JANUARY 2011 Disabilities Thread

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

The Volunteer Advocacy Project
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Connections for Disability and Employment-University of Tennessee
LifeLine
East Tennessee State University
Support and Training for Exceptional Parents (STEP)
Susan Gray School
The Arc of Davidson County
The Arc of the Mid-South
The Arc of Williamson County
The University of Tennessee-Boling Center
The University of Tennessee at Martin
West Tennessee Healthcare

Spring 2011 Advocacy Project Application
kc.vanderbilt.edu/kennedy/vap/
The purpose of this project is to train volunteer advocates to provide instrumental and affective support to parents of children with disabilities. In this training, participants will learn more about special education law and advocacy strategies. At the end of the training, each participant will shadow an advocate at a special education meeting. Following graduation from the program, you will be linked with a family of a child with a disability. Each volunteer advocate is expected to work with, at least, four families, at the discretion of The Arc and STEP.

This is a comprehensive 12-week training to be held in the spring of 2011 (January 13th, January 20th, January 27th, February 3rd, February 10th, February 17th, February 24th, March 3rd, March 10th, March 17th, March 24th, and March 31st). Each training session will last 3 hours (beginning at 5:30PM (CST) and ending at 8:30PM (CST) and, in Eastern Tennessee, the training begins at 6:30PM and ends at 9:30PM, EST). The training will include a binder of materials including passages from: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, No Child Left Behind, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Additionally, the participants will be given copies of each training session’s powerpoints along with relevant materials. For each training session, the participant will be expected to read pertinent materials. The training will be held on the Vanderbilt campus in The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. The training will also be video-conferenced to other sites across the state.

Furthermore, there is a $30 charge to cover the cost of materials for the training.

We look forward to receiving your application to the Advocacy Project. You may e-mail your application to [e-mail]. The application is due by January, 5, 2011. If we receive applications, which outnumber the available spots, we will encourage those not participating in this training session to attend a future training session.

Thank you,

Meghan Burke
[e-mail]

The Volunteer Advocacy Project

Meghan Burke
[e-mail]
[phone]

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FREE Session on Special Needs Trusts, Conservatorships, and Financial Planning

Planning for a loved one's future is important for families of children with special needs. Because families are so busy just looking after the day-to-day needs of their children, transition needs and financial planning are often overlooked. In this special joint session, James E. Maurer & Associates will provide information on special needs trusts and conservatorships and Capital Financial Group, LLC will cover topics of financial planning. Their free advice will prove to be essential as you begin to make these significant decisions to plan for the future.

This FREE session is open to the community. It is sponsored and presented by Family Voices of Tennessee, a project of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, James E. Maurer & Associates, Capital Financial Group, LLC, and the Down Syndrome Association of West TN.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 22nd
Time: 9:30am - 12:00noon
Place: Jackson Center for Independent Living, 1981 Hollywood Dr. Jackson, TN

To register, for more information, or if special accommodations are needed, please contact Debbie Riffle at [e-mail] or 731-499-1065 or Treva Sease at [e-mail] or 901-233-6078

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Vocational Rehabilitation Contact Information:

Region 1
Susan Arwood, Regional Supervisor
905 Buffalo Street (zip, 37604-6719)
Post Office Box 2120 (mailing address)
Johnson City, Tennessee 37605-2120
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington

Region 2
Ruth Brock, Regional Supervisor
State Office Building
531 Henley Street, Suite 520
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Telephone/TTY: [phone]
Fax: [phone] or [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Union

***Region 3
Andy Bible, Regional Supervisor
311 East Martin Luther King Boulevard
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403-4126
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Bledsoe, Bradley, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Moore, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie

Region 4
Sandy Shepherd, Regional Supervisor
955 E. 20th Street
Cookeville, Tennessee 38501
Telephone/TTY: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White

Region 5
Diedra Sawyer, Regional Supervisor
88 Hermitage Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37210
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties Served: Davidson

Region 6
Pattye Fort, Regional Supervisor
6000 Trotwood Avenue
Columbia, Tennessee 38401
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Bedford, Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Rutherford, Wayne, Williamson, Wilson

Region 7
Sue Lesikar, Acting Regional Supervisor
Linda Randolph, Acting Regional Supervisor
Lowell Thomas State Office Building, Room 140, Box 15
225 Martin Luther King Boulevard
Jackson, Tennessee 38301
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Fayette, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Tipton

