April Will Be Autism Awareness Month

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Kick Off National Autism Awareness Month with the Autism Society
Hundreds of Local Activities plus Text Giving Campaign to Support the Lives of Those Affected Today

Want to get involved with the autism community this April? Show your support this month by joining the Autism Society in wearing the ribbon, bouncing for autism, texting, and more!

Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America - that’s 13 million families and growing who live with autism today. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon this month – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! For suggestions and resources, visit www.autism-society.org/ribbon.

Spread the word. Helping the autism community can be as easy as updating your Facebook or Twitter status! On April 1, the Autism Society is asking supporters to change their status on Facebook and/or Twitter to “Autism affects 1 in 110. Text “AUTISM” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Autism Society. Help spread the word: bit.ly/bUAVRf.” For the first time ever, supporters can now simply text “AUTISM” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Autism Society. 100% of your donations will go to support the Autism Society’s mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism.

Make a difference. There are several important bills moving through Congress that will have important effects on the autism community – safer educational settings (Keeping All Students Safe Act), better autism services (Autism Treatment Acceleration Act), greater financial independence (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act), better protection against toxic chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act Reform, introduction anticipated soon), and more. For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit www.vote4autism.org.

Connect with your neighborhood. The Autism Society and inflatable playground franchise Pump It Up are bouncing again with “Bounce for Autism” – over 100 community-based fundraising events that combine family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations nationwide that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Many Autism Society local chapters also put on events in the community through the month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits you just right, create your own! 1Power4Autism is an online tool that makes it easy to mobilize friends and family and help make a difference.

- Bounce for Autism: www.bounceforautism.org

- Autism Society chapters: www.autism-society.org/chapters

- 1Power4Autism: www.1power4autism.org

Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC entertainment to bring special-needs families “Sensory Friendly Films” every month. Our special showing of How to Train Your Dragon is coming to a theatre near you on April 10. Or, you could see a movie about autism itself - the Autism Society is partnering with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) to support 70 community screenings of the new movie The Horse Boy, based on the memoir of the same name. In the film, Rupert Isaacson shares the inspiring story of how he and his wife learned to think of their son’s autism as an adventure rather than a curse, a beginning rather than an end. Find participating locations for both events at:

- Sensory Friendly Films: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms

- The Horse Boy: www.pbs.org/independentlens/horse-boy/

For more information about autism or any of these initiatives, please visit www.autism-society.org.

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TODAY is World Autism Awareness Day!!!

www.autism-society.org

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This Week's Events in Celebration of Autism Awareness Month


*April 6, 2010 - Tuesday
Breaking the Chains Benefit Concert
- Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Road, Nashville
- 6:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
- Admission to the early show is free, but donations for ASMT will be accepted. Tickets for the late show are $10, with proceeds going to ASMT.
- Reservations for both shows are strongly recommended and can be obtained at www.bluebirdcafe.com.

*April 9, 2010 - Friday
Pump It Up - Family Fun Event
- Pump it Up, 104 Crossroads Blvd, Suite 128, Brentwood
- 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.

- Come enjoy the company of other parents while your children have a great time in the "inflatable party zone". Please sign up for the event by Wednesday, April 7 by contacting the ASMT offices at 615-385-2077 ext. 1. Space is limited but we do have some space still available, so call now!



Do You Have Your Ribbon?

April is Autism Awareness Month - do you have an autism awareness ribbon you can wear? If not, contact ASMT at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 or [e-mail] to purchase a lapel pin or car magnet for only $3!

Consider buying one for your child's teacher, your colleagues, and your friends.


*April 12, 2010
"Not So Spooky Scramble" Golf Tournament
- Hermitage Golf Course
- 1:00 p.m.

*April 17, 2010
"From Heartache to Hope" Book Signing
- Green Hills Whole Body

- 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- www.fromheartachetohope.org

*April 24, 2010
Country Music Marathon
- Anyone that is running, or wants to cheer on our participants, please click on the link for more details.

