JUNE 2011 Disabilities thread

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2011 Fall Conference - "Finding Individual Pathways to Success"

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, September 22, 2011

This year, ASMT's Fall conference will focus on approximately one hour break-out sessions designed to meet the individual needs of the attendees by allowing them to choose between presentations focused on one of three pathways: social, communication, and behavior (including sensory issues).

We are accepting proposals for presentations now through July 15, 2011. Click here for more information: r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yogelrcab&et=1106127148227&s=1823&e=001wQGVDPR_cAgC_rxXBC1N0CKmmWJ5bONRRoVyIcPc8l3qwnb_r1suzaevooFjvNHpU0LPS5_2sSd8XwisrE-iNhQ3IsZrdAF1-KtMlIiiNWwfGEqRfaV1i3T5AVe4grr4jN6B85wsSr8WynDfCBF1-Q==

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Finding things for children to do during the summer can be difficult, especially if the child has a disability. Yoga offers a wonderful way for children to engage with each other and learn healthy habits. Yoga unlike most fitness alternatives can be adapted to any disability.
Thank you again for your commitment to children with disabilities.

Michele M. Priddy, M.Ed.
mpcYOGA for all
Yoga (groups and private sessions) and Workshop Development
[e-mail]
103 Ridgemar Trail
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615-289-9300

For additional information about me please visit:

specialrunningmom.blogspot.com

Strength, Balance, and Clarity through physical expression. Yoga for all.

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I hope you are doing well. My name is Meghan Burke and I direct The Volunteer Advocacy Project (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 non-adversarial advocacy strategies. At the end of the training, each participant will shadow an advocate who is working with a family. Following graduation from the program, the advocate 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.

Since its inception in 2008, the VAP has trained over 200 advocates across the state. The training is conducted in Nashville and video-conferenced to other sites across the state. The video conference training has been hosted in these cities: Memphis, Martin, Jackson, Chattanooga, Johnson City, and Knoxville. To ensure that the advocates have appropriate support and sites to attend the training, we have collaborated with various agencies across the state. These agencies include: STEP, LifeLine, The Arc of Davidson County, The Arc
of Williamson County, The Arc of the Mid-South, The UT-Boling Center, Connections for Disability and Employment at the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee State University, Susan Gray School, UT-Martin, West Tennessee Healthcare, and West Tennessee Speech and
Hearing Center.

Recently, we received a grant to improve our technology and to reach more families throughout Tennessee. With this grant, we are looking for four additional sites to host the training over the course of the next year. The sites will receive technical assistance in implementing the video-conferencing technology. The sites will not be charged any
costs in implementing the training. By acting as a site for the training, more people in that area will be able to attend the training and serve families of children with disabilities.

If you are interested in participating, please contact me. My contact information is: [e-mail] and my phone number is: 615-585-1420. I am really looking forward to working with you to ensure that children with disabilities secure appropriate educational services.

Meghan Burke

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The Lawn Mower Race is coming up quickly, and we need lots of help!

-Ice pick up and drop off (preferable someone with a truck). Need a person who can pick up about 15 20lb bags of ice (300 lb total) and drop them off at noon at the race track for the Coke truck.

-Art Booth Helper (2 people, from 4-8pm)

-Lemonade stand helper (2 people from 4-8pm)

-General set up or take down help (2 people from 3:00 to 4:00 and 2
people around 8pm)

-If you are unable to help day of, but would like to donate money we are in need of cash to buy ice and watermelon if we can not get them donated.

-Additionally we need art supplies like markers, crayons, stickers etc that we can use in the art tent. They can be dropped off at TEAM anytime.

-Finally, if any parents will be at TEAM Centers next week for therapy they could help cut out puzzsle pieces while they are waiting. Supplies and instructions will be available in the CAC.
These will be used in the art tent as well.

