AUGUST DISABILITIES THREAD

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

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

This is your one chance a year to take your family to Nashville Shores at 40% off the regular ticket price! Call an ASMT Parent Representative at 615-385-2077, ext. 1 to reserve your tickets today!

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August 26th - ASMT Workshop - Sticks, Stones, and Other Things That Hurt
-Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241
-6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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Nashville Children’s Theatre is excited about offering theatre classes specifically designed for children ages 8-14 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We have adapted our immensely popular Theatre Voyagers Series into a six-week session where 2 teaching artists, six children on the spectrum and two peer models (typically developing young people of the same age) will work to adapt an original play to be presented to friends and family on the final day of class. In order to participate, children must be able to effectively communicate in either verbal or non-verbal means and be toilet-trained. Participants will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis with consideration given to create a successful class dynamic.

www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/camp_asd

Tracy L Pendergrass
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
1211 21st Ave S., Ste 539
Nashville, TN 37212
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
Website: www.familypathfinder.org
Toll Free: 1-800-640-4636
Latino Resources: www.caminoseguro.org

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The East Tennessee Technology Access Center is having a golf tournament August 24th at the Tennessee Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge. This golf course is the only one in the Greater Knoxville area that has Golf Express golf carts for people with physical disabilities who cannot stand to swing a club. These adapted carts are also built so they can go on the greens.

One of ETTAC’s sponsors is still holding two slots open on his team for any golfer with a physical disability who needs to use the Golf Express carts, to play at no charge in the tournament. Former Coach Philip Fulmer and former Denver Bronco football player Al Wilson and other members of the UT national championship football team will be playing in the tournament. If you need the adapted carts to play golf and wish to play in ETTAC’s tournament, please call [phone].

Golfers without disabilities and sponsors are still welcome to make the tournament successful. ETTAC is the region’s only nonprofit agency whose mission is to enable people with disabilities in 24 counties in East Tennessee to reach their full potential for functioning in the mainstream of society through innovative uses of technology.

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Saturday, August 28, 2010 - 6:30pm at Sound Kitchen Studios, 112 Seaboard Lane | Franklin, TN

Join us for an exciting evening of live musical entertainment, featuring a pairing of food and four wines from the Laird Family Estate. Hosted by Sound Kitchen Studios, this country club casual event is not to be missed!

Proceeds from Sip 'n Savor at The Kitchen benefit summer camps and programs at the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, providing support, information and education to more than 650 families in Middle Tennessee who have a member with Down syndrome.

Tickets on Sale Now - $125 Individual Tickets - $1000 Block of 10

For More Information: Call DSAMT at 615.386.9002 or email [e-mail]

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Tired of adults nattering on and on about what you should know about special education? Welcome to the SPED: Own It! webisodes! These webisodes explain the IEP process to youth and others who want the basics of special education from a youth perspective. Each month we will add a new webisode. Come back. Come often to see how David, a 15 year old with experience in special education, entertainingly describes special education with the help of his "special friend". The webisodes are intended to help teens like David learn to communicate better with their own IEP team.

The six SPED: Own It! webisodes are:

SPED: Own It! Why Bother
SPED: Own It! The Referral Process
SPED: Own It! Evaluation and Eligibility
SPED: Own It! The IEP
SPED: Own It! Monitoring and Review
SPED: Own It! Resources and Meet David

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crossville-chronicle.com/local/x1255112728/BOE-approves-fees-for-daycare-program

July 29, 2010

BOE approves fees for daycare program - By Heather Mullinix Assistant editor

The Cumberland County Board of Education approved a fee schedule for care at the new Tennessee Early Intervention System daycare located on the grounds of the Central Office.

According to Keena Inman, director of special education, TEIS provides funding for children with disabilities to attend daycare for 1/2 a day four days a week or two full days.

"We're trying to keep our services comparable with the services offered at Kids, Inc.," she said.

The fees would allow the program to offer extended child care services to the parents who may not have other child care option.

Fees are $15 for a half-day of daycare service and $30 for a full day. Three days of additional service is $90, while three days of pre-registered additional service is $75. There is a $5 fee per 15 minutes for late pick-up.

