JULY Disabilities Thread

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Autism Society's National Conference!!!

www.autism-society.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&page=NewsArticle&id=16284

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First ever, Open Doors Tennessee ZOO Camp!!!!!!

Open Doors TN has partnered with the Knoxville Zoo for a week long day camp. The Zoo Camp will take place on Monday, August 2nd throught Friday, August 6th, 2010. It will be held from 9am to 2pm for kids/adults with disabilities ages 6-24 yrs old. The Knoxville Zoo has been very accommodating for our kids and we will do our very best to make the camp experience fits each campers needs so they can have the best week possible.

Please let me know if you have any questions and if your child would like to attend the Zoo Camp. To register, please email Steve and he will send you an application. The deadline is JULY 8TH. COST: $140 for nonmembers/$130 for members

We are also looking for volunteers to help with camp for the week but we are flexible with the time if you can give a day or two we would love to have your help. Sorry I know some you have gotten this twice....

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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Some stories of note:

www.newhavenadvocate.com/featured-news/the-students-in-room-106

www.issaquahpress.com/2010/06/29/supreme-court-hears-arguments-in-special-education-suit-spearheaded-by-issaquah/

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Bredesen Appoints Tennessee First to the Top Advisory Council

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today announced 14 appointments to the Tennessee First to the Top Advisory Council, a broad-based group of Tennesseans and national experts who will provide strategic guidance, direction, and thought leadership to state policymakers overseeing Tennessee’s Race to the Top grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

“Tennessee’s education agenda has accelerated in recent years because of the shared commitment to improving education that has been developed among stakeholders including teachers, administrators, business leaders, philanthropy, and advocacy groups,” said Bredesen. “They play a vital role in helping Tennessee carry out the vision of a world-class public education system that prepares students for college, career, and life in the 21st century. The ongoing involvement of the groups represented by the First to the Top Advisory Council will help ensure we fulfill our Race to the Top goals.”

Bredesen created the Council to ensure the state is effectively implementing, evaluation and learning from the historic Race to the Top investment in Tennessee’s public school systems. The Advisory Council will:

· Provide strategic guidance on all aspects of the grant, including implementation, planning, and evaluation;

· Help communicate the bold First to the Top proposals in their communities, the state, and the nation;

· Promote sound decision-making by working with the First to the Top leadership responsible for executing the grant; and

· Ensure continuous alignment between the state’s reform plans and the ambitious goals to accelerate student achievement across Tennessee.

The Advisory Council will not direct grant funds, oversee programming, or supervise staff. The panel consists of elected officials, educators, leaders of stakeholder organizations, and representatives of philanthropic foundations – all of whom are deeply invested in Tennessee’s future. Those appointed to serve include:

· Dan Challener, Public Education Foundation

· Mayor Karl Dean, Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County

· Senator Bill Frist, Tennessee SCORE

· Tomeka Hart, Memphis City School Board

· Linda Irwin, Niswonger Foundation

· Gary Mabrey, Johnson City-Jonesborough-Washington County Chamber of Commerce

· State Representative Mark Maddox, Weakley and Carroll counties

· Al Mance, Tennessee Education Association

· Superintendent Jim McIntyre, Knox County Schools

· Gary Nixon, State Board of Education

· Colleen Oliver, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

· Superintendent Mary Reel, Milan Special School District

· Teresa Sloyan, Hyde Foundation

· State Senator Jamie Woodson, Knox County

Ex-officio member include officials from Tennessee’s Department of Education and Higher Education Commission. Representatives of national organizations with expertise in education, including Mass Insight Education, the Data Quality Campaign, Achieve Inc., the Tennessee Consortium on Research, Evaluation, and Development, and the National Council on Teacher Quality will also serve as ex-officio members.

