MARCH 2011 Disabilities Thread

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Disability Days on the Hill: March 2 - TOMORROW!

Disability Days on the Hill is your opportunity to meet with state legislators at the Capitol and talk about issues important to you and your family. Please join us in making a difference!

Autism 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.


Statewide Autism Orientations

March 8th - Tuesday: - Kodak United Methodist in Kodak, TN
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

March 19th - Saturday: - Star Center in Jackson, TN
- 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

March 26th - Saturday: UT Martin University Center in Martin, TN.
- 1:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m.

April 1st - Friday: TN Tech University STEM Center in Cookville, TN
- 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

April 9th - Saturday: - Cumberland County Board Of Education in Crossville, TN
- 10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m

April 16th - Saturday: - Senior Citizen's Center in Woodbury, TN
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

ASMT
1-615-385-2077 or 1-866-508-4987
tnautism.org OR [e-mail]

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It’s Here! New Brand Identity for The Arc

The Arc is proud to unveil an exciting new identity along with renewed energy and dedication to the movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You’ll find a dynamic new logo and look for our publications – a freshly redesigned Empower magazine will be arriving in your mailbox soon! - Website, social media profiles and more with a bold color combination of orange and yellow and a new design for how our name is represented. This logo is one part of a larger brand identity used by us and The Arc’s national office along with other affiliated chapters across the country. We are working hard to make sure this new brand becomes widely recognized and promoted on a national level as well as in communities across the country. Increased prominence will help The Arc grow our recognition legislatively, increase much needed financial support, add newly engaged volunteers and improve the ease with which everyone will be able to identify with our mission to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The new identity was developed over the course of a year with professional brand consultants and a dedicated team of individuals from The Arc nationally who understand our needs and goals.

The visual elements of the brand, along with the name “The Arc”, represent the energetic efforts of those of us who promote and protect the civil rights of and provide the services and support needed by people with I/DD and their families across the arc of their lifetimes. This new identity will take us forward and command the kind of respect and recognition on a national basis that our organization deserves. We invite you to contact us to get more information about the new brand, the availability of new logos and artwork for those who work with us and how you can support us into the future. Visit [e-mail] with your thoughts.

The Arc 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 301, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: [phone]

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March Is Our Month

Thanks to the advocacy efforts of The Arc in the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan officially declared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. For nearly a quarter of a century, The Arc and its network of 700+ chapters across the country have fostered respect and access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (i/DD). We have made tremendous progress in promoting and protecting the rights of people with I/DD and creating opportunities for them to live, learn and work as valued members of their communities.

However, it’s time more people became aware of the challenges faced by more than 7 million Americans and their families as they strive to be fully included in society. Join us during March to help raise awareness.

The Arc 1660 L Street, NW, Suite 301, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: [phone]

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Hearing Aid Legislation - Up for Vote on Wednesday

On Wednesday, March 2nd at 11am the General Subcommittee of House Commerce will hear House Bill 761. This legislation will require health insurance policies to cover hearing aids for children under the age of 18. Nine of the 13 committee members (see below) have signed as co-sponsors of the bill which is fantastic so we are asking constituents like you to thank them for their support of House Bill 761.

If your legislator is not a co-sponsor we ask that you contact them and kindly ask for their support of House Bill 761. Scroll down to the end of this alert for additional background on the bill. Be sure to include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. Drop us a line as well to let us know you made an impact at [e-mail].