Discounted fees will be available to parents on an individual bases as determined by the administration and financial aid is available through private individuals and agencies.

Those fees are consistent with what was paid to Kids, Inc.

TEIS has partnered with the school system to provide daycare services to children with disabilities beginning at age 18 months until age three, when the school system becomes responsible for providing services.

Richard Janeway, 2nd District representative, moved to approve the fees, with Victor Randolph, 6th District representative, supporting the motion. It was unanimously approved.

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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].

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edexcellence.net/201007_state_education_standards_common_standards/Tennessee.pdf

This should lead you to the newest TN standards for special education.

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From the american association on intellectual & developmental disabilities.

SIGN UP FOR AN AAIDD WEBINAR (FREE) ON "INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORTS PLANNING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: APPLICATIONS TO STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY" ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2010
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is hosting the first of its best practices webinars based on the definition manual, Intellectual Disability: Definition, Classification, and Systems of Supports (Eleventh edition) on September 27th at 3:30 pm US EST. "Individualized supports planning in special education: Applications to students with intellectual disability", features authors Martha Snell, PhD and Karrie Shogren, PhD, and special education teacher Paula Fallon, M.Ed., as panelists. The webinar will focus on informing special education teachers and administrators how individualized supports planning can be used to build on the strengths, and address the challenges in social thinking that students with intellectual disability may experience.

Register for the webinar. Learn more about Intellectual Disability at www.aaidd.org/intellectualdisabilitybook.

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Traumatic Brain Injury Retreat 2010

When: September 13, 12pm-4pm and September 14, 8:15am-12pm
Where: Montgomery Bell State Park, 1020 Jackson Hill Rd, Burns, TN 37029

The Traumatic Brain Injury Program is hosting a retreat for service provider's that work with survivors of traumatic brain injury. This educational event is intended for social workers, case managers, educators, therapists, and anyone else interested in learning more about traumatic brain injury. The event is free and will be held at Montgomery Bell Inn and Conference Center.

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

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The Next Chapter Book Club is coming to Middle Tennessee

· Each week across the United States, groups of adolescents and adults, with a wide range of reading abilities, gather with two trained volunteers in local bookstores and cafés to read. Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) members are learning, making friends, and having a lot of fun doing it!

· The Arc (disAbility Resource Center) is hosting a half-day training workshop for anyone who would like to get involved in this exciting program.

· NCBC staff from The Ohio State University Nisonger Center will conduct the workshop, which includes an extensive overview of the NCBC model and a demonstration book club so you can see a Next Chapter Book Club in action.

Next Chapter Book Club Training Workshop
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
9:00 am until 1:00 pm (Brown Bag Lunch)
Williamson County Community Services Building
129 West Fowlkes Street, Franklin TN 37064

· If you would like to attend this workshop, or if you would like more information, please contact Rita Dozier at 472-5010 or [e-mail]

(Funded by a grant from the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities)

Fun · Lifelong Learning · Friends

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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.

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 found at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/TheArcFinds2010

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.

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]

The TN Statewide Needs Survey continues and can be accessed here:

Click to take the survey: tinyurl.com/ofnbov

Participant Criteria

Adults with or without disabilities
Parents of children with disabilities
Adults who work with persons with disabilities
People who care about the welfare of people with disabilities

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www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20100727/NEWS01/100727017

5 CMCSS administrators appointed to new positions

Submitted by Chris Smith • July 27, 2010

Five Clarksville-Montgomery County School System administrators have been named to fill open positions in the district, according to a news release Tuesday from the school system.
They include: Bryan Johnson as assistant principal of West Creek High School. Johnson has served as a special educator at Northeast High School, where he has served as head football coach. He also previously worked at Clarksville High, where he was a special education teacher and head of the boys track coach and assistant football coach. He earned he doctorate in educational leadership and professional practice from Trevecca Nazarene University and his M.A. in special education at Belmont University. He earned a
bachelor’s degree in business administration from Austin Peay State University. He replaces Bart Dixon, who was named principal of Kenwood Middle School.