*April 24, 2010
"From Heartache to Hope" Book Signing
- Franklin/ Cool Springs Borders

- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- www.fromheartachetohope.org


*NEW*
April 24, 2010
"From Heartache to Hope" Book Signing
- Nashville Public Library - Downtown
- 2:30 p.m.
- www.fromheartachetohope.org

*NEW*
April 24, 2010
"The Horse Boy" Documentary Screening
- Nashville Public Library - Downtown
- 2:30- 5:00

*April 29, 2010
Putting the "Team" Back into your Student's IEP - ASMT Workshop
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241
- 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

*April 30, 2010
Pieces of Hope Benefit
- Tickets on sale now!
- www.piecesofhopebenefit.org


*May 1, 2010
I Run for the Party - Cinco de Mayo 5k
- Volunteers are needed to for this event that benefits ASMT.

*May 8, 2010
Nashville Children's Theatre - Family Fun Event
- Special performance of Charlotte's Web just for the autism community.
- Stay tuned for more details.

Pieces of Hope Benefit

The Pieces of Hope Benefit, an inspirational cocktail celebration, supports the work of the Autism Society of Middle Tennessee (ASMT) in its advocacy, service and education for families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Pieces of Hope features a night of cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. The evening event will include distinctive silent and live auction items as well as fun, interactive opportunities to contribute.

Join us for a special night, while supporting the valuable services ASMT provides to our community.

[Bob]

If you go to Sweetwater be sure to stop by the hardware store where my photographs are on display.

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The deadline to apply for the free 2010-11 Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute is April 30th.

What is the Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute?

Partners in Policymaking is a free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities, and family members of persons with disabilities. It is funded by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, and has been training Tennesseans since 1993.

What do Partners learn?

Over the course of seven, once-a-month weekend sessions (from 12 pm on Friday through 3 pm on Saturday), Partners will attend workshops conducted by national and local experts, on:

The History of the Disability Experience
People First Language
Best Practices in Inclusive Education
Building Inclusive Communities
Self-Determination, Self-Direction and Person-Centered Practices
Living in the Community
The State and Federal Legislative Processes
Customized Employment
Conducting Effective Meetings
Assistive Technology
Working with the Media

and much more.

Partners will also tour the Capitol, meet with a TN Legislator, and participate in a Mock Testimony designed to enhance their public policy advocacy skills. In February, all of the Partners grads since 1993 are invited to attend an annual reunion conference, with keynote speakers, general sessions, breakout sessions on a variety of topics and a Friday night dance.

Weekend sessions take place September through November, and January through April, each year.

Where does Partners take place?

Partners sessions will take place at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs, in Williamson County. All participants are required to spend the night, and attend all seven sessions. There is no cost for hotel rooms, meals during the program times or the trainings. Mileage to and from each session will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after each session.

What is the deadline to apply for the 2010-11 Partners season?

All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2010. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

How do I apply or get more information?

The application is attached to this e-mail. If you need an application sent by mail, or have any questions about the program including eligibility, please contact program director Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at [e-mail]

Please distribute this information widely, and include in any agency information or newsletters, if applicable.

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Where disabilities become possibilities


EAST TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTER, INC.

4918 N. Broadway • Knoxville, TN 37918
[phone] • FAX [phone] • [e-mail] • www.disoveret.org/ettac



Date: April 7, 2010



To: Community Calendar



From: Louise McKown---Public Awareness Coordinator



Re: The eXceptional Orchestra is accepting children who wish to learn about music and art







Classes for the 2010 eXceptional Orchestra, a unique program that pairs children with and without disabilities with professional musicians and artists will start on Friday, April 23, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee Avenue in Knoxville, and will continue for the next four Fridays, plus a dress rehearsal on Saturday, May 22. Enrollment is open to children with and without disabilities between the ages of 5 and 13 and their siblings and parents.



There is no cost to participate in these classes; however, pre-registration and attendance is required. Participants are also asked to purchase a performance T-shirt that is theirs to keep.