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"In conjunction with Tennessee's First to the Top implementation, TEIS will be merging with the Department of Education's Office of Early Learning. Effective July 1st, TEIS will be a key part of the newly established Office of Early Childhood Education. Bobbi Lussier will be the Leader for this Office. The goal of this Office will be to develop a comprehensive and inclusive Birth to Age 8 system of care and education, including a system of Birth – 3rd grade early childhood education consisting of an aligned, coherent system of high-quality standards, curriculum, assessments, accurate data reporting, teacher effectiveness, and professional development efforts across grades and programs."

Jamie Kilpatrick, Director
Office of Early Childhood

Jill R. Richardson, M.S.
Training & Workforce Development Coordinator
Department of Education
Division of Special Education
Office of Early Childhood
615-532-1639
[e-mail]

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS (IEPS), EVALUATIONS, AND REEVALUATIONS - REVISED JUNE 2010


www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/iep-qa-2010.pdf


If you are interested in commenting on this guidance, please e-mail your comments to [e-mail] and include IEPs, Evaluations and Reevaluations in the subject of your e-mail, or write to us at the following address:

Patricia Guard
U.S. Department of Education
Potomac Center Plaza
550 12th Street, SW, Room 4108
Washington, DC 20202

[Bob]

Could you start a new thread for posts that involve Chattanooga? Most of the disabled people here can't drive to Nashville.

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I post functions for all across the state...you'll have to pick and choose those that are relevant to your particular needs.

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Announcement

The Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities will be meeting on July 12, 2010 in the Hardison Building Auditorium (TPS Campus, 1252 Foster Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243.) The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. There will be an opportunity for limited public input during the Advisory Council Meeting. Please contact the Secretary of the Council at 615-741-2851 or the Council Chair at [e-mail]. The time will be scheduled on a first come-first serve basis.

Please remember also that anyone interested in participating remotely can now go to: www.tennessee.gov/education/speced/advisory.shtml and follow the link listed. You may also communicate with the Council during or after each meeting via email at: [e-mail]. The recording of each meeting will remain available for viewing until the next scheduled meeting takes place.

Future meeting dates will be: October 11, 2010; January 10, 2011; and April 11, 2011.

I hope everyone has a very happy (and very safe) Fourth of July holiday!!

Directions:

Coming West on I-40

Come to Exit 213 (Spence Lane) on I-40/24 West, go to top of ramp and turn left onto Spence Lane and go to stoplight; turn right onto Murfreesboro Road. At second stoplight (in front of Jack-In-the-Box) turn left onto Foster Ave.

When you reach the TPS campus, proceed past the main entrance (there is a brick sign for the TPS campus). Continue past the Center for Adoption and the Anna Russell Cole Auditorium. Turn into the campus at the south entrance (there will be an entrance sign to Nashville School of the Arts), and the Hardison Building will be directly in front of you. Park in the lot to your left after you enter the campus (please do not park on the grass). On the right side of the building, you will see an entrance with a sign that says “Training and Conference Room.” Enter at this entrance and proceed straight down the hall to the auditorium.

Coming West on I-24

Go to Exit 52 (Murfreesboro Road) to light at end of ramp and turn left onto Murfreesboro Road. At second stoplight (Jack-In-the-Box) turn left onto Foster Ave.

When you reach the TPS campus, proceed past the main entrance (there is a brick sign for the TPS Complex). Continue past the Center for Adoption and the Anna Russell Cole Auditorium. Turn into the campus at the south entrance (there will be an entrance sign to Nashville School of the Arts), and the Hardison Building will be directly in front of you. Park in the lot to your left after you enter the campus (please do not park on the grass). On the right side of the building, you will see an entrance with a sign that says “Training and Conference Room.” Enter at this entrance and proceed straight down the hall to the auditorium.

Coming East on I-40 / South on 65/24 / North on 65

Follow signs for I-40 East toward Knoxville. Go to Exit 212 (Fesslers Lane) on I-40/24 East. Go to light at top of ramp and turn right onto Fesslers Lane. Go to second stoplight (Murfreesboro Road – Carl Black Chevrolet) and turn left. Get into far right hand lane and go to second stoplight (Jack-in-the-Box); turn right onto Foster Avenue.