Committee Officers

John Lundberg, Chair - Dist. 1, Bristol, Phone: [phone]
Pat Marsh, Vice-Chair - Dist. 62, Bedford and parts of Lincoln & Rutherford Counties, Phone: [phone]

Members

Charles Curtiss (sponsor) - Dist. 43, White & Parts of Putnam & Warren Counties, Phone: [phone]
Joanne Favors (sponsor) - Dist. 29, Chattanooga, Phone [phone]
Bill Harmon (sponsor) - Dist. 37, Sequatachie, Van Buren, Grundy, and Marion Counties, Phone: [phone]
Ryan Haynes (sponsor) - Dist. 14, Knoxville, Phone: [phone]
Steve McManus - Dist. 96, Cordova (part of Shelby Co), Phone: [phone]
Richard Montgomery (PRIME sponsor) - Dist. 12, Part of Sevier County, Phone: [phone]
Joe Pitts (sponsor) - Dist. 67, Clarksville, Phone: [phone]
Dennis Roach (sponsor) - Dist. 35, Claiborne, Grainger, and part of Jefferson County, Phone: [phone]
Charles Sargent (sponsor) - Dist. 61, Franklin, Phone: [phone]
David Shepard (sponsor) - Dist. 69, Dickson & part of Hickman County, Phone: [phone]
Kent Williams (sponsor) - Dist. 4, Carter County, Phone: [phone]

Hearing Aid Coverage for Children: Did you know?

Approximately 1.3 children per 1,000 births were diagnosed with hearing loss in 2007.
Children treated with assistive-hearing devices within the first 6 months of life can develop the language skills necessary for academic success by the time they begin kindergarten
If a child with hearing loss is diagnosed early and given appropriate educational and audiological supports, then schools can save more than $400,000 per student in special education costs by graduation. 18 other states have provisions requiring coverage

Background: Did you know that some health insurance plans don’t cover such basic care as hearing aids for children? These are the very hearing aids that are critical for normal development of communication skills and success in the classroom.

Tennessee requires hearing screening of newborns to ensure they get the adequate care necessary to maximize development of language skills. However, parents often learn after a diagnosis that health insurers regularly refuse to provide hearing aids and other audiological supports.

Key Legislative Provisions

Requires health insurance policies to cover hearing aids for children under the age of 18
Provides coverage of up to $1,000 per hearing aid, per ear, every three years

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1 www.familypathfinder.org | 1-800-640-4636 | Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
List does not include all private institutions. Please contact us at [e-mail] to list a missing institution.
*Contact information listed is for main campus phone number and/or address. May not include Tennessee Technology Centers.
Any information provided by Pathfinder should not be considered an endorsement, an evaluation, a rating or a recommendation of any given program, service, or provider;
likewise, exclusion from information provided by Pathfinder does not imply a negative evaluation or rating of a program, service or provider.
Last Updated: February 21, 2011

Tennessee Student Disability Service Offices for Colleges, Community Colleges, and Universities East Tennessee

-Chattanooga State Community College www.chattanoogastate.edu
Student Center (S),Room S-113 4501 Amnicola Highway Chattanooga, TN 37406-1097 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Lee University* www.leeuniversity.edu Academic Support Services 1120 North Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37320-3450 Phone: [phone]
-Cleveland State Community College* www.clevelandstatecc.edu 3535 Adkisson Drive PO Box 3570 Cleveland, TN 37320 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Lincoln Memorial University* www.lmunet.edu 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 Phone: [phone]
-East Tennessee State University
www.etsu.edu D.P. Culp University Center, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 70605 Johnson City, TN 37614 Phone: [phone]
-Maryville College www.maryvillecollege.edu Bartlett Hall, Room 204 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804 Phone: [phone]

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-Milligan College* www.milligan.edu Office of Disability Services P.O. Box 500 Milligan College, TN 37682 Phone: [phone]
-Roane State Community College www.roanestate.edu/ 276 Patton Lane Harriman, TN 37748 Dunbar-103, Phone: [phone] Oak Ridge - B-102, Phone: [phone] Roane State has two disability services offices
-Northeast State Community College www.northeaststate.edu/ General Studies Building, Room C1102 2425 Highway 75 Blountville, TN 37617 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Southern Adventist University www.southern.edu Lynn Wood Hall, Room 137 4881 Taylor Circle Collegedale, TN 37315 Phone: [phone]
-Pellissippi State Community College*
www.pstcc.edu
10915 Hardin Valley Road
P.O. Box 22990
Knoxville, TN 37933
Phone: [phone] or TTY: [phone]
-Tusculum College (Greeneville) www.tusculum.edu Annie Hogan Byrd Hall, Room 100 Box 5025 Tusculum College Greeneville, TN 37743 Phone: [phone] or 1-800-729-0256