Interested parents should contact Kim Kredich, program director at [phone] for more information or to register. The premiere performance of the 2010 eXceptional Orchestra will be on Sunday, May 23, at the Tennessee Amphitheater on the World's Fair Park, as part of the East Tennessee Technology Access Center's HeartSong Festival of the Arts program

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VSA at the Ryman
Type: Music/Arts - Performance
Date: Monday, May 24, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Ryman Auditorium

Description
Join us on Monday, May 24 at 7:00 pm for a musical event featuring artists with disAbilities - benefiting VSA TN and The Arc of TN.
Performers for this event include Brian Werner of Crossville, the Tennessee School for the Blind Choral Ensemble, Tennessee School for the Blind Jazz Ensemble, Amanda Stevens, Nick Sharp, Cages Bend, the VSA/Blair Dulcimer Choir and Lake Rise Place.

VSA Arts Tennessee Awards will also be presented to:
Corporate Partner: CVS/Caremark
Teacher of the Year: Patty Daniels, Beech High School, Hendersonville
Partner/Supporter: Lisa Hester, Tennessee Arts Commission
Young Artist: Jalyn Weston

Call [phone] to purchase advance tickets for only $10. Tickets may also be available at the door, cash only.

Pamela Weston
"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds." Samuel Adams

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Let's celebrate the end of the school year!
MARGARITA MOMS~
April 29!
NOTE NEW LOCATION!
Garcia's Mexican Restaurantwww.garciasmexican.net
1113 Murfreesboro Road
Franklin, TN 37064-1317
[phone]
TIME: 5:30 to whenever...

HEY! LADIES! Don't you need a night out? A night where you can talk about anything BUT autism or some other difference you experience at your house? (OK- maybe slipping into mom mode may happen but we will graciously redirect you! One night to be "one of the girls" again? Well, come out to Margarita Mom's which is a monthly hang out event for women who are primary caregivers of someone who learns or loves differently. And a place for others who love and care for our kids. This is a cross disability group (not just for auti/aspie families).
Don't feel pressured to eat- just come and have a margarita if you want. Separate checks, so it's up to you! When you arrive, ask for Dena's group.
Phone: [phone] Sponsored by the Center for Understanding....

PLEASE RSVP TO [e-mail].
Dena L. Gassner, MSW
Program Director
Center for Understanding
7127Crossroads Blvd. #102
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-300-3369
www.centerforunderstanding.net
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Hello,

I wanted to update everyone on upcoming events with Open Doors TN. Summer is coming and we are doing our best to plan events for the whole family to enjoy. Please share and help spread the word and let us know if you have any ideas we would like to hear from you.
OPEN DOORS TN EVENTS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE!! OPEN DOORS TN EVENTS

+Saturday, May 1st 11:30am-3pm, Community Health Fair held in Lenoir City.
If you would like to participate please e-mail the following information to: [e-mail]

Agency:
Contact Name:
Phone #:
E-mail Address:
Address:

Booth: (Will you be providing your own table? Will you be doing Arts/Crafts or Prizes at your booth?) The booths are free of charge and we do have a limited # of tables we can provide.

+Starting on May, 28th, 29th, 30th Open Doors Family Fun Weekend... We will be going to visit Ripley’s Aquarium, Deer Petting Zoo, Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Wildlife Encounter.

+Friday June 11th—13th 2nd annual middle/high school social skills camp.

+Monday July 19th—23rd 2nd annual elementary social skills camp.

We are currently taking names for a waiting list on both camps. If you would like for your child to be involved in the 2010 Open Doors Tennessee Elementary Camp as a peer mentor, please go to the following Open Doors website and print out a PEER APPLICATION and send it to me ASAP.

www.opendoorstnautism.info

We look forward to another great year at camp!!! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Cherri Howlett
Open Doors Tennessee
Camp Director

+Saturday, August 21st 11am to 3pm Open Doors TN Resource Fair…Save the date more information coming soon.

LOCAL EVENTS OF INTEREST

+Friday, April 16th 6pm to 8pm Stone Soup Respite Second Baptist Church in Clinton

+Monday, April 26th Challenger Baseball Lakeshore Park

+Sunday, April 24 2-4pm DSAG Mom's Afternoon Out Fountain Lanes, Knoxville

+Saturday, April 17th 8am Breakthrough's Fourth Annual 5K Run starting and finishing at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle

+Sunday, April 25, 2010 2-5pm ASA ETC Coast In for Autism.