When you reach the TPS campus, proceed past the main entrance (there is a brick sign for the TPS Complex). Continue past the Center for Adoption and the Anna Russell Cole Auditorium. Turn into the campus at the south entrance (there will be an entrance sign to Nashville School of the Arts), and the Hardison Building will be directly in front of you. Park in the lot to your left after you enter the campus (please do not park on the grass). On the right side of the building, you will see an entrance with a sign that says “Training and Conference Room.” Enter at this entrance and proceed straight down the hall to the auditorium.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS. THANK YOU!

Jessica Harbison, ASA II
TN Department of Education
Division of Special Education
Office of Data Management
710 James Robertson Pkwy.
Nashville, TN 37243
615.532.6275 phone
615.532.9412 fax

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www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/jul/02/two-autism-classes-added/

Two autism classes added: Teachers warned of greater need By Ann Work

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Nashville Outlaws Baseball Special Needs Appreciation Night

On Friday, July 23, at 7:00 p.m., all supporters of organizations who serve people with disabilities and their families are invited to spend the evening at the ballpark. To honor the organizations who make Nashville a great community, the Outlaws are offering this special ticket package for the Saturday night game. The game will include information and donation table set ups and in-game highlights of each organization. Plus, a person from each organization will be selected to throw out the "First Pitch." The fun does not stop there! Fans will be treated throughout the night by wacky games, trivia of famous outlaws and the zany antics of the Outlaws' beloved mascot, Waylon. Also, after the game, players will be available for autographs. Specially priced tickets are being offered for $7.00 each

Please call ASMT at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 to purchase tickets and to put your name in the hat to throw the "First Pitch." TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY JULY 17th!

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Our Stories: Panel of Adults Living with an ASD Tuesday, 20/07/10 05:30 - 08:30
Note: This is a Tuesday

The purpose of this panel is to give the audience an opportunity to hear from
adults living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Panelists will talk
about challenges they have encountered throughout their lives, educational
and social experiences, family and community support, and the successes that
have given them encouragement. There will be time for Q & A with the panel
members.

Information tables will be available on a variety of topics applicable to teens and adults with ASD e.g, job training, employment, self-advocacy, independent living, and assistive technology.

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s
Hospital at Vanderbilt
First Tennessee Theatre

• Childcare will NOT be available.
• Parking is available in South Garage.
• Directions:
vanderbiltchildrenshospital.com
(5:30 - 6:30 Browse information tables;
6:30 - 8:30 Panel discussion)

Contact ASMT at [phone], ext. 1 for reservations and information.
You may also register online.

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Please Join Us for ASMT's 5th Annual Family Fun Day at Nashville Shores!!

Sunday, August 8th 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Admission
Admission is $15.00/person (a 40% discount)
Children 2 and under are FREE!

Lunch
Lunch can be purchased for $11.00/person.
Children 2 and under eat for FREE!

Lunch will be served at 12:30 at the Shady Point Area 2.
Lunch will include hamburgers, beans, mac & cheese, chips and soft drinks - All you can eat from 12:30-1:30!

Tickets
Admission tickets must be purchased by Thursday, August 5th.
Lunch tickets must- be purchased by Wednesday, July 28th.
Call ASMT at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 to reserve your tickets today!


Payment Options are as follows:
Stop by the ASMT office from 9-2, Monday-Friday to pay and pick up your tickets.
Mail a check to ASMT, 955 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206 and we will leave your tickets at will call (checks must be received in our office by July 30th).
Call in a credit card number to ASMT at 615-385-2077 ext. 1 and we will leave your tickets at will call.