Please respond if you can help out! Thank you!
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Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org

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CHATTANOOGA AREA:

Thursday, June 21st 2011 --Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA), a support & social group for adults with officially diagnosed High function Autism / Asperger’s Syndrome in the greater Chat area. Regularly scheduled meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6 – 8pm. The speaker this month will be Dr. Tammy Johnson from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and her topic is: “Developing Relationships: Making a Plan, Making it Happen,” For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: [e-mail] or go to: www.meetup.com/G-C.As.

Save the Date: Get the Mow Down! Lawn mower races on Saturday June 25th at 4pm. A local group does lawn mower racing near Harrison, TN and they'd like to donate the proceeds to the CAC! (We, of course, do not condone racing lawn mowers at home for fun- but these adults do this recreationally and assume liability for themselves!) Come out and watch and support the CAC. There will be light concessions, games for kids and public awareness info about Autism available. A cheap night of entertainment for the whole family. We have lots of volunteer needs. Please let me know if you'd like to help out!

The next PACT meeting will be on Thursday July 7th at noon at the TEAM Center offices.(This change is due to the Ready To Work summer program for young adults with Asperger's taking place on Wednesdays) All are welcome! Bring your lunch and find out how you can get involved!

Save the Date: Friday November 11th 2011 for the Connections Conference at 1st Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. For families in need of resources and information regarding disabilities. See the attached flyer for more information.

PECS Basic Training in Chattanooga. July 18-19 2011. Learn how to appropriately implement the six phases of the PECS protocol, including teaching initiation, attributes, commenting and much more. PECS is much more than just using pictures… learn how to teach your students the power of communication! Cost: $395 for Professional and $295 for Parent. Workshop Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm. This workshop offers 1.3 ASHA CEUs or 15.6 BACB CEUs at no additional cost! Training is appropriate for any parent or professional working with learners with autism, related disabilities and/or limited communication skills. Please visit our website at www.pecs.com for more information. Online registration is available. Alternately, you may register via phone at 888-732-7462. The office accepts checks and purchase orders through the mail. In addition purchase orders may be faxed to the office at [phone]. Payment must be submitted with registration form found at www.pecs.com .

Stellar Pediatric Services is offering a large variety of summer camps and classes at their outpatient therapy clinic in Chattanooga. These specialized sessions are tailored to be fun and functional, promoting carryover to home, school, and community. Camps and classes for the summer include:
•Multi-Sensory Handwriting Programs, grouped by age•Pre-Handwriting Skills for preschoolers•FUNtastic Fine Motor – Arts and Crafts for Fine Motor Development•Stellar Social Skills group•Reading, Rhyming, and Rocking! Pre-K language and literacy group•Sensational Speech•R’s R Us – A speech therapy group to work on the “R” sound•Jump Start Kindergarten •Jumping Beans - Have fun while gaining confidence and motor skills
The clinic is staffed with experienced pediatric speech and occupational therapists who have been working in local schools throughout the year.
Call 423-622-1551or hchristopher.homestead.com/index.html for more information.

Support/Social groups for ASD-

Night Owls at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. This program offers free of charge childcare for your special needs child and their siblings. The ratio of children to volunteers is 1:1. The program is the first Friday of every month. We also offer such events as Mom’s Morning Out. If you are interested please e-mail Betty: [e-mail]. Enjoy a night out!

Awesome Autism Support Group is sponsored by Siskin Center in Chattanooga and meets monthly. For more information, contact Jackie Benkert at: [phone]. Group meets the 4th Monday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House next door to Erlanger. On facebook as: AwesomeAutism-please join!

Family Share Support Group meets monthly for a meal. For more information and to RSVP, contact [e-mail] or [phone].

Social Group for Chattanooga Teens affected by Aspergers. Meets regularly, local parents have started this group. For information on next meeting, call [phone].

Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA) is a support & social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome/High functioning autism in the greater Chattanooga area. Regularly scheduled meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6 – 8pm with a speaker the first hour and support group time the second hour. Their socials are monthly with TBD dates, times, & activities. For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: [e-mail] or go to: www.meetup.com/G-C-As

CLEVELAND:

JUNE 23 – 24, 2011 – 2011 Lee University Southeastern Autism Symposium with Keynote Speaker Sondra Williams. It will be at Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Cost is $75. For more information contact: Hariett Cannon at: [phone] or [e-mail]

MORRISTOWN

Autism Orientation at Manley Baptist Church on Thursday September 1st 2011 from 6:30-8:30. Please see attached flyer for more information or to RSVP.


Volunteer Opportunities

Thursday and Friday June 23 and 24 at the LUDIC conference at Lee University. Annual conference on Autism where we hope that the Cleveland and Chattanooga Autism Center's can be represented. Please call if you'd like to volunteer at the CAC booth.

Thank you very much for considering to help out the CAC!

Melanie Chakwin

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Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org

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Open Doors Tennessee is seeking a few peer mentors for their 3rd annual Camp for children with autism. Please forward this information to your Sunday school class, Boy Scout or Girl Scout troop, neighborhood children, cousins, etc.

This will be an amazing experience for all kids and there is NO CHARGE for the peers!!!! There will be peer training on the first day of camp !! Preferably kindergarten through 5th grade peers!!!!

The 3rd annual Open Doors Tennessee camp will be held on Monday, July 25th through Friday, July 29th from 9 - 2 pm each day ending with a Carnival day!!! The kids will have a blast and just may make friends for LIFE!!!!

For a peer application, please click on the following website www.opendoorstnautism.info and click on "Open Doors Camps" - you should see the peer application in the right upper corner.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Please share far and wide and make a difference in the life of a child with autism! I am sure they will make a difference in yours!!!!

Thanks and have a wonderful summer and Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheri Howlett
Open Doors Tennessee
Camp Director
Vice President
www.opendoorstnautism.info
www.opendoorstn.org

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TOMORROW! Join us for Lawn mower races on Saturday June 25th at 4pm. Scenic City Lawn Mower Racing Association does lawn mower racing near Harrison, TN and they'd like to donate the proceeds to the CAC! (We, of course, do not condone racing lawn mowers at home for fun- but these adults do this recreationally and assume liability for themselves!) Come out to watch and support the CAC. There will be light concessions, games for kids and public awareness info about Autism available. A cheap night of entertainment for the whole family--Only five dollar gate admission. At Savannah Valley Speedway 10516 Hwy 58 (4.5 miles past Mahan Gap Rd.) in Harrison. Gates open at 4pm and races begin at 5 for more information call 423-344-8159.

The next parent and advocate collaboration team (PACT) meeting will be on Thursday July 7th at noon at the TEAM Center offices.(This change is due to the Ready To Work summer program for young adults with Asperger's taking place on Wednesdays) All are welcome! Bring your lunch and find out how you can get involved!

Save the Date: Friday November 11th 2011 for the Connections Conference at 1st Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. For families in need of resources and information regarding disabilities. See the attached flyer for more information.

PECS Basic Training in Chattanooga. July 18-19 2011. Learn how to appropriately implement the six phases of the PECS protocol, including teaching initiation, attributes, commenting and much more. PECS is much more than just using pictures… learn how to teach your students the power of communication! Cost: $395 for Professional and $295 for Parent. Workshop Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm. This workshop offers 1.3 ASHA CEUs or 15.6 BACB CEUs at no additional cost! Training is appropriate for any parent or professional working with learners with autism, related disabilities and/or limited communication skills. Please visit our website at www.pecs.com for more information. Online registration is available. Alternately, you may register via phone at 888-732-7462. The office accepts checks and purchase orders through the mail. In addition purchase orders may be faxed to the office at [phone]. Payment must be submitted with registration form found at www.pecs.com .

Support/Social groups for ASD-

Night Owls at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. This program offers free of charge childcare for your special needs child and their siblings. The ratio of children to volunteers is 1:1. The program is the first Friday of every month. We also offer such events as Mom’s Morning Out. If you are interested please e-mail Betty: [e-mail]. Enjoy a night out!