Find out more information on these and many other area events at: www.opendoorstn.org

Steve Johnson
865-437-7766
Open Doors TN
www.opendoorstn.org
www.opendoorstnautism.info

The only difference between flower and a weed is Judgment.

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This Week's Events in Celebration of Autism Awareness Month

April 24 "From Heartache to Hope" Book Signing

- Franklin/ Cool Springs Borders
- 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
- www.fromheartachetohope.org


"From Heartache to Hope" Book Signing
- Nashville Public Library - Downtown
- 2:30 p.m.
- www.fromheartachetohope.org

"The Horse Boy" Documentary Screening
- Nashville Public Library - Downtown
- 2:30- 5:00 p.m.
- Click Here for More Info.




Do You Have Your Ribbon?

April is Autism Awareness Month - do you have an autism awareness ribbon you can wear? If not, contact ASMT at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 or [e-mail] to purchase a lapel pin or car magnet for only $3!

Consider buying one for your child's teacher, your colleagues, and your friends.

1 in 110 children in America are being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Help us spread awareness of how this affects families by wearing your autism awareness ribbon this April.


UPCOMING EVENTS




April - Autism Awareness Month


April 29, 2010
Putting the "Team" Back into your Student's IEP - ASMT Workshop
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241
- 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Click Here for More Info.

April 30, 2010
Pieces of Hope Benefit
- Tickets on sale now!
- www.piecesofhopebenefit.org


May 1, 2010
I Run for the Party - Cinco de Mayo 5k
- Volunteers are needed to for this event that benefits ASMT.
- Click Here for More Info.

May 1, 2010
Urban Active Fitness- Benefit Boot Camp
- 10:00 a.m. Bring your friends, family, & neighbors
- All proceeds benefit ASMT
- 2401 Edge O'Lake Drive, Antioch, TN
- Call for more information 615-366-1063.

May 8, 2010
Nashville Children's Theatre - Family Fun Event
- Special performance of Charlotte's Web just for the autism community.
- Stay tuned for more details.
Need a gift for a graduate?

ASMT has over 20 brand new laptop bags available. A company generously donated the bags to our organization and we want to pass their generosity on to you.

With a minimum donation of $25 you can take your pick from our inventory. Get here quick before they are gone! If you have any questions, contact Jason at 615-385-2077, ext. 3 or [e-mail]

Pieces of Hope Benefit

The Pieces of Hope Benefit, an inspirational cocktail celebration, supports the work of the Autism Society of Middle Tennessee (ASMT) in its advocacy, service and education for families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders.

Pieces of Hope features a night of cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment. The evening event will include distinctive silent and live auction items as well as fun, interactive opportunities to contribute.

Join us for a special night, while supporting the valuable services ASMT provides to our community.


Autism Society of Middle Tennessee

1-615-385-2077 or 1-866-508-4987

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ASA-ETC 2010 Spring Conference
Intervention Tools for Parents by Parent Child Services Group
Saturday May 8, 2010
7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Second Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall
2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

TOPICS INCLUDE:: Literacy to Language, Verbal Behavior & Behavioral Interventions, Sensory Approach to Feeding Therapy, Social Interventions, & TN Insurance Updates

To Register: Visit www.asaetc.org and use Pay Pal
Or fill out attached form & mail with payment
Registration Deadline: Monday, May 3, 2010

ASA-ETC 2010 Spring Conference Registration Form
NAME:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE: EMAIL:
OCCUPATION: Parent Grandparent Teacher SLP / OT Other Professional (specify)
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$ 10.00 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE (Received by May 3rd)

$ CONTRIBUTION to ASA-ETC - Please consider a tax deductible gift to support the Autism Society of East Tennessee. Your gift will be used to expand the programs and services we offer to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families in our 36 county East Tennessee region.