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September 25, 2010 - SAVE THE DATE

Fall Conference - Best Practices for Improving Educational, Social, and Behavioral Functioning in Students with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism

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Siskin Children's Institute launches new home visiting program for Southeast Tennessee District
This month the Institute begins visiting families who have children with special needs in a setting that couldn't be more familiar or close to home—a family's own living room. Learn more about this dynamic, family-centered program and about home- and community-based early intervention...

www.siskin.org/www/docs/236/home-visiting/home-visiting.html

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Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics helps more than 600 families in first year!

The Siskin Children’s Institute-T.C. Thompson Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics celebrates its one year anniversary next month. In its first year of operation, pediatric center staff members served 630 children, representing almost 4,000 patient visits. Families from more than 100 different communities, mostly in Tennessee and Georgia, visited the pediatric center and some traveled from as far away as Louisiana, Wyoming and Russia. More than 100 physicians referred patients to the center in the first year. Read more about the pediatric center's first year...

www.siskin.org/www/announcements/167.1115/

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Multi Grammy Award Winner Trisha Yearwood Headlines StarNight 2010

***************Sat., August 28 at 6 p.m.*********************

Siskin Children’s Institute invites you to StarNight 2010 with this year’s only scheduled performance of multi Grammy Award winner and New York Times bestselling author, Trisha Yearwood. Presented by Chattem and sponsored by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, WRCB Channel 3, US101 and Fairway Outdoor, StarNight is the Institute's largest annual fundraiser. Don't miss Chattanooga's best summer bash—great music and a great cause. Purchase your tickets today online or call 423.648.1707.


www.siskin.org/www/docs/230.982

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Restraint/Seclusion Bill in the Senate; Talk with Your Senators About Your Views

Last winter, Congressional bills to restrict restraint/seclusion were introduced in House and Senate. Senator Chris Dodd introduced the Senate bill. As was the case with his work in restricting restraint and seclusion in hospitals in the wake of the Hartford Courant stories in the 1990s, he argued that Congress should restrict restraint and seclusion in schools. When he introduced the bill, he spoke strongly about the need to prevent torture in schools, and to protect all children. You can read Senator Dodd's statement here, dodd.senate.gov/?q=node/5368

The bill is called the S. 2860, Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act. The bill has now passed the House and is in the Senate. Typically, the first step for any bill is to determine whether changes are needed. Generally, changes will be made before the rest of the Senate acts on the bill. At this time, there is no definitive amendment language. Below are my thoughts on the bill and issues that can come into play.

Every bill has strengths and weaknesses.

Restraint/Seclusion Bill: Strengths. The Senate bill does a number of very good things. The bill bans the use of mechanical and chemical restraints, restraints that impede breathing, and aversives that compromise health and safety. It permits physical restraint and locked seclusion only when there is an imminent risk of physical injury, prohibiting it for educational disruptions and or other non-injurious conduct. It requires nation-wide data collection. It requires schools to inform parents that their child has been subject to restraint/seclusion within 24 hours. This is important because if parents don't know what has happened, they can't address it. The Roughly half the states have strong restraint and seclusion laws or regulations. Roughly half have weak or little protection. See www.wrightslaw.com/info/restraint.regs.tablea.pdf More strengths of the bill are laid out in an earlier Wrightslaw article, www.wrightslaw.com/info/restraint.hr4247.butler.htm
and on Senator Dodd's website, dodd.senate.gov/?q=node/5368, So, this bill would put a minimum floor of protection in those states that don't have laws or regulations to protect kids.

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WORKSHOP ON SELF-DETERMINATION AND SELF-ADVOCACY through Student-Led IEPs.

If your child has an IEP, come learn how to help them advocate for themselves at IEP Team Meetings

Tuesday, July 27 - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro

To register, call Kristina Brown at 893-2514.

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What is a Successful Transition to Adulthood?

When we discuss a positive transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities, what do we mean? Researchers and professionals sometimes take a limited view of transition success.
The goal of this survey is to understand what parents and individuals with disabilities themselves think is important in defining a positive transition to adulthood.
The results of this survey may be used to identify aspects of the adult transition that researchers should be aware of when evaluating adult outcomes, and that professionals should take into account when identifying and designing services to meet the needs of transition-aged youth with disabilities.

