Please email me some possible opportunities and what I should do to find clients and employment. Thank you for your help in this matter and I am looking forward to your advice.
 

Jason L. Braasch
1804 NE Schuyler
Portland, Oregon 97212
503.287.4520
[email protected]

Hsiao-Yun Chu
[email protected]
Stanford University
Product Design Program
796 Escondido Rd #27R
Stanford, CA 94305
tel 650 497 6289

I thought even though we were from Illinois for the most part, we could help him out and give him ideas to give our kids safe toys that will also help them learn.

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I got this off of the CAN list and I thought we might be able to find the bread at Jewel, because Albertsons owns them. Let me know if you find it.

Just by purchasing a loaf of California Goldminer Sourdough bread, food shoppers across the U.S. will help find a cure for autism.
An innovative partnership between Cure Autism Now and Maple Leaf Bakery begins TODAY, Feb. 4 and runs through April 5, 2002. During the promotion, the purchase of California Goldminer Sourdough Bread, sold in 6,000 supermarket in-store bakeries nationwide, will help fund a Cure Autism Now scientist for one year.
Participating supermarkets nationwide include A&P, ACME, Albertson's, Bi Lo, Big Y, City Market, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Giant Food Stores, Hannaford Food & Drug, H.E. Butt, Hy-Vee, King Soopers, Kroger, Rainbow, ShopRite, Shop 'n Save, Smith's, Super G, Tops Friendly Markets, and Wal Mart Supercenters.
Rick Anderson, Vice President, Marketing and Retail Sales, Maple Leaf Bakery, was instrumental in implementing this promotion. "As the father of an autistic child, my family and I have first-hand experience with the daily dealings of having a child with autism.
While my son improves everyday, it is important to continue to support groups such as Cure Autism Now who are constantly working to find a cure and effective treatments. We are proud to donate proceeds from California Goldminer Sourdough to fund a scientist's work for one year. We hope to make our relationship with Cure Autism Now a long-lasting one," Anderson said.
Look in your supermarket bakery for the distinctive wagon and shelf displays. Colorful signs there promote Cure Autism Now and information about autism. Support this corporate effort to shed light on Autism research and awareness.
 

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(Thanks to Illinois Autism/PDD Training)
 

Bethesda, Maryland ¾ Today, the Autism Society of America ("ASA") will unveil a new way to provide information to families who recently had a child diagnosed with autism. Taking a page from universities and large corporations, ASA is launching an e-Learning course about autism. The course is available free of charge at the ASA Web site: www.autism-society.org.
Current estimates are that autism occurs in at least 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals or 500,000 to 1,500,000 Americans. For the past 37 years, the ASA has been the first place that parents turn for information when their child is diagnosed with autism or one of the many disorders within the autism spectrum. The focus of the new Web-based course is to provide answers to parents' questions, such as, "What does this mean for my child and our family?" and "What do I do next?"

"ASA wants to provide timely and updated information and resources to families with recently-diagnosed children," ASA Executive Director Robert Beck said. "This technology allows us to present this important information in an engaging way and lets us reach many thousands more people."

Developed by Altvia Technologies, Inc. ("Altvia"), the course also provides valuable information to ASA. Free to anyone, the course does require a visitor to enter an e-mail address and password prior to gaining access to the content. "The purpose here is not to find out who has been through the course," Beck said. "Rather, this allows us to compare the beginning and end quiz scores. This will help us shape future content and provide feedback on how we as an organization with an outreach mandate are doing."

"Altvia believed they could solve our technical needs as well as make the learning process more user-friendly," Beck said. "We think they did an excellent job. Altvia Technologies developed a technical solution which will permit ASA content and material to reach thousands more who need it."
About Altvia Technologies

Altvia Technologies is a provider of technology independent, turnkey solutions for the management, development and delivery of e-Learning programs. Altvia's Web site: www.altviatech.com.