Laura Boss as assistant principal of Richview Middle School. Boss has spent 12 years teaching students from the inner cities of New Jersey to schools in CMCSS. She most recently has served as a sixth grade math teacher at West Creek Middle School and she previously worked as a teacher at Byrns Darden Elementary. She earned her M.A. in education, administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix and her B.A. in elementary education and American studies at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J. She will fill the position which opened when Lisa Clark was named principal of Richview.

Michael T. Higley as assistant principal of Kenwood Middle School. Higley earned his M.A. in leadership education, administration and supervision, and a B.A. in interdisciplinary education from Austin Peay. For the past eight years, he has served as a technology integration coach in CMCSS and previously worked as a computer technology teacher at Kenwood Middle and an educator at Kenwood. He replaces Kim Sigears who was named at-risk coordinator for CMCSS.

Jean Luna as half time assistant principal at Kenwood High School. For the past 13 years, she
has educated children in the states of Iowa, Washington and North Carolina, most recently
working as a first grade teacher at Sango Elementary. She earned her master’s degree in
educational administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona and her B.A. in
elementary education from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Although her most recent
assignment has been in an elementary school, her previous appointments have been in a middle and intermediate school. Luna fills the half time assistant principal position opened as a result of Christi Fordham being named lead administrator of the new STEM Academy at Kenwood High. She also will fill a half time teaching position at Kenwood.

Robin Hammer as coordinator of exception children. She will be responsible for pre-k and
elementary special education services. She has served as supervisor of special programs in
Houston County Schools since 2001 and previously worked as a school psychologist and preschool special educator. She earned her Ed.S. with an emphasis in school psychology from Austin Peay State University. She earned her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University and her B.S. in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At Vanderbilt, she was the recipient of the Autism Training Grant. She has presented at numerous state conferences. She replaces Linda Brake who is working with special education students at the Alternative School.

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mikulski.senate.gov/Newsroom/PressReleases/record.cfm?id=327082Mikulski, Enzi Applaud Passage of Rosa's Law. Bill strikes “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from federal education, health & labor laws

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski (D- Md.) announced that her bill introduced to eliminate the terms “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from federal education, health and labor laws passed the Senate on Thursday night by unanimous consent. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Environment, Labor and Pensions Committee, was one of the original co-sponsors.

“This bill was driven by a passion for social justice and a compassion for the human condition,” Senator Mikulski said.

The inspiration for the law came from the actions of a family in Edgewater, Maryland. Last year, a mother of four named Nina Marcellino found out her youngest daughter, Rosa, a child with Down syndrome, had been labeled retarded at school. Nina didn’t allow the R-word in her house, and none of her children described their sister that way. Nina teamed up with other parents and her state delegate to introduce a bill to change the terminology in Maryland state law. Before the bill was brought up for consideration in the Maryland General Assembly, they held a hearing on the implications of changing the term.

There were several witnesses at that hearing, but the testimony that had the greatest impact was given by an 11-year-old boy: Rosa’s brother, Nick. “What you call people is how you treat them,” Nick said. “What you call my sister is how you will treat her. If you believe she’s ‘retarded,’ it invites taunting, stigma. It invites bullying and it also invites the slammed doors of being treated with respect and dignity.”

Senator Mikulski met Nina at a roundtable discussion on special education last April. Nina told the Senator about Rosa’s Law and their plans to bring it up for consideration in the state Assembly. Senator Mikulski promised Nina that if the state law passed the Assembly, she’d take it to the Senate floor. Two weeks later, Rosa’s Law was unanimously approved by the General Assembly and then signed into law by Governor O’Malley.

Rosa’s Law changes the phrase “mentally retarded” to “an individual with an intellectual disability” in health, education and labor law. It makes the language in federal law consistent with that used by the Centers for Disease Control, the health arm of the United Nations, and the White House through the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

“The bill is simple in nature but profound in what it will do when it is enacted,” Senator Enzi said. “For far too long we have used hurtful words like ‘mental retardation’ or ‘MR’ in our federal statutes to refer to those living with intellectual disabilities. While the way people feel is important, the way people are treated is equally important. Rosa’s Law will make a greatly-needed change that should have been made well before today – and it will encourage us to treat people the way they would like to be treated.”