Region 8
Ken Arnold, Regional Supervisor
560 Benton Industrial Road
Camden, Tennessee 38320
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & TRCs Served: Benton, Carroll, Cheatham, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Montgomery, Obion, Robertson, Stewart, Weakley

Region 9
Annyce Luckett, Regional Supervisor
170 North Main Street, 3rd Floor
Memphis, Tennessee 38103-1820
Telephone/TDD: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Counties & Served: Shelby

Region 10 & Region 11
Patti Bell
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (10)
Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (11)
Tennessee Rehabilitation Center
460 Ninth Street
Smyrna, Tennessee 37167
Telephone: [phone], ext 289
Fax: [phone]
All Counties Served

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WHAT: The Tennessee Youth Leadership Forum is a 4-day leadership training for high school students with disabilities from across the state, sponsored by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities. Selected Student Delegates will participate in small group discussions, attend presentations by national and local speakers, tour the Capitol and meet with a Legislator. The goal is for students to learn to speak up for themselves, to begin giving serious thought to their lives after high school, and to develop skills related to becoming leaders in their communities.

WHEN: July 11-14, 2011

WHERE: in Middle Tennessee

COST: training, meals and sleeping rooms are covered by the program. Travel will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after the program.

HOW DOES ONE APPLY?

Students must complete the attached application in its entirety, which also includes essay responses and letters of recommendation. In addition, all applicants will be interviewed by phone or in person as part of the acceptance process. Application deadline is February 1, 2011.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

For any other information, or for a hard-copy of the application, please contact:

Ned Andrew Solomon
Director, YLF
615.532.6556
[e-mail]

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TAC (Technology Access Center of Middle TN) is having a rebate night at Sole Mio Restaurant on Tuesday, January 25, 2010. Fifty-percent (50%) of all food proceeds that evening will go to TAC.

TAC is a non-profit organization in Nashville that serves individuals with disabilities by promoting their independence in all aspects of life through the use of assistive technology.

Sole Mio is at 311 3rd Ave. S., Nashville, TN
Please call and make a reservation for between four and ten pm at 615-256-4013.

Evan J. Espey,
Outreach Coordinator
Technology Access Center
475 Metroplex Drive
Suite 301
Nashville, TN 37211
615-248-6733
(800)-368-4651
Fax: [phone]
www.tacnashville.org

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Special Education Invitation To VSA Tennessee’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

With Partnership from: The Arc of Tennessee, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Nashville Symphony

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 9:30am – 12:30pm Schermerhorn Nashville Symphony Hall

10 Hands-On Activity Stations 9:30-10:45 am

Nashville Symphony: Wind/Brass Instrument Petting Zoo
Nashville Symphony: Strings/Percussion Instrument Petting Zoo
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: Theater Activities and Costumes
Lipscomb University: Mask Making/Theater Activities
Middle Tennessee State University: 3 different visual art make and take stations
Deanne Collins: Dance and Movement
Sandy Conaster: Dulcimers
Bob Stagner: Percussion

3 Art Exhibitions by Young People with Disabilities open all day beginning at 9:30am

Footprints: “Art Shoes”
Out of Africa: International Art Exchange of art dolls
Heroes and Heroines: Super Hero Costumes

Performance 11am-12:30 - This performance will feature performers with disabilities including:

Estelle Condra: Internationally recognized storyteller
Company D: Dance Troup from Memphis
Tennessee School For the Blind Jazz Ensemble
Tammy Vice performing songs written by individuals in Next Steps at Vanderbilt
Angela Mosley: Piano and vocals

Other - There will be special guests to meet and greet and sign autographs

THIS PROGRAM IS FREE OF CHARGE!!!!

Funding Provided by: National Endowment For the Arts, CVS/Caremark, Tennessee Arts Commission, National Arts and Disability Center at the University of California Los Angeles, PCG Education, Memorial Foundation, Publix Supermarket Charities, Ozburn Hessey Logistics, First Tennessee Bank, the national office of VSA through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

VSA Tennessee 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Registration Form

Name of the School:
Contact Person:
Phone: Email:
Number of students: Grade or age range:
Number of Adults:
Number of Wheelchairs:
Special Accommodations Needed:
Do you have photo release forms on file for some of your students?
Can you designate through a sticker those who cannot be photographed?

*Photos are used for possible newspaper purposes, funding documentation and VSA TN files.