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-Tusculum College (Knoxville) www.tusculum.edu
Knoxville Regional Center, Room 108 1305 Centerpoint Blvd. Knoxville, TN 37932 Phone: [phone] ext. 5031 or [phone] ext. 5031
-Walters State Community College* www.ws.edu 500 S. Davy Crockett Parkway Morristown, TN 37813-6899 Phone:[phone] or 800-225-4770

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Tennessee Student Disability Service Offices for Colleges, Community Colleges, and Universities - Middle Tennessee

-Aquinas College* www.aquinascollege.edu 4210 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205 Phone: [phone], Ext : 441
-Austin Peay State University www.apsu.edu Morgan University Ctr, Room 114 P.O. Box 4578 Clarksville, TN 37044 Phone: [phone]
-Belmont University* www.belmont.edu 1900 Belmont Blvd. Nashville , TN 37212-3757 Phone: [phone]
-Columbia State Community College www.columbiastate.edu Jones Student Center, Room 160 1665 Hampshire Pike Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: [phone] or TDD: (800)848 -0298

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-Lipscomb University* www.lipscomb.edu One University Park Drive Nashville, TN 37204-3951 Phone: [phone] or [phone], ext. 1781
-Middle Tennessee State University www.mtsu.edu Keathly University Center (KUC), Room 120 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132-0001 Phone: [phone]
-Motlow State Community College www.mscc.edu Simon Hall –SH 129 6015 Ledford Mill Rd Tullahoma, TN 37388-7972 Phone: [phone]
-Nashville State Community College www.nscc.edu Student Services Building, S-114 120 White Bridge Road Nashville, TN 37209 Phone: [phone]
-Sewanee: The University of the South* www.lipscomb.edu 735 University Ave Sewanee, TN 37383 Phone: [phone] Tennessee State University www.tnstate.edu Kean Hall, 1st Floor, Room 107 3200 John A Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209 Phone: [phone]
-Tennessee Tech University* www.tntech.edu 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38505 Phone: [phone] Video Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-The Art Institute of Tennessee (Nashville)* www.artinstitutes.edu 100 Centerview Drive, Suite 250 Nashville, TN 37214-3439 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Trevecca Nazarene University* www.trevecca.edu 333 Murfreesboro Road Nashville, TN 37210 Phone: [phone]
-Volunteer State Community College www.volstate.edu 108 Wood Campus Center 1480 Nashville Pike Gallatin, TN 37066 Phone: (615) 230 - 3472, TDD: [phone]
-Watkins College of Art, Design and Film* www.watkins.edu 2298 Rosa L Parks Boulevard Nashville, TN 37228 Phone: [phone]

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Tennessee Student Disability Service Offices for Colleges, Community Colleges, and Universities - West Tennessee

-Baptist College of Health Sciences* www.bchs.edu 1003 Monroe Ave Memphis, TN 38104 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Christian Brothers University* www.cbu.edu 650 East Parkway South Memphis, TN 38104 Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Dyersburg State Community College www.dscc.edu CAB Building, Room 107 1510 Lake Road Dyersburg, TN 38024-2466 Phone: [phone]
-Freed-Hardeman University 158 E. Main St. Henderson, TN 38340 www.fhu.edu Phone: [phone] or [phone]
-Lambuth University www.lambuth.edu Hyde Hall Science Building 705 Lambuth Blvd Jackson, TN 38301 Phone: [phone]
-LeMoyne-Owen College* www.loc.edu 807 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126 Phone: [phone]
-Rhodes College www.rhodes.edu Burrow Student Center, 4th Floor 2000 North Parkway Memphis, TN 38112-1690 Phone: [phone] or TTY [phone]
-Southwest Tennessee Community College (Macon Cove Campus) www.southwest.tn.edu Farris Room 2194 5983 Macon Cove Memphis, TN 38134 Phone: [phone]