Awesome Autism Support Group is sponsored by Siskin Center in Chattanooga and meets monthly. For more information, contact Jackie Benkert at: [phone]. Group meets the 4th Monday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House next door to Erlanger. On facebook as: AwesomeAutism-please join!

Family Share Support Group meets monthly for a meal. For more information and to RSVP, contact [e-mail] or [phone].

Social Group for Chattanooga Teens affected by Aspergers. Meets regularly, local parents have started this group. For information on next meeting, call [phone].

Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA) is a support & social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome/High functioning autism in the greater Chattanooga area. Regularly scheduled meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6 – 8pm with a speaker the first hour and support group time the second hour. Their socials are monthly with TBD dates, times, & activities. For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: [e-mail] or go to: www.meetup.com/G-C-As

MORRISTOWN:
Autism Orientation at Manley Baptist Church on Thursday September 1st 2011 from 6:30-8:30. Please see attached flyer for more information or to RSVP.

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Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org

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We are so thrilled to thank Mr. Corky Coker and his team of devoted individuals who were involved in the planning and execution of The Great Race. Mr. Coker chose the Chattanooga Autism Center as the recipient of the proceeds from the 'Auction for Autism" at the kickoff dinner the night before the start of the race in Chattanooga Tennessee. Over 1,000 miles later, The Great Race was completed in Vermont on Saturday! Car enthusiasts up and down the East Coast got a glimpse of classic and vintage cars at their finest as well as a fine group of people driving and supporting these vehicles.

Amazingly, sixty eight hundred dollars was raised for the CAC at the auction and will be used to fund educational, recreational and therapeutic programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Additionally, a treasured family of the CAC was able to participate in both the kickoff dinner and send off celebration on Saturday June 11th. David, Trish and Caelan Cox were part of the festivities and Caelen even got to start the race with the famous "Gentleman, start your engines"! If you 'd like to see a video clip please click: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgF8eZLUY50

Many thanks to Mr. Coker and the Coker Tire staff for including the CAC in this amazing event. Please feel free to express your thanks by doing business with Coker Tire and letting them know that you are a supporter of the Chattanooga Autism Center as well.



Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New self-determination resource now available from The Riot!

The Riot is excited to announce that Space Race is now available for purchase at
www.theriotrocks.org/products/space-race.

The Space Race game is a new resource for developmental disability service providers, transition specialists, self-advocates, and others involved in person-centered
planning processes or in teaching people how to use self-directed supports.

Portland, OR – June 23, 2011

Space Race is a fun game designed to teach people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages about self-determination. During the game, individuals or teams of players roll the die to move their game piece through space and get back to earth. Along the way, players learn self-determination skills (e.g., self-advocacy, decision making, responsibility) and discuss what kind of life they want. Players talk about career interests, where they want to live, who they want to spend time with, community involvement, and health. Players record their ideas on a “Space Log,” that later can be used during transition or service planning.

The game provides an entertaining and disarming way for adults to discuss their lives, their interests and the supports they need. Space Race can also be played by young people transitioning from high school to adult life. According to John Shaw, Advocacy Director for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, “The game allows young people to talk about things without thinking about it. If you ask a young person what they want to do with their lives, they will tell you what they think you want to hear. Space Race frees kids to talk about things without thinking about it.”