Please return this form by email, fax or regular mail by February 15, 2011 to:

VSA Tennessee
1210 Lake Rise Place
Gallatin TN 37066
[e-mail]
[phone] (fax)
[phone] (phone)

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To download the guide, go to www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure

For more resources, visit the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) website at www.ncwd-youth.info/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the Publisher: "The 411 on Disability Disclosure: A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities is designed for youth and adults working with them to learn about disability disclosure. This workbook helps young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social lives. Based on the premise that disclosure is a very personal decision, the Workbook helps young people think about and practice disclosing their disability.

The workbook does not tell a young person what to do. Rather, it helps them make informed decisions about disclosing their disability, decisions that will affect their educational, employment, and social lives."

The workbook is laid out with some pages of text (written at about an 11th grade level), followed by pages of questionnaires and other activities to help youth apply what they are reading to their lives. The workbook is available to view online for free in either PDF or Word formats.

-Information taken from the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability website, viewed on 12/18/10 (http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure)

Mary Jane Ware, MS, CRC
Transition Program Coordinator
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Citizens Plaza State Office Building, 14th Floor
400 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1403
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]

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How do 8-12 year-old children with Autism play?

Social play is important for children with autism spectrum disorders. We invite 8-12 year old boys and girls with autism or typical development to be part of our research about how children play together!

Participation involves 3 visits to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center:

Psychological Testing (1-2 hours), get $20
Social Interaction or play! (1 hour), get $20
Research MRI (2 hours), get gift cards for your child
A great way to learn about science and help other kids!

Compensation - Up to $40 and gift cards for the child

Visit Requirements - 3 visits

Contact Information

Blythe Corbett, Ph.D.
(615)-936-0280
[e-mail]

Principal Investigator: Blythe Corbett, Ph.D.

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
PMB 40
Edgehill AVe. and Magnolia Circle
Nashville, TN 37203-5721
MRL 235
[phone]
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/StudyFinder
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/RFP
tinyurl.com/vkcfacebook

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I am the director of the President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) at Austin Peay State University. This program focuses on leadership in the context of service and scholarship. This is a competitive and rigorous four-year program. Students who are admitted into PELP receive an annual scholarship of $3,000 and must complete a variety of service requirements in addition to maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5. They must also have a composite ACT score of at least 26.

Please feel free to share information about this exciting opportunity with any high school student in Tennessee. I would be more than happy to speak to students who are in the process of making decisions about college.

Thank you, - Matt Kenney

Matthew T. Kenney, Ph.D.
Interim Director, President’s Emerging Leaders Program
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, Tennessee 37044 U.S.A.
[e-mail]
931.221.6398

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Tennessee's Schools Report Card:


tn.gov/education/nclb/ayp/index.shtml

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Now is the time to plan on attending the Brain Injury Association of TN's and State TBI Program's Annual Statewide Brain Injury Conference. Send in registration and/or exhibitor/sponsorship forms and payment and make hotel reservations before the deadlines!

"THE ROAD TO HOPE"

Date: Friday, March 11, 2011
Location: Millenium Maxwell House Hotel, 2025 Rosa Parks Blvd, Nashville, Tn 37208
Keynote Speaker: “The Central Park Jogger” – Trisha Meili

Trisha Meili is the author of the best-selling memoir, I AM THE CENTRAL PARK JOGGER: A Story of Hope and Possibility. Her story is about resilience and the capacity of the human body and spirit to heal. It is a story of hope and possibility. It didn’t begin that way.

REGISTRATION INFO:

Early Bird Registration: Please send in your registration forms and money before February 11th to receive the early bird registration fees. Please send payment (check or money order) and registration form to:

Brain Injury Association of Tennessee
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available to Individuals with Brain Injury and their family members/caregivers. Please fill out and mark on the registration form "Requesting a Scholarship". Registration fee will be covered under the scholarship and for those traveling from out of town, scholarships will cover registration fee and one nights hotel stay.
Thank You to our scholarship sponsors: Council on Developmental Disabilities & Project Brain

Any questions, please contact me at 615-248-2541 or 1-877-757-2428 or email: [e-mail]
Website: www.BrainInjuryTN.org


Chattanooga Autism Center Conference – April 1st (Early Registration Ends February 15th)
chattanoogaautismcenter.com

Elaine Adams, CTRS
Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator
City of Chattanooga, Parks and Recreation Department
1254 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
423-697-1345
423-595-3314

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Wheelchair Basketball Pick-up games scheduled for Saturday mornings at Washington Hills Recreation Center.
Upcoming Dates: January 8, January 29, February 12, and February 26
Time: 10:00AM
Cost: Free
Contact: Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail]
*Offered in conjunction with SPARC.