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-Southwest Tennessee Community College (Union Ave Campus) www.southwest.tn.edu M Building Room 112A 737 Union Avenue Memphis, TN 39103 Phone: [phone]
-Union University www.uu.edu Student Union Building, Room SA49 1050 Union University Drive Jackson, TN 38305 Phone: [phone]
-University of Memphis www.memphis.edu 110 Wilder Tower Memphis, TN 38152-3520 Phone: [phone] V/TTY
-University of Tennessee at Martin www.utm.edu Hall-Moody Administration Building, Room 103 552 University Street Martin, TN 38237 Phone: [phone] or [phone]

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Ipad apps for people with disabilities

spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0AjbIta8OTS0KdHRMVWx0Q3pvOWRXRXBfd01jc3lqakE&hl=en&single=true&gid=0&output=html

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Preventing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion with Young Children: The Role of Effective, Positive Practices
In 2009, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the extent to which seclusion and restraint has been used to control the behavior of children with disabilities and/or challenging behavior. This document reviews concerns about the use of seclusion and restraint and discusses positive strategies to prevent behaviors that could lead to the use of these invasive and potentially-dangerous practices for young children.

www.ideapartnership.org/index2.php?option=com_yanc&act=stats&task=click&cid=6ea9ab1baa0efb9e19094440c317e21b-75fc093c0ee742f6dddaa13fff98f104&Itemid=&no_html=1

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Last week I wrote to alert you to a proposed cut in federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in a Continuing Resolution bill (HR 1) in the House of Representatives. The proposed cut would have reduced IDEA funds to local school districts by $557 million, or 5% below the funding provided in 2010.

Thanks to your efforts along with disability advocacy organizations and education groups, the proposed cut to IDEA funding was restored through an amendment offered by Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R- WA, 5th). In offering her amendment, McMorris Rodgers, the mother of a young child with Down syndrome reminded her House colleagues that Congress has yet to meet its commitment to fund special education at the level authorized by the IDEA. In fact, IDEA federal funding stands at less than half of the amount promised in IDEA. Find out how your member of Congress voted on the McMorris amendment.

Sadly, the IDEA funding was restored by offsetting spending reductions to other important education programs – the Teacher Quality State Grant program and the School Improvement Grant program. Such education tradeoffs are never an acceptable solution. Hopefully, Members of Congress can find ways to deal with our nation’s budget difficulties without sacrificing the critical investment needed in education.

NEXT STEPS

The House Continuing Resolution (HR 1) was approved by the full House of Representatives on February 19, 2011. It contains cuts of $100 billion to the proposed FY 2011 budget and $60 billion to the FY 2010 actual funding levels. HR 1, which funds the federal government through the remainder of this fiscal 2011 year (ending September 30, 2011) now goes to the U.S. Senate for action. The Congress must pass a new Continuing Resolution by March 4th or face a potential government shutdown. We will keep you posted on these important activities in the coming days.

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of students with learning disabilities.

Sincerely,

Laura Kaloi
Public Policy Director
National Center for Learning Disabilities

P.S. Our LD Advocate's Guide is always available to assist you with local, state and federal level policy advocacy efforts on behalf of people with learning disabilities. Download your free copy today!

ncld.convio.net/site/R?i=B-itS90r6PUmbuoglqtJpw..

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www2.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/osep/2007/parts-b-c/index.html

ED PERFORMANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY
Twenty-Ninth Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Parts B and C. 2007.