About the Riot: The Riot at the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) is a collection of products and services that promote self-determination and the belief that people with disabilities should live the lives they want with the support they need (www.theriotrocks.org). HSRI is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving capacity and outcomes of service systems in the fields of developmental disabilities, substance abuse and prevention, mental health, and child and family services (www.hsri.org).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Yoshi Kardell
Phone: [phone] x 18
Email: [e-mail]
www.theriotrocks.org/products/space-race

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PLEASE COMPLETE IDEA SURVEY BY JULY 12, 2011 - The deadline for the IDEA National Survey project, a survey of whether the rights of students with disabilities and their parents are protected, has been extended to July 12, 2011. One of the main reasons for the extension is to get more parents of students with intellectual disabilities to respond. It is especially important for parents to answer the questions about assessments, so it can be determined whether the type assessment seems to be affecting placement and access to the curriculum. If you haven’t already completed the survey, NDSS urges you to do so. The survey and more information about it can be found at www.ideasurvey.org

The survey is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism National Committee, and The Advocacy Institute. It seeks input from parents, self-advocates, and attorneys and advocates who work with parents regarding the major issues in special education advocacy, including IEPs, Child Find/Evaluations, and Due Process/Litigation. The survey also examines whether parents are treated as equals in the process and whether their rights are protected

There are surveys for all community members: Parents of children with disabilities, Attorneys, Advocates, Educational Consultants, other Professionals and Self-advocates (people with disabilities) The results will be used to write a report describing the special-education advocacy experiences that parents, self-advocates, and professionals have, and describing their views of the degree to which parents are involved in the process as equal partners.

Names will not be used in the report (if stories are used, general descriptions like "a Midwestern advocate" or "an Ohio family" will be used.) There are instructions for taking the survey anonymously. There are simple multiple choice questions and questions where one can write narratives and share more information and thoughts if one wishes.

Please forward and share this notice with others, or post this notice or a link to the survey on websites. If you are not on the NDSS action alert email list and would like to receive these alerts and information bulletins, please subscribe at: capwiz.com/ndss/mlm/signup/.

National Down Syndrome Society
666 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]

Web site: www.ndss.org

NDSS National Policy Center
5505 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. # 239
Washington, DC 20015-2601
Phone: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

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www.mysuburbanlife.com/features/x539089903/Differently-abled-Local-schools-find-gifts-in-autistic-students

Differently abled: Local schools find gifts in autistic students

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www.snapps4kids.com/

Site reviews apps for children with disabilities
A website is partnering with Easter Seals to offer reviews of more than 30,000 apps for use in special education, as more children with disabilities are using iPad apps to help improve their cognitive and motor skills and to connect socially. "I'm seeing more interest and drive in those kids when they have something to work for like using the iPad," Easter Seals speech pathologist Brooke Harris said. KTHV-TV (Little Rock, Ark.)

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"Capitol-Area Bars, Eateries See the Sign" By Erin Mershon, Roll Call Staff

Even the most decisive groups of friends can have trouble making plans for a Friday night. But for Gallaudet University alumnus Robert Sirvage, who is deaf, getting a few drinks with friends is an especially complicated task — one that some local bars are trying to make easier. The group first has to find a bar or restaurant with enough lighting that they will be able to see each other signing. If they’re waiting for a spot to open, they’ll have to explain to the waitress to come get them, instead of calling out their name when it’s ready, or they might miss the cue and have their reservation erased. They also need a table big enough for them to sit in a circle and face one another because eye contact forms the basis of their conversations. And even if they can find a place that fits their needs, they still have to find a way to order food and drinks.

Such issues “typically lead to misunderstandings and conflict between the deaf and the hearing,” Sirvage said through a phone interpreter. “They think we’re just taking up too much space, but no, that’s just how we communicate. That’s how we are.” Sirvage and his friends are not alone: In the United States, such difficulties plague about 217,000 functionally deaf adults from ages 18 to 44.

But because of the more than 2,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing students and faculty at Gallaudet University, staff at the bars and restaurants of Capitol Hill and H Street Northeast have learned to accommodate many of these issues.

Because they see deaf customers every day — and sometimes crowds of more than 20 on weekends — some waitstaff and bartenders have started to learn sign language to better serve their clientele. “We learned by asking, just by being inquisitive, wanting to know,” Sticky Rice co-owner Jason Martin said. In the past, the restaurant even employed former Gallaudet students because they were so popular with the deaf clientele.