Super Hoops Intramural basketball for individuals who have intellectual disabilities. Ages 12 and up.
When: Monday’s, January 24 - March 14
Time: Skill Level 1: 5:30PM - 6:30PM
Skill Level 2: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
*Call for registration and skill level placement.
Cost: $20.00 for the 8-week session.
Where: North Chattanooga Recreation Center
(406 May Street)
How: Call Lizzy at [phone] or
[e-mail].

Scenic City Adaptive Cycling Inclusive cycling program designed for individuals who have physical disabilities including visual impairments. Adaptive equipment is available. Rides will be scheduled on Monday's starting in April.
When: April 11 and April 25. More to be scheduled
Time: 6:00PM
Cost: Free
Where: Tennessee Riverpark
How: Contact Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail].

*Offered in conjunction with SPARC and Outdoor Chattanooga.

C.H.I.P.S. Golf Calling C.H.I.P.S. Golfers! Join us out on the course this fall for a round of golf. Participants must be able to play nine holes independently. *Must Register 3 days before scheduled date. C.H.I.P.S. Golf will also offer instructional time this spring for beginner golfers who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Contact us for more information.
Where: Brown Acres Golf Course
When: April 19, April 26, May 3, May 10, and May 17
Time: 5:30PM until dusk
Cost: $5 each date.
Contact: Elaine at [phone] or
[e-mail]

Climbing Higher Indoor adaptive rock climbing for individuals who have various disabilities.
Where: Urban Rocks Climbing Gym (1007 Appling St)
When: Thursdays, February 17 - March 17
Time: 4:00PM
Contact: Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail]
*Offered in conjunction with Urban Rocks, Rock/Creek, and Outdoor Chattanooga.

The Chattanooga Speeders
Currently Recruiting! Chattanooga’s first competitive Power Soccer team specifically for individuals who use power wheelchairs. Power Soccer is played by just about anyone who uses a power wheelchair! The only real requirement is that you are able to drive your chair with a good degree of control – for the safety of yourself and other players.
Local Tournament Dates -Come out and support our local championship team on January 15 at Shepherd Recreation Center and on March 26 (location TBA)!

For more information, contact Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail]

Chillin' Like Villains: Chillin’ Like Villains is a young adult social group for individuals who have various disabilities. We meet once a month at different locations around town, and do a variety of activities such as attend sporting events, potluck dinners, movies and much more.
RSVP is REQUIRED for all Events!

Chillin' Like Villains Spring Events

January - UTC Mocs Men's Basketball Game - Thursday, January 27 - 7:00PM - $5.00 per ticket - RSVP by 1/20 to Lizzy at [phone] or [e-mail].

February - Karaoke Pizza Party - Thursday, February 24 - 6:00PM - The Walker Pavilion at Coolidge Park - Cost: $5.00- RSVP and Song Request REQUIRED by 2/22 to Lizzy at [phone] or [e-mail].

March - Play - "A Year with Toad and Frog" - Chattanooga Theatre Center - March 11 - 7:30PM - $5.50 per ticket, ($2.00 parking) - RSVP by February 28 to Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail].

April - Rodeo Celebration at Eagle's Rest Ranch - April 14 - 6:00PM - 8:00PM - RSVP Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail].

Camp ZooAbility Registration: Camp ZooAbility is a week-long day camp for individuals who have cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Siblings are welcome and encouraged to attend. Daily activities include, but are not limited to: Swimming, Arts & Crafts, Music, Animal Enrichment, and Much More!
Registration for the summer of 2011 will begin March 1.

Three weeks of camp will be offered this year ($75 per wk):
Ages 22+: May23 - May 27
Ages 6- 11: June 20 - June 24
Ages 12 - 21: July 11-July 15

For more information, or to register, contact
Elaine Adams at [phone] or [e-mail].

Social Events
Sweetheart Dance Celebrate the season of love at our annual Valentine's Dance.
When: Friday, February 4
Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Where: The Chattanooga Zoo (Warner Education Building)
Cost: $5.00 (caregivers are free)
RSVP REQUIRED: Contact Lizzy at [phone] or [e-mail]

St. Patrick's Party with Orange Grove and ARC of Hamilton County
When: Saturday, March 19
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00Pm
Where: Orange Grove Center - Cafeteria
Cost: FREE
RSVP REQUIRED: Contact Teresa at [phone] or [e-mail]

Spring Prom Welcome the fresh air and beautiful flowers at our 4th annual Spring Prom. Sponsored in conjunction with Education, Arts, & Culture.
When: Friday, April 8
Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Where: Heritage Park - 1428 Jenkins Road
Cost: $5.00 (caregivers are free)
RSVP REQUIRED: Contact Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail].