This is the 29th Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2007. Section 664(d) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as reauthorized in 2004, requires that the Department of Education report annually on the progress made toward the provision of a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities and the provision of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities.

The 29th Annual Report consists of three volumes:

Volume 1

The first section of Volume 1 focuses on the children and students being served under IDEA. Among the topics covered are:

trends in numbers and percentages of infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children served;
infants and toddlers exiting Part C;
educational environments of preschool-age children;
declassification of elementary school-age students; and
trends in school exiting and transition for secondary students.
The second section of Volume 1 contains state-level data profiles, which this year display individual state trend data in tabular and graphic form.

The third section of Volume 1 consists of selected rank-ordered state data tables.

VolumeS 2 and 3

Volumes 2 and 3 contain extensive appendix tables of state-reported data required under Section 618 of IDEA, such as:

numbers of infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services disaggregated by race/ethnicity;
numbers of children and students with disabilities receiving special education services disaggregated by disability category and race/ethnicity;
graduation and dropout data;
service settings; and
service personnel.

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Calling All Tennessee Artists With Disabilities!

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference Steering Committee is proud to announce our 2011 Art Contest! Our conference theme this year is empowerment, inclusion, self-determination and choice.

A picture of the winning artwork, a picture of the artist and a short bio will be featured on the 2011 Program Booklet cover and on the Tennessee Disability MegaConference website <http://www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org>. The winning artist will also receive a complimentary exhibit table.

All artwork submitted will be displayed in the Exhibit Area June 2-3, 2011 during the MegaConference at the Nashville Airport Marriott.

The deadline for entry is March 21, 2011. High quality digital images (300 dpi) of your artwork must accompany the entry form and be emailed to:

Lori Israel
[e-mail]

The winning artist will be notified by April 4, 2011. If you have any questions, please call Lori at 615-248-5878 or 800-835-7077 ext 22.
________________________________________________________________________

Lori Israel - Phone: [phone] x 22 / TF: 800.835.7077
The Arc of TN - Fax: [phone]

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The Child Engagement Conference: March 31- April 1 in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The 2011 Child Engagement Conference is filling up fast! Save yourself a spot by registering now.

Early childhood professionals are invited to participate in lively discussions and learn from some of the top scholars in the field of child engagement through sessions including:
Extreme Makeover Classroom Edition: How Room Arrangement and Scheduling Promote Child Engagement
Engaging Teachers by Providing Job-Embedded Professional Development
Inclusion: Everyone Engaged
Parent Engagement in Strengthening Families
Panel Discussion: Home Visitation
Reggio Emilia Approach: What it is and How it Inspires Engagement
Attachment Relationships in Infants and Toddlers
Engaging the Community in Prevention Efforts
Meeting Standards Through a Play-Based Curriculum
Natural Model for Early Intervention in Our Own Backyard
Music, Movement and Drama: Engaging Young Children Through the Arts
Strategies for Working with Behavior Challenges in the Classroom
Plus: See the engagement model in action during guided classroom tours

e2ma.net/go/9123537708/3465317/103531338/13681/goto:http://www.childengagement.com/Registration.aspx

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Dear friends—

Many of you were involved in the effort to establish landmark legislation on the use of physical restraint and isolation/seclusion on TN students with disabilities. The Special Education Isolation & Restraint Modernization and Positive Behavioral Supports Act took effect January 1, 2009.

Very important protections were put in place with this law. However, there are gaps in the current law which must be addressed, including notifying parents when restraint or isolation is used & ensuring that the practices are used only when necessary in emergency situations. The Disability Coalition on Education, DCE, is asking for your support of a bill which is before the TN legislature:

Senate Bill 1993 Stewart & House Bill 1336* Jones S

Education - As introduced, enacts the "Special Education Behavioral Supports Act," amending current restrictions on isolation and restraint in special education. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 10, Part 13.

wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1336&GA=107

The link in blue above will take you to further information about the bill. Click on the bill number on the top of the page to go to the full text of the bill.