More than half of the bartenders at the Rock N Roll Hotel know some sign language, according to owner and general manager Fritz Wood. Their first two years in the neighborhood were tough — either the bartenders or the students ended up confused and dissatisfied. When deaf patrons tried to write their orders on small pieces of paper, the slips would stick to the bar, get wet or get lost. Now that his staff knows sign language, things have changed. “A lot of our bartenders have learned how to say a majority of the drinks — Red Bull-vodka, beers,” he said. “We know our regulars, we know their names. A lot of it is patience and having them write it down a few times. We know how to say, ‘Teach me,’ and they’ll show you the sign to speed up the process.”

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The Arc of Tennessee
151 Athens Way, Ste 100
Nashville, TN 37228
615/248-5878 ext 21

www.thearctn.org/

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Family Fun Event at Nashville Shores: Sunday, August 7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Let's all send a very special thanks to the Predators Foundation - they are sponsoring lunch for the first 200 ASMT members who buy their tickets for ASMT's 6th Annual Family Fun Day at Nashville Shores! Admission tickets are $15.00/person (a 40% discount) and lunch is FREE!

To make this deal even sweeter, the first 15 families to purchase their tickets for this great event, will get entered in a drawing for two season passes to Nashville Shores! Click here for more information and call today!! r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yogelrcab&et=1106268888741&s=1823&e=001RlQIcdimt1XiEr5p2eOaEtHQQI5Kzo9TT12rpm-liSWgzUQPjeDD-TqYv9zTDBJgiuTPrh7Rdd52R23mlc6Ol0gKMBEDxAk0tuZr4GRKAfUca3PEO_xAxKumk66-L-8HM6wvcMNyOVtm0uwXNrvBEeHA5ViP9NkyxPa-IeetEoJEw3U4EzckGCEI6jqHYouTzgv9VTpWqGDXqGHEQCuZht63Fi29elvx
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2011 Fall Conference - "Finding Individual Pathways to Success"

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, September 22, 2011

This year, ASMT's Fall conference will focus on approximately one hour break-out sessions designed to meet the individual needs of the attendees by allowing them to choose between presentations focused on one of three pathways: social, communication, and behavior (including sensory issues). We are accepting proposals for presentations now through July 15, 2011. Click here for more information: r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yogelrcab&et=1106268888741&s=1823&e=001RlQIcdimt1VAqOccgvnuSW3gNXGZkXFeGs59sXUkY4Hfv46a3nsRv_sbTSPtXiIb1eMfBcBk1ANFhAxyxtf5A6ZaGh-4F1axF5lM2zb5dQEOplrxkD--0cCNmY52HukociS-zlG36lzRewkqa0Hrsw==
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Upcoming Events

Autism Orientation - July 21st - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yogelrcab&et=1106268888741&s=1823&e=001RlQIcdimt1VNpCeFd8ca7-ci9wPR1jfQrVAFXE3F0HIylfabJDi3zJU9d5U-xbbvy4L9916VZIvGHqs6Mf5lY9Lkn1GDy5ZbhX774JqyDPbATppE0nb4ktxcG2-D9G4ZN68WGBoAN6Lo91XX1u4BenF94_kW4Y1973lbvRsnqisrC5s8g0Tk3yeFa7GFT-PjIJCQ3Tg3jqfnHnDpF36O9P1rxJWcTk8_dRwG4yeXfjuTEaEeDUmaGK0_HBZvsFvD4tcBotSKBJzZA1HD_wbHtwJrbIcnfsfc