Chili's Giveback Night
Have dinner at the downtown Chili’s on Tuesday, April 5 between 6:00PM and 9:00PM and 10% of your bill will go towards supporting Therapeutic Recreation’s programs and activities!
Must have a flyer; get it from Elaine by contacting her at [phone] or [e-mail].

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Are You Interested?
Below are programs we are considering for this spring. Please let us know if you are interested in participating by contacting Elaine at [phone] or [e-mail].

Special Olympics - We are currently looking for interested athletes to compete on teams in the Basketball and Bocce competitions for the Special Olympics. Basketball practice/competition will take place January - March, and Bocce practice/competition will take place March - April.

Tennis - Interested in playing some Tennis? We are planning a program for individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. If you are or would like more information, give us a call.

Adaptive Paddling - An adaptive Kayaking program for individuals who have physical disabilities will take place in conjunction with Outdoor Chattanooga. Please let us know if you would like to be a part of this exciting new program.

Our Mission: The mission of Therapeutic Recreation Services is to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. We serve youth and adults with physical, intellectual, and/or emotional disabilities. Through our programs, education and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks, and enhance overall quality of life.


City of Chattanooga, Parks and Recreation Department
1254 East 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Fax: [phone]
www.chattanooga.gov

Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator
Elaine Adams, CTRS
[phone]
[e-mail]

Therapeutic Recreation Programs Specialist
Lizzy Cheek, CTRS
[phone]
[e-mail]


CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/CHATTANOOGA-THERAPEUTIC-RECREATION-SERVICES

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Asperger's Syndrome: A Personal Perspective (an ASMT Workshop - January 27, 2011)

Asperger's Syndrome is a complex and often misunderstood disorder. Ms. Emelyne Bingham (Senior Lecturer at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and Adult on the Spectrum) will highlight the diversity of Asperger's within individuals as well as useful methods and strategies for working with individuals, couples, or families affected by Asperger's Syndrome

Adventure Science Center Family Fun Event - January 28, 2011

ASMT is very excited to announce our second annual Family Fun Event in partnership with the Adventure Science Center! They are opening the doors of the Science Center just for the autism community on one special night, and will be adjusting the lights and sounds for our more sensory sensitive friends.

How Much? $8/ person....Children 2 and under are FREE

Upcoming Events

Orientation: January 20th - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Workshop: Asperger's Syndrome: A Personal Perspective
January 27th - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

ASMT Family Fun Event: January 28th - Friday
- Adventure Science Center
- 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

4th Annual Summer Opportunies Fair
February 24th - Thursday
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
- 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m

Orientation: March 17th - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Workshop: Communication Based Applications for iPad and iPhone
March 24th - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.


ASMT - Reach us at: 1-615-385-2077 or 1-866-508-4987
tnautism.org
[e-mail]

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Saturday, February 19th and Sunday, February 20th, 2011
Free Vision, Dental, and Medical Care At McGavock High School
3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

Services will be given on a First-Come-First-Served basis. The parking lot will open at midnight prior to each clinic day. Numbers will be given out at 3:30 am CST and the doors will open at 6:00 am CST. It is advisable that patients bring a sack breakfast and sack lunch. For more information, visit www.ramusa.org, e-mail: [e-mail], or call [phone]. (E-mail is the preferred method of communication)

Free Dental Services: Cleanings, Extractions, Fillings

Free Vision Services: Complete Eye Exam, Free Prescription Glasses (As time and supplies permit)

Free Medical Services: Physical Exams, Sick Visits, Pap Smears & STD testing, EKG’s
Mammograms by Appt., Bone Density Testing, Hearing Screening

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EAST TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTER, INC.
116 Childress • Knoxville, TN 37920
[phone] • FAX [phone] • [e-mail] • www.discoveret.org/ettac

Two free workshops at ETTAC

The East Tennessee Technology Access Center will host two free workshops back to back on January 19th at our new office located at 116 Childress Street in Knoxville, just off Chapman Highway. The workshops are for parents, professionals and teachers.