The Marcellinos story is a perfect example of effective citizen advocacy,” Senator Mikulski said. “They pulled together to pull us all to another way of thinking. They fought for the respect and dignity of a loved one. The more than 6 million people with intellectual disabilities in America deserve that same respect and dignity.”

A similar bill has been introduced in the House and has 63 cosponsors. The law does not affect any services, rights, responsibilities or educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

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Thursday, August 19, 2010
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Room 241 Kennedy
Center/MRL Bldg
Vanderbilt University

Advocacy Services Tennessee Disability Pathfinder Community Education Series
• Where can individuals seek information about the ADA and other disability policies?
• Where can families who have low incomes seek legal assistance in accessing health care?
• Where can individuals seek assistance in filing discrimination complaints?
• Where can individuals seek assistance when denied access to services?
• Where can individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities seek support to
become better self-advocates?
• Where can individuals seek assistance in accessing mental health services?
If you are looking for answers to these questions and more, please come to the next Pathfinder Education Series. Speakers will discuss services their agencies provide related to
advocacy services in the Middle Tennessee community.
Audience: For service providers and family members in the Middle Tennessee area
Sponsor: Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Registration: Pre-registration is required for providers at: www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/register
Information: Call [phone] or email [e-mail]
Fee: Training is free of charge
Location: See map www.kc.vanderbilt.edu

8:30 a.m. Networking and Coffee
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
9:10 a.m. Carole Westlake - Tennessee Disability Coalition
9:30 a.m. Jennifer Tlumak - Tennessee Justice Center
9:50 a.m. Tiffany Baker-Cox - Tennessee Human Rights Commission
10:10 a.m. Break
10:25 a.m. Shirley Shea - Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee
10:45 a.m. Carrie Guiden - The Arc of Tennessee
11:05 a.m. Tom Starling - Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee
11:30 a.m. Wrap Up

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Fall Conference Registration Now Open! conference.tnautism.org

"Improving Educational, Social, and Behavioral Functioning in Students with
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism: The ECLIPSE Model" Sherry Moyer, MSW

September 25, 2010 @ Martin Professional Development Center
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Unlike more traditional "social skills" programs, the ECLIPSE Model seeks to improveperformance of global skills or the human "operating system" that can make or break socialand behavioral functioning across all areas of life. The ECLIPSE Model is an evidence-based approach to the underlying neurological deficits of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS),High Functioning Autism (HFA) and related disorders.

This workshop will provide an overview of global skill profiles in young people with AS or HFA and the ways in which they influence social, cognitive, academic, adaptive and vocational performance. Highlights also include specific interventions to support improved self-regulation/modulation of behavior, causal attribution, abstract thinking, shift/mental flexibility and problem solving. For more information, visit conference.tnautism.org.

Registration is now available on-line! conference.tnautism.org

(September 17th Deadline - $15 fee for late registrations)

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Volunteer State Rehabilitation Association Annual Training Conference “THINK EMPLOYMENT!”
Thursday, September 23, 2010 @ Tennessee Rehabilitation Center GYM, 460 Ninth Avenue, Smyrna, Tennessee

REGISTRATION FEE: $35.00 (Includes Training and Lunch)
$18.50 (Students, Includes Training and Lunch)

8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Opening
8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Beverlee J. Stafford, Ex Dir, NRA
9:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Break (Opening: Silent Auction)
9:45 a.m.-11:30 p.m. General Ethics Session
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch: Guest Speaker: Beverlee J. Stafford
(Catered lunch included in registration fee)
1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. *Concurrent Sessions (4)
2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Break (Silent Auction closes at 2 p.m.)
2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Closing Comments: Andrea Cooper, DHS DRS Assist. Commissioner

*Employment topics for concurrent session will include: Intellectual Disabilities & Postsecondary Ed, Career Centers, TRC Project Walk (SCI program), and Autism Spectrum Disorders ***Approved for CRC Credit
Please mail a completed registration form and $35.00 check (Student-$18.50) payable to VSRA to: VSRA
Attention: Amy L. Skinner, Ph.D.
UT-Knoxville, A525 Bailey Education Bldg.
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3452

*REMEMBER TO REGISTER EARLY….THERE WILL BE NO ONSITE REGISTRATION*

****REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010 ***

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Volunteers Needed for Next Chapter Book Club



The deadline is approaching to sign up for training as a Next Chapter Book Club Facilitator!