Please contact your legislators and ask them to support or co-sponsor this important bill. If you aren’t sure who represents you in the TN legislature, follow one of the links from The Arc TN and the TN Disability Coalition at the bottom of this e-mail. We’ve attached a set of talking points which highlight and explain the most critical pieces of the bill.

If you are the family member of a student who has experienced restraint or isolation, please share your personal story with your state representative/state senator. Personal stories are very powerful and were essential in making the case for the original law.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please e-mail me at [e-mail], NOT by hitting reply to this message.

Thank you for your support.

holly lu conant rees, chair, DCE

www.thearctn.org/Assets/Docs/Mon0111.pdf

Find My Legislator Page - www.capitol.tn.gov/legislators/ good for folks to figure out their own representatives

Coalition Legislative Basics Page - includes links to find legislators & committees www.tndisability.org/coalition_programs/disability_action_network/making_difference/legislative_basics

Coalition's Advocacy 101 Page - with tips on contacting legislators and relationship building

www.tndisability.org/coalition_programs/disability_action_network/making_difference/advocacy_101

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Participate in a Research Study: Perceptions of Persons with Acquired Spinal Cord Injury Regarding Rehabilitation Experiences

We invite you to participate in a research study conducted by doctoral students Alysia Cole, Rachel Higdon, Kristin Lidvall, and Amanda Woodall, and faculty members Dr. Yvette Hachtel and Dr. Christine Manville from the School of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of persons with acquired spinal cord injuries regarding their inpatient rehabilitation experience. You are eligible to participate in this study if 1) you are at least 18 years of age, 2) have acquired a spinal cord injury, 3) have not been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, and 4) are no more than three years post inpatient rehabilitation.

Participation in this study requires that you complete an online survey, which will take approximately 1-2 hours of your time. Participation is completely voluntary. Although the results of this study may be published or discussed in professional settings, your identity will remain confidential. If you feel uncomfortable answering some questions you may skip the question. To learn more visit the Coalition's News Line.

www.tndisability.org/news/2011/03/03/research_study_perceptions_persons_acquired_spinal_cord_injury_regarding_rehabilitat

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Job Opening - Family Voices of Tennessee



The bilingual (Spanish) position is a part-time, 20-hour per week position geographically located in Middle Tennessee and will be filled by parent/family member related to a child with a diagnosis of deafness, hard-of-hearing, and/or other hearing-related condition. The position is focused on increasing awareness in the Hispanic Community of newborn hearing screening, the need for hearing follow-up, location of sites to access hearing professionals, and the availability of early intervention and parent support programs.

Supervision is provided by the Family Voices (FV) of Tennessee Director at the Tennessee Disability Coalition in collaboration with the State Newborn Hearing Screening Program Coordinator.

To read more about this position and how to apply.

mk1.netatlantic.com/t/11116286/8696096/96808/0/

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

Family Voices and Down Syndrome Association is hosting a free transition event that is open to the community in Jackson, Tennessee later this month. In this special session James E Maurer of James Maurer & Associates will provide information on special needs trusts and conservatorships. This free advice will prove to be essential as you begin in to make these significant decisions.


March 12, 2011: 9:30am to noon (Central)
Jackson Center for Independent Living at 1981 Hollywood Drive

This special event is FREE to the entire community

To register, for more information or if special accommodations are needed: please call Debbie Riffle 731-499-1065 or contact Treva Sease at [e-mail], [phone] or Jenny Williams at [e-mail].

mk1.netatlantic.com/t/11116286/8696096/96811/0/

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Family-to-Family Conference


If your youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities has started the transition process, you will want to attend Family Voices of Tennessee’s F2F Outreach Conference.