CONFERENCE TOPICS: Literacy to Language, Verbal Behavior & Behavioral Interventions, Sensory Approach to Feeding Therapy, Social Interventions, & TN Insurance Updates
Bookstore & Autism Awareness Merchandise available
** NO LUNCH WILL BE SERVED
** NO CEU’s are available

Please mail checks and registration form to:
ASA-ETC 2890 Alcoa Highway
Knoxville, TN 37920
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Join us April 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Morristown-Hamblen Library Community Room as
Jennifer Cureton and Katherine Krohn from Cherokee Health talk about Autism Awareness:
the signs, symptoms, and what you can do to help. No registration is required. Please call
423-586-6410 for more information on this program.

Autism Society East Tennessee Chapter
PO Box 30015
Knoxville, TN 37930
[phone]

Thanks to a generous donation from the East Tennessee Chapter of the Autism Society, the library now has a large number of resources on this disorder that will be on display at the library.

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The Arc of Tennessee is embarking on an exciting public awareness and fundraising event with VSA Tennessee. The mission of VSA Tennessee is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in and express themselves through the arts and arts education.

VSA at the Ryman is a music event featuring young artists with disAbilities. It will be at the historic Ryman auditorium in Nashville on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Our commitment in this partnership is to fill the seats! Tickets are only $10. All proceeds from ticket sales will be split between The Arc and VSA Tennessee.

Performers include Lake Rise Place (a jazz trio which will represent Tennessee at the 2010 VSA International Festival), Cages Bend Blues Band, Amanda Stevens, Nick Sharp, VSA/Blair Dulcimer Choir, TN School for the Blind Choir and our own member of The Arc, Brian Werner from Crossville.

We need your help to give these performers the largest audience possible! It is a wonderful opportunity for people with disAbilities to attend a concert at the Ryman for only $10. A limited number of free tickets are available on a first call, first serve basis for self-advocates and/or their personal assistants. This donation was graciously provided by The Mathew Butler Foundation.

Marlena Buford will be handling the ticket sales from this office. We are able to accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, checks and cash. Her number is 615-248-5878, extension is 29.

Thanks for everyone’s help in supporting this event that showcases people with disAbilities!

Carrie Hobbs Guiden, Executive Director



Peggy Cooper
The Arc of Tennessee
151 Athens Way, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37228

1-800-835-7077 or 615-248-5878 ext. 15

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Below is an announcement about a summer camp to teach students with and without disabilities about disability history. It is our way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law by President George H. Bush. I realize the camp does not start until June 8th, but parents are already making plans for summer camps. Thank you for helping us let others know about it.

Louise McKown

Public Awareness Coordinator/Systems Change Analyst
East Tennessee Technology Access Center
4918 N. Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37918
[phone]
[e-mail]

Where disabilities become possibilities


EAST TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTER, INC.
4918 N. Broadway • Knoxville, TN 37918
[phone] • FAX [phone] • [e-mail] • www.disoveret.org/ettac

Public Service Announcement
Date: April 23, 2010
To: Community Calendar
From: Louise McKown---Public Awareness Coordinator
Re: Summer camp for children with and without disabilities to learn about disability rights history

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act, the East Tennessee Technology Access Center will be having a six session summer camp for children and youth with and without disabilities to collect stories from leaders in the Knoxville Disability Rights Movement as part of ETTAC’s Learning About Freedom curriculum.

Students age 7 and older will be interviewing people with disabilities and writing stories using whatever form of assistive technology they may need to create a Disability Rights History booklet. The first two hour sessions, June 8th and June 16th will be held at ETTAC’s Knoxville office, 4918 N. Broadway. Interviews of local leaders will take place in the community during additional sessions on June 26th, July 17th, July 22nd and July 27th.

Space is limited. To register or for more information, please call ETTAC at [phone], and ask to speak to Alice or Lorrie.

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"Yes I Can!"
DSAM would like to congratulate Board Member and Self-Advocate Jessica Smart for being only one of 27 recipients of the International Yes I Can awards. Jessica travelled to Nashville to receive the award and was also featured in the Desoto Times-Tribune last week. Check out the article here: www.desototimes.com/articles/2010/04/20/news/doc4bccf21a9d758769083848.txt

D.A.D.S. Meeting
Thursday, April 29 - 6-9 pm at the Blue Monkey, 2012 Madison Avenue, Memphis - Come join the D.A.D.S. (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) group. Meet other Dads and find out what the group is doing! For more information, conatct Mills Polatty at 901-827-7710.