The first workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will discuss the Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology. TAP∙it is a touch-sensitive big screen device designed for use with all students with special needs. The strength of this device is its ability to recognize intended vs. unintended touches, distinguishing between an arm resting upon the screen and a finger or assistive device intentionally tapping an image, letter, word or number. The screen can also be written on, just as one would write on a white board or blackboard. TAP∙it works in conjunction with all software and assistive devices that connect to a computer. Motorized adjustments for both the screen height and tilt-angle can benefit all students, whether they are in a wheelchair, standing, or seated at a standard desk. For more information about TAP∙it, go to www.teachsmart.org/tapit.

The second workshop is from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. giving a basic training of Dynavox communication devices. Covered topics will be an introduction of InterAACT on the V, VMax and Maestro; customizing a button or creating new pages. Anyone who is interested in learning more about speech generating device or can benefit from one is encouraged to attend.

Registration is required for one or both of the workshops by January 17th by calling [phone]. Because the Henley Street Bridge is closed, please ask for directions when registering if you are not familiar with alternative routes to get to South Knoxville. Google Maps has not been updated yet and will send you over the bridge.

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First Presidential appointee who has autism shares his perspective:


www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/first-autistic-presidential-appointee-speaks-out-29339023

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Our 2011 Call for Presenters is now open:

You can access it from the Conference homepage: www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org/

The Conference is planned for June 2 & 3, 2011. It is planned with 7 tracks----
1. Education (Pre-K to 8th grade)
2. Transition / Post-Secondary Education (9th grade and beyond)
3. Transition / Employment (9th grade and beyond)
4. Housing
5. Health Care
6. Mental Health
7. Recreation and Leisure
Crossing 5 themes:
Personal Stories of Success: Persons with disabilities, and or their families will tell their stories, or show videos illustrating their progress towards success and providing real-life positive examples and role models in employment, mental health, etc...
Resources for Success: Programs, resources and information will be included on a panel discussion with a moderator. Each panel will begin with a 5-minute, "If you need x, y, or z, come see me" intro from each resource/program, then break into a question/answer to clarify the unique contributions and skills from each resource.
Successful Advocacy Strategies: Approaches that have been successful or provided progress toward making systems work or adapt to your needs.
Assistive technology to promote success: Raise awareness of coping and compensatory technologies
Navigating systems for success: Strategies for systems navigation so that people know how the system in that track works and what to do next.

Please share widely.

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
PMB 40
Edgehill AVe. and Magnolia Circle
Nashville, TN 37203-5721
MRL 235
[phone]
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/StudyFinder
www.kc.vanderbilt.edu/RFP

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On Thursday, January 20, at 4:10 p.m., Sharon Lewis, Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, will deliver the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Lecture on Developmental Disabilities/Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Lecture. The title of her presentation is "Shifting Landscapes: Current Challenges and Opportunities in Developmental Disabilities Policy." The lecture will take place in room 241 of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and a reception will follow the presentation. We hope that you will be able to attend, and that you can share the attached announcement via your websites or through email to your members and constituents.

For information about our location, including maps and parking, please visit kc.vanderbilt.edu/site/contact/default.aspx.

We also ask that you register if you plan to attend. Registration is available online at kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration.

Thank you,

Amy Pottier
Communications Coordinator
Gatlinburg Conference Co-Coordinator
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
PMB 40
230 Appleton Place
Nashville, TN 37203-5721
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

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Bob Kafka -
National Organizer ADAPT
Co-Director, Institute for Disability Access

How the Health Care Reform Law Will Impact People with Disabilities: the Community Choices Act Reducing the Institutional Bias in Medicaid

February 16, 2011 1:00- 2:30 pm C.T.
All you need is a computer with speakers and broadband internet service

Only $15.00! All proceeds from this session will be donated to The Freedom Co-op, Inc., a family provide self directed Human Services to members in Shelby County Tennessee

This event will have closed captioning.
For more information and registration click here: Navigating the Future in Turbulent Times: Perspectives from Revolutionary Leaders of Our Time
Registration address: tnmicrobooards.eventbrite.com/

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Next Steps at Vanderbilt Open Houses 2011 Dates: January 28, March 25, & May 27 (2-4 p.m.)

Meet current Next Steps at Vanderbilt students and staff and learn about classes, internships, social opportunities, and more. Tour the Next Steps at Vanderbilt offices, student apartment, and The Commons Center.

Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 2-year certification program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing individualized Programs of Study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training.