About the Autism Society of America

Founded in 1965, the mission of the ASA is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families, to be fully included, participating members of their communities. Education, advocacy, public awareness efforts and the promotion of research form the cornerstones of ASA's activities. For more information, please view our Web site at: www.autism-society.org

Contacts:

Scott Whitfield, Altvia Technologies, Inc.
Phone: (301) 840-3915
E-mail: [email protected]
Ronita Wisniewski, Autism Society of America
Phone: (301) 657-0881 x155
E-mail: [email protected]
 
 

(got this off of AutismAwakening list)
The Secretary of Education is inviting written comments from the public on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to assist the Department in preparing for reauthorization of the Act. IDEA governs your child's Birth to Three/Early Intervention services. This is a
great opportunity to address the needed improvements to these programs.
The BRIGHT Foundation has put together an electronic petition that we think addresses most of the concerns of parents and professionals
treating brain injured children. Please consider signing the petition by going to this website:
http://www.petitiononline.com/BRIGHT/petition.html .
If you don't feel the petition captured your concerns or you wish to send a personal comment along with signing the petition, then please visit our newly updated Advocacy and Education section of our website:
http://brightfoundation.tripod.com/main/id7.html Here we have included all the background information on the reauthorization of IDEA including a link to the actual law, official contact information for comments and a very useful link to help you look-up and contact your Federal, State, and local representatives.
Please consider signing the petition or getting involved with Advocating for our children.
 
 

(from autismawakening)
The President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education laid out its plan to evaluate the successes and failures of special ed in the United States last week, but with six task forces each needing to gather input from the special ed community and meet publicly at least once, the commission says it will not make President George W. Bush's aggressive April 30 deadline for a final report. The group has asked the president to extend his deadline to sometime in June.
Kicking off the project with a public meeting in the nation's capital, the 19-member commission created subcommittees to address accountability systems, research, professional development, finance, student assessment and system administration. The group also approved a slate of nine meetings in nine different U.S. cities, each addressing a different aspect of the special ed system. The next meeting, for example, will be held February 25 through 27 in Houston and will examine ways in which current special ed programs are effective. The group will meet four times in March and three more times in April, then hopes to approve its report at a final meeting May 30 in Washington. At the initial meeting, members of the Council for Exceptional Children urged the commission not to rush to change a system that has yet to be fully tested for effectiveness. The CEC, one of the special ed community's chief lobbying groups, argued many improvements could be made by fine-tuning the way states implement the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Other problems may be a matter of state policy, not warranting the interference of federal lawmakers.
Division in Congress over whether and how to change various provisions in IDEA was a critical reason attempts to dramatically increase federal funding for state special ed programs through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act failed. With IDEA up for reauthorization this year, Bush is counting on the commission's report to guide the administration in negotiations with Congress over potential changes to the law. However, CEC argued that some changes made to IDEA in 1997 have yet to be fully implemented, since official U.S. Department of Education guidelines did not become available until spring of 1999 or later.

http://www.specialednews.com/washwatch/washnews/bushcommission012002.html
 
 

(from AutismAwakening)
January 20, 2002 WASHINGTON -- After the special ed community came tantalizingly close to getting a commitment from Congress to pay the whole bill for federally mandated special ed services, the final version of the Elementary and Secondary Education reauthorization bill emerged from last fall's behind-the-scenes wrangling with no promise of adequate special ed funding. With the ESEA debates finally closed, Congress followed a week later with an $8.67 billion special ed funding package, nearly $9 billion short of what the states need from the federal coffer. Though it was dubbed the "No Child Left Behind Act," the new bill has some special ed supporters wondering how schools will be able to help students with disabilities progress when state education agencies receive less than 15 percent of the additional money they need to educate these children. "Despite broad and deep bipartisan support to lift the unfunded mandate of special education, education bill conferees rejected the will of the majority in Congress to fully fund special education," National Education Association President Bob Chase said in a statement. "This action is simply irresponsible and misses the opportunity to truly leave no child behind." However, others say disagreement about whether and how to change various provisions in IDEA, and how to tie IDEA funding to improved special ed performance, were key reasons the full-funding plan failed to gain enough support for inclusion in the ESEA bill. "The early and accurate identification of learning disabilities is critically important. But because of flaws in the current Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, too many children are being wrongly placed in special education classes," argued Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee. "Over-identification is causing countless children to be placed in special education classes they don't belong in, and driving up the cost of special education nationwide." On a positive note, Congress increased the overall federal special ed allocation 17 percent from its 2001-02 appropriation. State grants for preschool, elementary and secondary special ed programs and services for 2002-03 went up 19 percent -- they will get $7.53 billion compared to the $6.34 billion they received for the current school year. Congress also boosted funding for special ed teacher training 10 percent to $90 million for next year. And the ESEA bill was just the first of two prime opportunities special ed supporters on Capitol Hill have to push a special ed funding mandate through Congress. With the federal special ed law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, needing reauthorization by next fall, Congressional supporters say they will use that process to reintroduce some version of the six-year funding ramp-up plan that was cut from the ESEA bill. Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and James Jeffords (Ind.-Vt.) and Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) are among special ed funding's leading advocates.