DSAM Campfire Party in My Big Backyard
May 1st, 6pm at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis - Cost: $10 per family. Join DSAM and enjoy hot dogs and marshmallows roasting. Sure to be a great night out with the family! Space is limited. Call DSAM to register your family ASAP.

DSAM New Parent BBQ
Saturday, May 15 - 6:30 pm at the home of Ray and Cari Jancso - If you have a child with Down syndrome that is under two years old, then this get-together is for you! Bring your family and join us for great food and networking with other parents. There will be gifts for parents and babies! RSVP by May 12th by contacting the DSAM office at 901-547-7588 or [e-mail].

Summer Inclusion Solutions Edition
The summer Inclusion Solutions newsletter is now available online at www.dsamemphis.org/resourcesforeducators. This newsletter is geared towards our educators, but parents will find lots of helpful resources included, as well. This newsletter is distributed electronically. If you would like to be added to the distribution, please provide your contact/email information to [e-mail].

NDSC 2010 Annual Convention
July 16-18 - The 38th Annual National Down Syndrome Congress Convention will be held at Walt Disney World's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL. DSAM has a reimbursement stipend program to assist individuals with Down syndrome and their families attending the convention. Attendees can seek reimbursement for registration fees, transportation and lodging, up to $500 per family, or up to $1000 for first time attendees. Conference stipend form must be completed and can be obtained by contacting [e-mail] or 901-547-7588. Form can also be found online at www.dsamemphis.org/newsevents. Deadline to apply for grants is May 1st. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants will be notified of awards no later than May 21. For more information about the convention or to reserve your lodging accomodations, visit www.ndsccenter.org or call 407-939-1020.

Lori M. Siegal Self-Advocate Conference Leadership Scholarship
In memory of Lori Siegal and in honor of her efforts to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, her parents Bruce and Sheila Siegal established the Lori M. Siegal Self-Advocate Conference Leadership Scholarship. The Lori M. Siegal Scholarship is given annually to a self-advocate (a person with Down syndrome ages 14 and older) who wants to attend the NDSC Convention. Priority for the scholarship are given to (1) a self-advocate seeking a NDSC board position or (2) a self-advocate who will be demonstrating leadership/advocacy by leading or presenting at the convention. Contact the DSAM office for an application form or go online to download from www.dsamemphis.org/newsevents. Application deadline is May 15, 2010. Applicants will be notified by June 1, 2010.For more information , contact [phone] or email [e-mail].

Speech Therapy Conference Sponsored by Latino Memphis
Saturday, May 8th from 9am-12pm at Latino Memphis, 2838 Hickory Hill Rd # 25, Memphis - General Aspects of Speech and Language Therapy - Organized by Familias Especiales and sponsored by Latino Memphis. The objective of the conference is to help families identify if their child is in need of Speech and Language therapy and where to find these services in the Memphis area. Guest speaker is Christy Lampley, SLP. Please rsvp to 901 366 5882.

Special Education/Juvenile Law Task Force Training
Monday, May 10, 9:30am - 4:45pm at University of Memphis School of Law, Room 325 - Morning topics (for families and attorneys) will include: Basic Special Education Rights, Section 504, Advocacy Strategies/Negotiation Skills in IEP Meetings, and Putting Needs in Writing.Afternoon topics (primarily for attorneys, but parents and advocates are welcome to attend) will include: Filing Complaints and Requests for Mediation, Administrative Complaints, Office for Civil Rights Complaints, FERPA Complaints, Due Process Complaints, Case Studies, and Case Law Updates.Registgration is required and there is a $10 registration fee for family members. Contact Lisa Primm for more information at [e-mail] or contact Gina Brady at [phone] or [e-mail].

Summer Camp Info Now Available
2010 Summer Camp information is now available on our website. Please go to www.dsamemphis.org/resources to view.