Volunteers are needed to facilitate "Next Chapter Book Clubs" in Middle 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. Next Chapter Book Club meetings are held once per week at local book stores. The Arc of Williamson County is recruiting volunteer facilitators as well as adults with disabilities who might like to participate. Volunteer facilitators will receive training and support from the national Next Chapter Book Club organization. For more information, please contact DSAMT at 615.386.9002 or [e-mail].

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Sip 'n Savor at the Kitchen

Saturday, August 28, 6:30pm

Don't miss Sip 'n Savor at the Kitchen, an exciting evening of live music, entertainment, and a wine tasting featuring a pairing of food and 4 wines from the Laird Family Estate. Hosted by Sound Kitchen Studios in Franklin, this country-club casual event is not to be missed! For more information and tickets, go to the Sip 'n Savor registration page by clicking the link here: dsamt.ejoinme.org/MyPages/SipnSavorRegistration/tabid/222446/Default.aspx

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Circle of Friends is Back! Saturday, August 28, 9am - 2pm

After a break for the summer, Circle of Friends is ready to start up again! Individuals with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities, ages 12 and up, are invited to join us one Saturday each month for a full day of fellowship and fun activities including Tae Kwon Do, Art and more.

Mark your calendars for these 2010 Circle of Friends dates!
August 28, September 25, October 23 (at the Buddy Walk!), November 13, December 11

Circle of Friends meets in Goodpasture Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 3900 West End Ave. in Nashville. The fee for Circle of Friends is now $10, and participants should bring a lunch. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Email Erin Kice at [e-mail] or call DSAMT at 386-9002 to register or for more information.

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Free Retreat Weekends available for families with children who have disabilities

Families may qualify for a free retreat at the recently completed Barren Heights Christian Retreat Center in Scottsville, Kentucky. Please review the enclosed information to determine if you would like to gather additional information or apply for a retreat session. Located near Barren River Lake in south central Kentucky, the facility is run by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Barren Heights Christian Retreat Center, Inc. The campus was built for the primary purpose of hosting mini-vacation style retreats for families who have one or more children with a physical or developmental disability. The retreats are free for qualified families.

Who… Barren Heights welcomes families who have a child or children with disabilities. Retreats are hosted by Board Members and other volunteers. The Retreat accepts applications on a first come first served basis.

What… Guest families will be invited to the retreat at no cost. Focus will be placed on quality family time, recreation, cooperation and the natural setting. Time will be allotted for group activities, individual family activities and worship. Seasonal options may include boating, fishing, archery, tennis and more.

When… Retreat sessions will be held from May through October. These retreats will run Friday through Sunday.

Where… Barren Heights retreat is nestled atop the gentle rolling hills of Allen County Kentucky, near Barren River Lake.

You can read an article about the retreats by DSAMT parent Anara Midgett in Able 2 Able at www.able2able.com/2010/06/go-to-barren-heights-its-worth-it.html. For more information about the retreat, including qualifications, applications and schedules, go to www.barrenheights.com/

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ASMT was awarded a one-year grant contract with the State of TN, Department of Education to produce Autism Orientation training events across the state of Tennessee, funded by the American Recovery and Investment Act funds. ASMT will be partnering with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), the Autism Society of East Tennessee, and the Autism Society of the MidSouth to produce these events. These organizations will be scheduling 27 Autism Orientations across the state between August 2010 and September 2011.

Autism Orientations are informational sessions about autism spectrum disorders that are conducted by an autism specialist and a parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. These events are for parents of newly diagnosed children, grandparents, caregivers, educators, therapists, psychologists, pediatricians, other medical professionals, and other interested community members.

In these sessions, attendees learn the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), how ASD affects behavior, implications for learning and interventions, and a parent's perspective on intervention and family support services in the community.