Reading Problems Slow Learning; Learning Problems Slow Reading
Bush's new emphasis on reading yielded the states $900 million in "Reading First" grants, up from $286 million last year. Those funds, plus an additional $75 million earmarked as "Early Reading First" money for projects in low-income areas, must be spent on U.S. Department of Education-authorized and research-supported literacy efforts. With a new $12.5 million allocation, school libraries will also join in the nationwide reading effort, which aims to have every child reading by third grade. Another notable change to ESEA under the new law is that students with disabilities will be increasingly included in national, standardized achievement testing, as a way to increase schools' accountability for the progress of students in special ed. Though results of national and state assessments now must be reported based on more specific demographics, including poverty, race and ethnicity, disability and English proficiency, the law lets states determine how to improve reading and writing performance among those groups.
http://www.specialednews.com/washwatch/washnews/fy2002funding012002.html
 

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Over 300 people attended the Wrightslaw Special Education Law Workshop held on Saturday, February 24, 2002 at Niles North High School in Skokie. Approximately 90% of the participants were parents of special needs children. The rest of the audience was comprised of teachers, school administrators, social workers and attorneys. The focus of the workshop was how to find the most pertinent information regarding special education law, especially as it applies to the IEP process. In addition to an overview of the law, tips on how to write an appropriate IEP and negotiate effectively with the school district were provided. Each participant received a copy of Wrightslaw: Special Education Law. Copies of their newest book, From Emotions to Advocacy were also available for purchase and sold out. This book is highly recommended. Conference participants also received refreshments and lunch as part of the workshop fee. The Wrights provided a treasure trove of information on how parents may advocate effectively for their special needs children. In
addition to their publications, they have designed and maintain two websites where book orders may be placed; free information may be downloaded. Don't forget to also sign up for their free electronic newsletter when visiting the sites. They may be accessed at:
http://wrightslaw.com

http://www.fetaweb.com

A hearty thanks to Niles North High School for opening their doors and a special thanks Chuck Kusar of Special Connections for co-ordinating this outstanding workshop. For more information on Special Connections, go to
http://www.special-connections.org/

Thank you Adrianne for sending us this review.

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Eligible children ages Birth to Three are entitled to Early Intervention (EI) Services which include assistive technology, early identification and assessment, family training and counseling, health services, medical services, nursing services, nutrition services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, service coordination, social work services, developmental therapy, speech and language therapy, audiology services, transportation, and vision services. In Illinois call 800-323-4769 or check www.state.il.us/agency/dhs/eisnp for the location of the nearest intake office, and nationally 919-962-2001 www.nectas.unc.edu EI services are available to children regardless of income or ability to pay for services.

Children with disabilities ages 3-21 are entitled to services provided by their local school districts. Children are entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) which begins with the classroom or setting that their typically developing peers would be in. Supports may include an individual paraprofessional aide, adapted curriculum, assistive technology, adaptive physical education, functional behavioral analysis and a behavior plan utilizing positive behavioral interventions. Related Services include audiology, counseling services, early identification and assessment, medical services, occupational therapy (this includes sensory integration!), orientation and mobility services, parent counseling and training, physical therapy, psychological services, recreation, rehabilitation counseling, school health services, social work services, speech and language services, and transportation. Contact your state board of education for a copy of the parents' rights complete book. In Illinois call 217-782-4321, nationally contact the National Association of State Directors of Special Education 703-519-3800. Organizations that assist with obtaining these services for your child by providing advocacy and training are called Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI), Centers for Independent Living (CIL), and State Protection and Advocacy Agencies for Persons With Developmental Disabilities (PADD). In Illinois: PTI's are Designs for Change 312-236-7252, http://www.dfc1.org ; Family Resource Center on Disabilities 312-939-3513 http://www.ameritech.net/users/frcdptiil/index; Family TIES Network 800-865-7842, www.taalliance.org/ptis/fties ; to find your local CIL contact 800-587-1227, 217-782-9689 or 312-814-4037 ; PADD is Equip for Equality 800-537-2632, www.equipforequality.org . Nationally contact for PTI Alliance Coordination Office 888-248-0822, www.taalliance.org; for CIL Independent Living Research Utilization Program 713-520-0232, www.ilru.org, ARC of US 301-565-3842 www.thearc.org; for PADD 202-408-9514 www.protectionandadvocacy.com. another source of information is www.ideapractices.org which lists the federal regulations alphabetically by subject and remember, federal law supersedes state laws and regulations.