Who should take the survey?

-Parents of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
-Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Click here to take the survey. redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/index.php?hash=a9813e9550fee3110373c21fa012eee7

Your answers cannot be linked back to you. You may skip any question, except the one that provides your consent. Principal Investigator: Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D.

Please share this opportunity to shape policy and research!

Lynnette Henderson, PhD
IDDRC Research Registry and Recruitment Coordinator
UCEDD Associate Director of Community Services
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Research Assistant Professor in Pediatrics
Division of Developmental Medicine
Peabody Box 40
230 Appleton Place
Nashville, TN 37203-5721
MRL 235
[phone]
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/StudyFinder
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/RFP
tinyurl.com/vkcfacebook

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The Arc Launches National Disability Needs Survey
FINDS – Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports

Washington, DC - (July 21, 2010) As we pause to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Arc recognizes that there has been significant progress made on behalf of people with disabilities. There is more still to be done, however, and The Arc is initiating a national effort to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community.
Our goal is to assist the sector in determining needs for services and supports. This survey—The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) —will enable those in the field to better understand what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are needed.
The Arc FINDS launches July 21 and will be accessible until September 1 to all families and individuals with I/DD, both in and outside of The Arc’s chapter network. Dissemination of the survey to a broad range of disability and caregiving networks across the country and throughout our allied organizations will maximize the survey’s reach and findings.
“The Arc FINDS will capture the perceptions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, as well as those of their families and caregivers. The results will provide us with a much-needed candid and current view on issues concerning the needs for disability supports across the life span,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
“We are committed to finding a meaningful way to involve the population we serve in determining the services provided and gauging the successful delivery of these services—just as any business would involve its consumer network through an open market-research style survey. We’re thrilled to be promoting FINDS in collaboration with other top disability organizations focused on those with intellectual and development disabilities,” Berns said.
Ann Cameron Caldwell, Chief Research and Innovations Officer for The Arc, is directing the survey and its evaluation. “The information gleaned from the survey will help identify—and document—nationally, by state and locally what families want in terms of needed services and supports. This information, including personal stories, will be valuable in informing and supporting ongoing program development, advocacy and policy work,” said Dr. Caldwell, who is the parent of a teenager with Down syndrome.
Questions are being asked in areas of advocacy, education, transition, employment, housing, community participation, civic engagement/voting, transportation, caregiving, and demographics. It is written to allow for both the perspective of individuals with I/DD, as well as their parents/caregivers. It also assumes for the differences in service and supports required at different stages of life.
Options are in place for respondents to contribute personal stories about their experiences with contact information to support advocacy efforts here in Washington.

The vehicle for collection will be an online survey that respondents can link to electronically through The Arc’s website: www.thearc.org. There is no cost to participate and all responses will be confidential; it will take respondents about 30 minutes to complete the survey. The survey may also be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/TheArcFinds2010

This information will be shared initially at The Arc’s National Convention (November 3 - 6, 2010 in Orlando, Florida), as well as publicly on The Arc’s website.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hart, Director, Media Relations, at 202.534.3712 or at [e-mail]

About The Arc

The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities, from any of hundreds of specific syndromes and neurological conditions throughout their lifetimes. Together with our network of 730 state and local chapters, as well as our individual members, we support their full inclusion and participation in their communities and influence public policy. For more information, please visit www.thearc.org

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The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is pleased to announce a new program that offers peer support to people supporting adults with disabilities.

The Families United Network (FUN) is a volunteer-based free telephone support network designed to offer peer support and information to parents, siblings, or other caregivers who are providing support for adults with disabilities.

How does FUN work? Callers are matched with trained peer partners who have experience in the areas in which the caller has concerns. Information and support is provided over the telephone.