Saturday, March 26, 2011 - 9am to 2:30pm Central @ Nashville Library - 615 Church Street

Conference Highlights:

Keynote Speaker Ed Maurer of James E. Maurer and Associates will provide information about special needs trusts and conservatorships. Family and professional panelists will share information on resources and experiences around transition, work, school, and community participation. Sessions and vendors will offer resources and tools to help youth and families in the transition process.

Space is limited and registration is required to attend. Registration form must be received by noon, March 18, 2011. For more information including registration forms and contact details visit our Family-To-Family Conference Page:

mk1.netatlantic.com/t/11116286/8696096/95280/0/

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Registration Open for 2011 Vanderbilt Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Workshop

►Pre-Workshop Event: Perspectives on AAC: A Parents’ Panel, Fri., April 1, 6-8:30 p.m., Room 241 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building. No fee.

►Workshop: Curriculum Adaptations for Students with Complex Communication Needs, Pati King-DeBaun, M.S., CCC-SLP, Sat., April 2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Room 241 Vanderbilt Kennedy Center/MRL Building. For speech-language pathologists, special educators, other professionals in related fields, students, parents, and family members. Offered for .6 ASHA CEUs (intermediate level, professional area). Workshop fee (includes any materials and meals/breaks): Early Bird Registration (by March 1): $175 professionals ($200 after March 1), $50 students/parents. $125 Group Rate for 2 or more persons from the same agency or organization who register at the same time. Registrations will be accepted until March 25. There will be no on-site registration.

Sponsors: Department of Special Education; Department of Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center; Vanderbilt Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Program; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities; Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee; Technology Access Center; Prentke Romich Company (PRC).

For details and to register for either or both events, see kc.vanderbilt.edu/registration. Information [phone].

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Calling All Tennessee Artists With Disabilities!

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference Steering Committee is proud to announce our 2011 Art Contest! Our conference theme this year is empowerment, inclusion, self-determination and choice.

A picture of the winning artwork, a picture of the artist and a short bio will be featured on the 2011 Program Booklet cover and on the Tennessee Disability MegaConference website <http://www.tndisabilitymegaconference.org>. The winning artist will also receive a complimentary exhibit table.

All artwork submitted will be displayed in the Exhibit Area June 2-3, 2011 during the MegaConference at the Nashville Airport Marriott.

The deadline for entry is March 21, 2011. High quality digital images (300 dpi) of your artwork must accompany the entry form and be emailed to:

Lori Israel: [e-mail]

The winning artist will be notified by April 4, 2011. If you have any questions, please call Lori at 615-248-5878 or 800-835-7077 ext 22.

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Friday, March 11 is rapidly approaching and you do not want to miss the outstanding speakers and exhibitors at the 2011 Brain Injury Association of Tennessee annual conference.

This year the conference is being held at the beautiful Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, conveniently located off I-65 in Metro Center. Free parking, great speakers, lovely snacks, and tons of information await you.

We are still accepting registrations. Hope to see you there!

Jean Doster, Director
Traumatic Brain Injury Program
HSM 4th floor, Cordell Hull Bldg
425 Fifth Ave. N.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]

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The extended deadline for applications to the 2011 Youth Leadership Forum is March 15th.

This 4-day, free, leadership and self-advocacy training program for high school students from across the state will take place in July 11-14, 2011 on a Middle Tennessee campus.

Selected Student Delegates will participate in small and large group discussions, attend sessions geared toward preparing them for life after high school, tour the Capitol, meet with a Legislator, and engage in other fun and educational activities.

If you have any questions, please contact Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at [e-mail] .

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Open Doors Tennessee has extended the DEADLINE for camp counselors and peer mentors for both camps for chidlren/teens with autism!

Applications will be accepted through March 15th 2011 or until we have reached our maximum number of volunteers/peer mentors.

As of right now, we only need 3 more camp counselors for the Middle / High School Overnight Weekend Camp at Camp Wesley Woods on Friday June 3 - Sunday June 5h and out of the 24 peer mentors needed for camp, we have 12 applications turned in so we still need 12 more.peers. We are 1/2 way there! I have had quite a few teens that have expressed interest in being a peer mentor but have not received applications yet!