For information on the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program, including admissions criteria, please visit our Website at: nextsteps.vanderbilt.edu. For Open House reservations, contact: [e-mail]

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Helping Children with Autism Navigate Camp Settings

Tuesday, March 01, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Room 241 Kennedy Center/MRL Building

This beginner-level training is designed to help leaders, teachers, and counselors involved in summer camp programs to better serve and include children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. During this one-day workshop, participants will learn about ways to promote camper success and to provide a positive learning environment for all children.
Topics covered include:

· The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders and how they impact behavior and camp participation
· Effective strategies for supporting children with autism spectrum disorders during camp activities
· Techniques to improve peer interactions
· Teaching appropriate social skills

Contact: LaTamara Jackson, [phone] or [e-mail]

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Eight steps to a successful IEP meeting: A parents' guide to strategic planning for children on the autism spectrum By Wayne Steedman

For a child on the autism spectrum, the IEP is the most important document in their school file. Having an IEP that comprehensively addresses all of the child’s academic and functional needs is critical to the child’s success in school and future development. Developing an effective IEP for children with autism presents additional challenges because schools are often reluctant to provide the intensity of services the child needs due to financial and staffing limitations. ----more:

www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/iep-for-autism.gs?content=3317&print=true&fromPage=1


Since the IEP is developed in an IEP meeting, you must have a strategy going into that meeting if you hope to develop the plan your child needs. The steps below will help you develop that strategy. These steps represent the gold standard in strategic planning for an IEP meeting -- it may be difficult to follow them all exactly, but the closer you come, the greater your chances of having a successful IEP meeting.

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Autism Society Partners with "Wretches & Jabberers" to Commemorate National Autism Awareness Month By: Amanda Glensky

The Autism Society is proud to partner with Academy Award®-winning director Gerardine Wurzburg to release her feature length documentary Wretches & Jabberers during National Autism Awareness Month in April 2011.

“Wretches & Jabberers is a provocative mix of self-advocacy, personal narrative and travel adventure film that highlights the important needs of adults with autism, a group completely unrepresented on the world stage,” said Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the Autism Society. “We are proud to feature the film as this year’s premier activity for National Autism Awareness Month in April.”

Specialized distribution company Area 23a will open Wretches & Jabberers across the United States as “movievents,” which include a screening of the film and a live panel discussion featuring Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, the film’s featured self-advocates with autism, along with autism educators and family members who live with the challenges of autism on a daily basis.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Gerardine Wurzburg (Educating Peter), Wretches & Jabberers follows two men with autism who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence. Determined to put a new face on autism, the men travel to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland, where at each stop they challenge public attitudes about autism and issue a hopeful message to reconsider competency. Wretches & Jabberers is about the life-sustaining power of relationships - the personal connections that people make through communication.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Autism Society and be part of the organization’s call to action for the full inclusion of adults with autism in their communities,” said Wurzburg. “Larry and Tracy’s journey allowed us to portray the global face of autism, and now audiences across the U.S. will be able share in their story and better understand adults whose lives are affected by autism.”


Wretches & Jabberers Soundtrack Released on iTunes Today By: Amanda Glensky

Proceeds from the album to support the Autism Society's programs to support adults with autism

The soundtrack for the new autism documentary Wretches & Jabberers is now available for purchase on iTunes. Take some time to listen, buy a copy and share it with your friends and family! Every purchase will help the Autism Society’s work to advocate for adult services and support.

The soundtrack features the song, “The Reasons Why,” by composer J. Ralph (The Cove, Man on Wire), which recently qualified for nomination consideration in the Original Song category for the 83rd Academy Awards®, and collaborations with Antony, Devendra Banhart, Paul Brady, Bonnie Bramlett, Vashti Bunyan, Martin Carthy, Judy Collins, Lila Downs, Vincent Gallo, David Garza, Ben Harper, Scarlett Johannson, Nic Jones, Norah Jones, Leah Siegel, Carly Simon, Stephen Stills, Ben Taylor and Bob Weir.

Wretches and Jabberers follows two men with autism who embark on a global quest to change attitudes about disability and intelligence. Determined to put a new face on autism, the men travel to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland, where at each stop they challenge public attitudes about autism and issue a hopeful message to reconsider competency. For more information, visit Wretches and Jabberers.