Who are the peer partners? Peer partners are:

· Current Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Community Advisory Council members (in Nashville and Memphis areas)
· Parents, siblings, or other family members
· Parents who have been the beneficiary of peer support and who have completed training

For more information, contact Carol Rabideau [phone], [e-mail]

Thank you,

Courtney Taylor, M.Div.
Associate Director of Communications and Dissemination
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
230 Appleton Place, Peabody Box 40
Nashville, TN 37203
[phone]

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New Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Clinic Provides Academic Assessments For Students With Learning Difficulties

The Learning Assessment Clinic, offered through the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, provides academic assessments for students ages 5-25 who are experiencing academic learning difficulties. kc.vanderbilt.edu/site/services/page.aspx?id=2231
Because every child has unique patterns of cognitive strengths and challenges that affect school performance, strategies to overcome learning problems need to be modified to fit individual needs. The goal of the academic assessment is to help families understand their child’s unique pattern of abilities across an array of skills including motor coordination, handwriting, reading, listening, verbal and visual learning, planning, use of strategies, and working memory.
"The Learning Assessment Clinic is here to help families find answers about why their child is not doing well in school and what can be done to help,” said Sheryl Rimrodt, M.D., Clinic faculty director. “By having experts from specialties in medicine, education, and psychology working together on the evaluation, this clinic gives a rich, multidimensional picture of the child's strengths and challenges in skills that affect learning and school performance."
The initial time commitment for parents and students is a full work day and a 1-hour return visit for parents 2 weeks after the assessment.
Parents receive a multidisciplinary written report including interpretation and recommendations specific to their child. Parents may choose to share the reports with teachers, IEP committees, school districts, therapists, tutors, and/or medical professionals to assist parents in advocating for their child’s educational needs
The Clinic is directed by Dr. Sheryl Rimrodt. She is an assistant professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Developmental Medicine at Vanderbilt University and holds a secondary appointment in Special Education at Peabody College.
Clinic specialists also include Laurie Cutting, Ph.D., Patricia and Rodes Hart Associate Professor of Special Education; Associate Professor of Psychology, Radiology, and Pediatrics; and Jaime Below, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.

For more information, contact: [e-mail], [phone].

Thank you,

Courtney Taylor, M.Div.
Associate Director of Communications and Dissemination
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
230 Appleton Place, Peabody Box 40
Nashville, TN 37203
[phone]

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The Traumatic Brain Injury Program will be hosting a retreat on September 13-14 at Montgomery Bell State Park Conference Center. The retreat is intended for service providers to increase knowledge of services in the community for brain injury survivors. This event is free but you must register to attend.

Rachel Heitmann
Tennessee Department of Health
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
615-532-7770

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Help us celebrate!! ASA-ETC is now sponsoring programs outside the Knoxville metro area, so help us spread the news widely:

AUGUST 3, 2010 – ASA-ETC is hosting a STEP Workshop on Introduction to Basic Rights on Tuesday, 8/3/10 from 6 – 9pm at West Park Baptist Church (Modular classrooms), 8833 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 (Knox County). Workshop is free, but you must RSVP to ensure sufficient training materials. Flyer attached, RSVP to: [e-mail] or [phone].

AUGUST 10, 2010 – ASA-ETC is hosting a STEP Workshop on Introduction to Basic Rights on Tuesday, 8/10/10 from 5 – 8pm, in Cherokee Health Systems Conference room at: 6350 West Andrew Johnson Highway, Talbott, TN 37877 (Hamblen County). Workshop is free, but you must RSVP to ensure sufficient training materials. Flyer attached, RSVP to: [e-mail] or [phone].

AUGUST 10, 2010 -- ASA-ETC is really excited to have our awesome theater troupe – Caritas Players, back again this August for "Into the Woods"! A special performance (Act 1 Dress Rehearsal) will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 7:30pm for all children and adults with disabilities and their families. Location: Hardin Valley Academy, 1135 Hardin Valley Rd., Knoxville, TN 37932. This performance is FREE, flyer attached. Please join us!!