Family Mentorship Program
Would you like to help create leaders in the field of developmental disabilities? Do you have information you would like to share with the professionals who will be serving children like yours? Then become a Mentoring Family for UT’s Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities! There are trainees from the fields of psychology, nursing, speech therapy, audiology, social work, and nutrition that would like to spend about 10 hours with you and your child or children—going to IEP meetings, therapy sessions, or wherever you would like to take them to teach them about living with disabilities. This is a program that has been highly valued by families and trainees alike. Want more information? Call Jenness Roth at the Boling Center at 448-3737.

Do you know about the Tennessee Justice Center?
The Tennessee Justice Center is a non-profit, public interest law and advocacy firm. They help parents and foster parents advocate for their children to get medically necessary health and mental health care from TennCare. Also provided are ongoing advocacy services to parents who call the Tennessee Justice Center needing assistance, as well as referrals to other organizations or attorneys, when appropriate. Do you have questions about TennCare eligibility for your child? Are you having trouble getting care like glasses, dental work, surgery, etc. for your child on TennCare? You can call 1-877-608-1009 for help. You can also check out their website, www.tnjustice.org, or blog, tennesseejustice.blogspot.com/, to read the stories of families we’ve helped. The TJC is also available to give presentations with more detailed information about how to help children on TennCare get the care they need. For more information, email [e-mail].

Tennessee Disability Mega Conference
June 3-4, 2010 – Nashville Marriott - The 8th Annual Tennessee Disability Mega Conference is now open for registration. Registration is $190 Early Bird. Register today at www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org. Please visit the website for more information on breakout sessions, key note speakers, exhibitors, evening activities, sponsoring organizations and volunteer opportunities.For questions or comments, contact Elizabeth Bishop at [e-mail].

Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute
Partners in Policymaking is a free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities. Over the course of seven, once-a-month weekend sessions (from 12 pm on Friday through 3 pm on Saturday), Partners will attend workshops conducted by national and local experts, on:

The History of the Disability Experience
People First Language
Best Practices in Inclusive Education
Building Inclusive Communities
Self-Determination, Self-Direction and Person-Centered Practices
Living in the Community
The State and Federal Legislative Processes
Customized Employment
Conducting Effective Meetings
Assistive Technology
Working with the Media
Weekend sessions take place September through November, and January through April, each year. Partners sessions take place at a hotel in Middle Tennessee. All participants are required to spend the night and attend all seven sessions. There is no cost for hotel rooms and meals during the program times or the trainings. Mileage to and from each session will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after each session.If you need an application, or have any questions about the program including eligibility, please contact program director Ned Andrew Solomon at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2010. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

Down Syndrome Takes Center Stage On Fox's Glee
The hit show “Glee” returns Tuesday for a nine-episode run on Fox this spring and so too does the show’s inclusion of characters with disabilities. Check it out here: www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/04/12/lauren-potter-glee/7618/

Do you know anyone that would like to receive our weekly emails or be added to our mailing list? Please have them contact [e-mail]. We do not share our list with outside parties.

For your convenience, the March 2010 newsletter is posted to the DSAM website at www.dsamemphis.org/newsletters.

Unless otherwise noted, all RSVP's and questions should be address to DSAM at 901.547.7588 or [e-mail].

The Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South provides this email distribution for informational purposes only.

Kelli Polatty
Communications Manager
Down Syndrome Association of Memphis & the Mid-South
2893 S. Mendenhall Rd., Ste. 3
Memphis, TN 38115

901-547-7588 office
901-547-7589 fax
www.dsamemphis.org

Supporting and Empowering People with Down Syndrome & Their Families
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Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day!

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the triumphs and challenges in children’s mental health and emphasizing the importance of family and youth involvement in the children’s mental health movement!

FREE Information and Resources for Families !!!

Krutch Park
Downtown Knoxville
504 Market Street
Saturday ~ May 8, 2010
11am-2 pm

FREE PARKING - State Street Parking Garage (Behind Regal Cinemas)

Face Painting ! Bounce House ! Balloon Animals ! Jugglers !