With the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders at an incredible 1 in 110, autism is having a significant impact on our society. Over the years, ASMT has found that the Autism Orientation provides guidance and direction, connections to community supports, exposure to intervention options, and ultimately sets the foundation for positive outcomes for individuals with ASD.

ASMT, the Autism Society of East Tennessee, and the Autism Society of the MidSouth thank the Tennessee Early Intervention System and the TN Department of Education for this opportunity to partner with them in service to the TN autism community.

For more information, contact ASMT at 615-385-2077 or [e-mail].

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Dear Artists:

On behalf of VSA arts Tennessee (www.vsaartstennessee.org), I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide a piece or pieces of art for our annual online auction that will take place Nov. 1-14, 2010. The auction is VSA Art TN's only statewide fundraiser. Many young people in our community have benefited from VSA's programs, some of which are outlined below, but we are working hard to introduce many others to the opportunities available to them through VSA.

Including items in the auction is a wonderful way to help insure more young people in our community have the opportunity to express themselves through the arts. Regarding the auction, we send information out about the items and their donors via email blasts and list them on our website and the items and donors receive exposure across the state for the donation as our email list includes companies, schools, organizations that serve people with disabilities, artists and legislators, and of course, any donated item is tax deductible. Artists have two options for participating in the auction: donate art outright, in which case, it should be shipped to VSA Arts TN to the attention of Lori Kissinger along with the donation form, and with an image and description emailed to Pam Weston at [e-mail] ; or the art may be offered contingent on the sale of the item during the auction, in which case, that information should be denoted on the auction form and emailed along with an image and description to [e-mail] .

Thank you in advance for considering my request and for helping us help emerging artists in East Tennessee. More information about VSA Arts TN in East Tennessee follows in a note from Lori Kissinger, VSA Arts TN Director. Also attached is a donor form if you would be willing to assist with this.

Again, thank you so very much for considering my request and I look forward to hearing from you soon!.

Sincerely,

Pamela Weston
VSA Arts TN volunteer assistant
[phone] or [e-mail] :

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Fall Conference Registration Now Open! conference.tnautism.org

"Improving Educational, Social, and Behavioral Functioning in Students with
Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism: The ECLIPSE Model"

Sherry Moyer, MSW September 25, 2010 @ Martin Professional Development Center
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Unlike more traditional "social skills" programs, the ECLIPSE Model seeks to improveperformance of global skills or the human "operating system" that can make or break socialand behavioral functioning across all areas of life. The ECLIPSE Model is an evidence-based approach to the underlying neurological deficits of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS),High Functioning Autism (HFA) and related disorders.

This workshop will provide an overview of global skill profiles in young people with AS or HFA and the ways in which they influence social, cognitive, academic, adaptive and vocational performance. Highlights also include specific interventions to support improved self-regulation/modulation of behavior, causal attribution, abstract thinking, shift/mental flexibility and problem solving. For more information, visit conference.tnautism.org.
Registration is now available on-line! conference.tnautism.org

(September 17th Deadline - $15 fee for late registrations)

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Education Events

**August 26th - ASMT Workshop: Sticks, Stones, and Other Things That Hurt
-Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241 @ -6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

**September 16th: Autism Orientation
-Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Room 241 @ -6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

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

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 (615-515-8626) or [e-mail]

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ASMT was awarded a one-year grant contract with the State of TN, Department of Education to produce Autism Orientation training events across the state of Tennessee, funded by the American Recovery and Investment Act funds. ASMT will be partnering with the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS), the Autism Society of East Tennessee, and the Autism Society of the MidSouth to produce these events. These organizations will be scheduling 27 Autism Orientations across the state between August 2010 and September 2011.

Autism Orientations are informational sessions about autism spectrum disorders that are conducted by an autism specialist and a parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. These events are for parents of newly diagnosed children, grandparents, caregivers, educators, therapists, psychologists, pediatricians, other medical professionals, and other interested community members.

In these sessions, attendees learn the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), how ASD affects behavior, implications for learning and interventions, and a parent's perspective on intervention and family support services in the community.

With the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorders at an incredible 1 in 110, autism is having a significant impact on our society. Over the years, ASMT has found that the Autism Orientation provides guidance and direction, connections to community supports, exposure to intervention options, and ultimately sets the foundation for positive outcomes for individuals with ASD.