AUGUST 12 – 15 & AUG 19 – 22, 2010 – ASA-ETC is really excited to have our awesome theater troupe – Caritas Players, back again this August for "Into the Woods"! All play performances will be at Hardin Valley Academy, 1135 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville, TN 37932. All performances are free, but a suggested donation of $10 per person will be collected at all regular performances. Performance dates and times are: Thursday 8/12/10 at 7:30pm, Friday 8/13/10 at 7:30pm, Saturday 8/14/10 at 7:30pm, Sunday 8/15/10 at 2:00pm, Thursday 8/19/10 at 7:30pm, Friday 8/20/10 at 7:30pm, Saturday 8/21/10 at 2:00pm, and Sunday 8/22/10 at 2:00pm. Flyer is attached, so please help us spread the word to your family, friends and other groups!!!!!

AUGUST 28, 2010 – ASA-ETC’s first Friendship Club of Tri-Cities activity is an Elizabethton Twins Baseball Game!! This event begins at 7pm at the Joe O’Brien Field, 208 North Holly Lane, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (Carter County). The Baseball Team is reserving a special section for us, so families must RSVP for this event. Flyer atached with more details. Event is Free if you RSVP by August 25th to: Angela Presnell at: [phone]. This is going to be an awesome event, so come and join us!!!
--
Brook Dickerson
Executive Director, ASA-ETC
2890 Alcoa Highway
Knoxville, TN 37920
[phone] Phone/Fax
[e-mail]
www.asaetc.org

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Transitioning to Adult Services, Conservatorships, Special Needs Trusts, & Financial Planning for Your Child’s Future

Join us:

WHERE? Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241, 21st & Edgehill, Nashville, TN 37203
WHEN? August 31, 2010 @ 6:30pm

Sponsored by Family Voices of Tennessee, a project of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Capital Financial Group, LLC and James E. Maurer and Associates.

Planning for your youth’s future is important for families of special needs children and youth. Because families are so busy just looking after the day-to-day needs of their children, transition needs and financial planning are often overlooked. The financial planners at Capital Financial Group understand the challenges facing families of children with special needs and, therefore, want to offer this workshop on beginning the financial planning process.

In this special joint session, Family Voices of Tennessee will offer information, tips and tools regarding the transition from pediatric to adult services, Capital Financial Group, LLC will cover topics of financial planning, and James E. Maurer & Associates will provide information on special needs trusts and conservatorships. Their free advice will prove to be essential as you begin to make these significant decisions.

This special event is FREE to the entire community!

Please register with Family Voices of Tennessee (615-515-8628) or [e-mail]

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WANTED: The East Tennessee Technology Access Center, a regional nonprofit technology resource center for people with disabilities, is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities to establish "Next Chapter Book Clubs" in several counties in East Tennessee. The purpose of the Next Chapter Book Clubs is to promote socialization and inclusion of people with disabilities in community settings through reading of books.



ETTAC is recruiting volunteers to facilitate book clubs in Knox, Blount and Sevier Counties, as well as adults with disabilities who might like to participate. For more information, please contact Marsha at [phone].

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Info from Partners grad, and master hand-cyclist, Dennis Clark:

On August 21, and 22, there will be an Oak Ridge Handcycle Omnium consisting of three handcycle races, a 20 mile Road Race, 8 mile Time Trial and a 30 minute Criterium.
Although open to everyone who rides a handcycle, resident Tennessee handcyclists will be competing for the 2010 Tennessee Handcycle Championship (male and female divisions).

If anyone is interested, more information can be found at
HowToAdapt.com/Omnium/Omnium.shtml
or they can call me at
865 705-1827 (cell phone).

We expect about 25 handcyclists and 450 bicyclists who will compete at the same time in the Methodist Medical Center Velo Classic - open to everyone who bicycles. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

cheers,
Dennis