Children with disabilities are entitled to Service Coordination which includes advocacy and information on and assistance in obtaining all services within the community, school and government that your child is entitled to. In Illinois the agencies responsible for providing this service are called Pre-Admission Screening Agents (PAS Agents), because they are also funded by the Department of Human Services- Office of Developmental Disabilities (DHS-ODD) to facilitate residential and adult services. To locate the PAS Agent in your area for an intake contact your local CIL, or the state PTI or PADD as referenced above.

Children and their families are also entitled to Respite Care in order to assist in allowing the child to remain in their least restrictive setting - their home. In Illinois this is funded through DHS-ODD and services vary throughout the state. Services are not based on income. To find your local respite provider in Illinois and nationally contact the National Respite Locator Service 800-773-5433 www.chtop.com. The above advocacy organizations can help you access these services.

Children with disabilities are entitled to Rehabilitative Services in order to remain in their homes. These include transportation, structural/equipment items such as ramps, fences, etc. supplemental therapies in addition to school provided ones, home health care (nursing services for example,) homemaker services and personal assistant/respite care. Personal assistants come into your home and provide care & therapies to the child, they can also take the child to therapies, recreational services, etc. Services are not based on income but may be affected by assets. In Illinois contact your local Department of Human Services Office of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-ORS) found either in the phone book or call 800-843-6154 www.state.il.us/agency/dhs/rsnp ; and nationally contact your local CIL. The above advocacy organizations can help you obtain these services.

Many area agencies and service providers have access to family support money from the state which can be used in a variety of ways - contact your CIL for referral to the one(s) in your area.

Children with medical cards are eligible for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment services. These include medical visits, dental services, therapies such as physical, vision services, etc. Visit www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/epsdthm, your service coordinator or other advocate for further information.

Other resources to contact:

General information:
Illinois - Illinois Lifespan Project 800-588-7002

Medical assistance:
Illinois- Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) www.dscc.uic.edu/dscctext/index 217-793-2350
Family Voices - Illinois 888-950-8683 [email protected], nationally www.familyvoices.org 888-835-5669

Support:
In Illinois - Family Support Network 309-693-8981 www.familysupportnetwork.org
Nationally - MUMS 877-336-5333 www.netnet.net/mums

Autism:
Illinois - Autism Project www.illinoisautismproject.org 708-354-5730 & Autism News www.autismnews.net

Nationally - as there are so very many resources my best recommendation is to contact these two Illinois resources for their information regarding other states' information.

Camps:

Illinois - JCYS Camp Red Leaf 847-740-5010 www.jcys.org
Nationally - American Camping Association 800-428-2267 www.acacamps.org

Adaptive Physical Education:
National - www.palaestra.com

Again this is in no way a complete listing of resources - these are places to start. Please visit www.mothersfromhell2.org for more resources and information - including, for example, a sample functional behavioral analysis
 
 
 

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I didn't get any responses from this one so I am going to put it in again. Please send your comments to me at

Autism News
PO Box 1255
Crystal Lake, IL 60039-1255

These parents really would like some help…
 

This is something that I would like to start so that all of the readers can be a part of it. I had someone get in touch with me who has a son that is having trouble sleeping. She wants some ideas as how to help him and she gets a full night's rest.

If you have a problem with your child and would like some help, please remember that we are all just parents and this is not medical advice. All medical advice should be taken up with your medical practitioner. The editor just puts in the ideas; you don't have to try them if you don't like them.
 

Well, if you haven't been able to tell, I was quite busy trying to figure out what could stay and what couldn't. If your thing didn't make it in this month, I apologize. I just get so much information that I can't put it all in one issue. I want to get everything in, believe me, but unless we want the cost of the newsletter to go up, I just can't do it.
 
 
 

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Saturday, April 27, 2002
 
 

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