The Autism Society and Wretches and Jabberers have teamed up for a series of “movievents” to commemorate National Autism Awareness Month in April 2011

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www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage&autologin=true

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www.doverpost.com/newsnow/x703882328/Bill-to-change-special-ed-funding-out-of-committee

Bill to change special ed funding out of committee Plan would make needs-based structure state policy

By Doug Denison, Staff Writer

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The Parent Stress Intervention Project is starting a new series of workshops in February. We will have a Tuesday evening group that will meet at 6 p.m., beginning on Feb. 1, and a Thursday morning group that will meet at 10 a.m., beginning on Feb. 3.

Our groups meet at the Martin Professional Development Center, 2400 Fairfax Avenue (two blocks south of the Vanderbilt campus.) If you have questions, you can call the main office number listed below or call me on my work cell, 497-8516. I have also attached a flier (which just happens to have the lovely Shouse clan photo on it. Of course, that photo is several years old. My boys are now as tall as I am.) If you know of others who might be interested in participating in our groups, please feel free to share this information.

Parents of children with disabilities who feel stressed can get support from the Parent Stress Intervention Project. This research study being conducted at Vanderbilt University will investigate two different approaches to lowering stress in parents of children with disabilities. The Parent Stress Intervention Project will work with 400 parents, dads included, in 2 years who will be randomly assigned to either Adapted Mindfulness Practice or to a Positive Parent Support Model for 6 weekly sessions. Some groups will meet on the Vanderbilt campus or at other community locations. Parents of children with disabilities, including adult children, who would like more information or are interested in participating in the study may contact Roxanne Carreon at [phone], [e-mail]

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The Journal of Behavior Assessment & Intervention in Children

www.baojournal.com/JEIBI/JBAIC/JBAIC-VOL-1/JBAIC-1-1.pdf

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www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/iep-for-autism.gs?content=3317&print=true&fromPage=1

Eight steps to a successful IEP meeting

A parents' guide to strategic planning for children on the autism spectrum


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By Wayne Steedman

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We will have our next TN Hands & Voices conference call Wednesday February 16th
12p-1p CST or 1p-2p EST.. The Conference Call # is 1-866-416-4725 or in
Nashville 253-8625..if you are first on the line, wait til the second person
comes on the line.

Please RSVP via email response to let us know if you are able to join in on the
call...the more the merrier (please forward this on to anyone we may have
missed who would be interested in parent support for families of children with
hearing loss age 0-21)!

Attached is the agenda for the call.

Looking forward to having many parents of children with hearing loss involved in our efforts…thanks, team! ---Melanie Bacon

Tennessee Hands & Voices Conference Call Agenda

February 16, 2011 - 12:00p-1:00pCST or 1:00-2:00pEST

I. Welcome, attendance and introductions: Susan McCamy, Early Intervention Deaf Educator, University of Tennessee Center on Deafness [e-mail] ; Melanie Bacon, Parent [e-mail]; Whitney Spurgeon, Parent [e-mail]
Jaime Vernon, Parent [e-mail]; Michelle Puryear, Parent [e-mail]

II. Update on Tennessee Activities
a. Flyers are Complete-Distribution Underway – Susie
b. Logo Design-TN state outline with H&V logo inside. Julie & Camille working on- They Will Update Group
c. Face book page is established- Group Will Advise Regarding Suggestions
d. We will post Pictures of Your Kids on our Face book Page- Please email Photos to: [e-mail]
e. We have our P.O. Box Address: TN Hands & Voices
P.O. Box 771404
Memphis, TN 38177
f. Updated National re: Revisions to Contact Info

III. What’s Next:
a. Everyone involved should read:
b. The H&V website and the How to Start a Chapter page - www.handsandvoices.org/chapters/start_assist.htm
c. Fundraising Efforts · T-shirts – Susie Will Update/Bumper Stickers-Camille will advise re: quotes
d. Regional Teams Events / Planning are Underway, Regions Will Advise of Status
e. Grant – We will be working on submitting grant proposal due in March
1. Develop Specific Project Goals to show how we will spend our grant money
2. Create line item budget for this purpose – Group Discuss Ideas
f. Next Conference Call Wednesday –March 16 or March 23 – Group discuss & Determine


Resources for state data:

a. National Center for Hearing Assessment & Management (NCHAM) - www.infanthearing.org/index.html

b. CDC - www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/index.html check out the free materials here, great resources to have on hand for parents as you begin to get out into the

c. CDC EHDI Contact List - www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/ehdi/documents/EHDI_Contact.pdf check this document for contacts for TN, contact them if you have not already

QUESTIONS???