ASMT, the Autism Society of East Tennessee, and the Autism Society of the MidSouth thank the Tennessee Early Intervention System and the TN Department of Education for this opportunity to partner with them in service to the TN autism community.

For more information, contact ASMT at 615-385-2077 or [e-mail].

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The Wonder of Me: Learning to Self-Advocate from Kindergarten to Careers

Friday, September 17, 2010 • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tarter Student Activity Center at Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210

Congratulations to Dr. Shore who has been invited to sit on the President’s Committee on Intellectual Disabilities and the Department of Defense.

Whether ordering a meal or trying to get the career opportunity of a lifetime, at some point in our lives everyone has to advocate for their own needs and disclose the reasons why. Beginning with a definition of self-advocacyand a process for considering disclosure, participants will learn the importance of gaining self-awareness, communication skills, and procedures to effectively educate people with autism on obtaining accommodations and greater mutual understanding. Beginning with the youngest moving into adulthood, the material from this workshop can be used to enable persons with autism and other conditions reach their potential. This workshop will assist them in preparing for fulfilling and productive lives in school, employment, post-secondary education, relationships, interdependent living, and in the community.

About Dr. Stephen Shore: Diagnosed with “Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies” and “too sick” for outpatient treatment, Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practices to the needs of people with autism.
Please visit www.AutismAsperger.net for more information on Dr. Shore and a list of his publications.

A community-wide event for the Transparency Project -an Asperger’s Support Program which is a collaboration between the Center for Understanding and ARC of Williamson County and Trevecca Nazarene University. For overnight guests, a block of rooms have been reserved UNTIL August 26 at the Nashville Airport Marriott located at 600 Marriott Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, 615.889.9300 at a rate of $79.00 plus tax ASK FOR CFA AUTISM TRAINING . Registration Fees: Professional $95, Family of someone with ASD $75, Person with ASD $35 Payment via check, money order, or PayPal for credit cards.
NO credit card payments at the door. To pay using a credit card and PayPal, please visit www.centerforunderstanding.net. Contact our office for details regarding discounts for groups of 4 or more.

A Box Lunch may be ordered for an additional $15 and by reservation only.
• No food orders can be honored if received after Sept. 10.
* To maximize time to explore the book store and network, participants are encouraged to purchase a box lunch or bring a small cooler.

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6th Annual Disability Services and the Hispanic Community
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 @ 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Fifty Forward, Knowles Senior Center, 174 Rains Avenue, Nashville
Registration: Pre-registration is required at: www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration
Fees: $20 Before November 3/$30 After November 3
Fees cover a Mexican cuisine lunch and workshop materials. Fees paid after November 3
must be paid the day of the Conference and only by cash or check. Please make advance checks payable to: Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Hispanic Conference. Checks may be mailed to: Heidi Holstein-Edwards, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Peabody Box 74,
Nashville, TN 37203. To pay by credit card, call [phone].
Parking: Free parking is available at the Knowles Senior Center
Sponsors: • Tennessee Disability Pathfinder • Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities • Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
For more information, contact: Carolina Meyerson [phone].

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BOOK LOVERS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: THE NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB IS COMING TO THE MEMPHIS CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

Each week across the United States, groups of adolescents and adults, with a wide range of reading abilities, gather with two trained volunteers in local bookstores and cafes to read. Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) members are learning, making friends and having a lot of fun doing it!

The Memphis Center for Independent Living is hosting a volunteer training workshop for anyone who would like to get involved in this exciting program. No experience is necessary.

NCBC staff from The Ohio State University Nisonger Center will conduct the workshop, which includes an extensive overview of the NCBC model and a demonstration book club so you can see a Next Chapter Book Club in action.

NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB VOLUNTEER TRAINING WORKSHOP
Friday, AUGUST 27TH, 2010 @ 10:00-2:00 includes lunch

THE MEMPHIS CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
1633 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104

RSVP: You may call Pamela Momon at 901-726-6404 X 120 or email to Susanna Cullen at [e-mail]

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! For more information about Next Chapter Book Club go to: www.nextchapterbookclub.com