If you are a returning peer and/or camp counselor; please don't worry about filling out the application entirely. Just adding any NEW information will be effecient.

Applications will be taken on a first come, first serve basis so please get those applicaitons completed and turned in!!!

Keep in mind that we still need Elementary Camp Counselors for the day camp on July 25 - July 29th.

To make it easierr on some of you - you can also fax them to (865) 938 - 0970

For an application, click on following link www.opendoorstnautism.info then click on Open Doors Camps

Each camper/volunteer/ peer mentor will receive a camp t-shirt, autism awareness lanyard, lifetime of special memories and possibly a friend for life! You will also recieve a certificate of the hours you worked at camp! Come help us make a difference in the life of a child / teen with autism.

Thanks and lets get ready for camp!!!!!!

Cheri Howlett
Open Doors Tennessee
Camp Director
Vice President

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

What do Partners learn?

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

• The History of the Disability Experience
• People First Language
• Best Practices in Inclusive Education
• Building Inclusive Communities
• Self-Determination, Self-Direction and Person-Centered Practices
• Supported and Independent Living in the Community
• The State and Federal Legislative Processes
• Employment Trends for Persons with Disabilities
• Conducting Effective Meetings
• Assistive Technology
...and much more!

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

Weekend sessions take place September through November, and January through April, each year, at a hotel in Middle Tennessee.

All participants are required to spend the night, and attend all seven sessions. There is no cost for hotel rooms, meals during the program times or the trainings. Mileage to and from each session will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after each session.

All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2011.

If you need have any questions about the program including eligibility, please contact program director Ned Andrew Solomon at 615.532.6556, or by e-mail at [e-mail] .

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Dear Tennessee Voter, Your help is needed!

Tennessee is required to purchase new voting machines by 2012. Before they do, Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee wants to know what you think! Come visit us at Legislative Plaza during Disability Days on the Hill to test potential machines and share your feedback.

Voting Machine Demonstration & Voter Survey -

What: Test and comment on voting machines that could be in your polling place in 2012. Responses will be included in a report to the State Election Commission.

Are they accessible?

Are they user-friendly?

Will they work for you?

Where: Legislative Plaza (Disability Days on the Hill), Nashville, TN

Hallway between the Cafeteria and Lt. Governor Ramsey’s office

When: Wednesday, March 9th - 8:30am – 2:30pm

Thank you for helping us ensure that Tennessee’s elections continue to be accessible to all voters. We hope to see you there!

Kate Georgen Seipel, Advocate

Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee
2416 21st Avenue South; Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37212
Office: [phone] ext. 130
Fax: [phone]
www.DLACTN.org

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Groundbreaking Transition Legislation for Youth with Significant Disabilities Introduced in House
A trio of federal bills, called the Transitioning towards Excellence in Achievement and Mobility (TEAM) legislation, designed to improve transition outcomes of youth with significant disabilities was introduced in Congress in mid-February. The TEAM legislation--which consists of the TEAM-Education Act (H.R. 602), the TEAM-Empowerment Act (H.R. 603), and the TEAM-Employment Act (H.R. 604)--focuses on realigning and strengthening federally funded programs to more successfully move youth with significant disabilities toward further education, integrated employment, and community living.

“The TEAM legislative package will help ensure that citizens with disabilities possess the same economic and social freedoms we all enjoy by focusing publicly funded supports on helping youth with disabilities attain desired outcomes, such as higher education, real jobs at real wages, and an opportunity to belong and contribute to one’s community,” said Madeleine Will, Vice President at the National Down Syndrome Society and founder of the Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination, which helped create the legislative package.

Learn more about:

TEAM Act package
TEAM-Education Act (H.R. 602)
TEAM-Empowerment Act (H.R. 603)
TEAM-Employment Act (H.R. 604)