*NEW*
Workshop - Our Stories: Panel of Adults Living with ASD on July 28th - Thursday
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center - 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=yogelrcab&et=1106268888741&s=1823&e=001RlQIcdimt1XKO9GYBdfwUU4bo7AKezlUVlvC84MheUu6-i6EbLT_YBcz8ZVFpGSQVjms30OO6_dAMeR4_HrJSfkjhox_PGWdU-RrsSOsZnaS_AV9Uow8DEl_8pTxNq-_itMDW6t2-wCw2VZ2xLp3armnIIWqa0dVncnJdsuRHsx1NrgQeN_n4jQi4oDXlQLzOMFXqlCZM3JYdd4n2zE6gZvQQvEUsC2F

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Enter to WIN a Trip to Capitol Hill and Be Featured in ABILITY Magazine


The Arc recently kicked off our Achieve with us contest inviting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their stories for a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. Now, we’ve got another great reason for you to enter. ABILITY Magazine, the leading source for information on health, disability and human potential, wants to feature the winning story in an upcoming issue of their magazine. They’ll even kick in a free one-year subscription for the winner and 25 complimentary copies of the issue that you can share with family and friends. This award-winning publication has provided new insights into individual levels of ability for nearly 20 years and we’re proud that they want to sponsor the contest and spotlight the winner.

So if you or someone you know has an inspirational story of achievement to share, visit www.facebook.com/thearcus and enter today for your chance to win a 2-day, expenses paid trip to the nation’s capital and be featured in the pages of ABILITY Magazine. Enter NOW until July 14 then encourage everyone you know to vote for your story between July 15 and August 15 to win!

Here’s how to Achieve with us!

Write a short (500 words or less) narrative/essay telling us your story of achievement and submit it along with a photo at www.facebook.com/thearcus between June 14-July 14. (Photo not required but encouraged). Entries can come from individuals with I/DD who are 18 or older, their parents, guardians, caregivers or friends or from the parents or guardians of children under 18 who have I/DD.
Spread the word and encourage everyone you know to view your entry and “vote” for you between July 15-August 15.
If you win, you’ll hear from us after August 15 to make arrangements for you and a guest or caregiver to come to Washington, D.C. before December 20 and share your story with The Arc and elected officials on Capitol Hill. And, we’ll put you in touch with the folks from ABILITY Magazine to publish your story and give you a free one-year subscription. Check out complete contest details at www.facebook.com/thearcus.

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

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The next PACT meeting will be on Thursday July 7th at noon at the TEAM Center offices.(This change is due to the Ready To Work summer program for young adults with Asperger's taking place on Wednesdays) All are welcome! Bring your lunch and find out how you can get involved!

The next meeting of the Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA), a support & social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome/High functioning autism in the greater Chattanooga area, will be on Tuesday July 19th from 6-8pm.. Dr. Tammy Johnson from the LUDIC Program at Lee University will be speaking on Part II of Developing Relationships at the July meeting. GCA's social activies are monthly with TBD dates, times, & activities. For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: [e-mail] or go to: www.meetup.com/G-C-As .

PECS Basic Training in Chattanooga. July 18-19 2011. Learn how to appropriately implement the six phases of the PECS protocol, including teaching initiation, attributes, commenting and much more. PECS is much more than just using pictures… learn how to teach your students the power of communication! Cost: $395 for Professional and $295 for Parent. Workshop Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm. This workshop offers 1.3 ASHA CEUs or 15.6 BACB CEUs at no additional cost! Training is appropriate for any parent or professional working with learners with autism, related disabilities and/or limited communication skills. Please visit our website at www.pecs.com for more information. Online registration is available. Alternately, you may register via phone at 888-732-7462. The office accepts checks and purchase orders through the mail. In addition purchase orders may be faxed to the office at [phone]. Payment must be submitted with registration form found at www.pecs.com .

Support/Social groups for ASD-

Night Owls at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. This program offers free of charge childcare for your special needs child and their siblings. The ratio of children to volunteers is 1:1. The program is the first Friday of every month. We also offer such events as Mom’s Morning Out. If you are interested please e-mail Betty: [e-mail]. Enjoy a night out!

Awesome Autism Support Group is sponsored by Siskin Center in Chattanooga and meets monthly. For more information, contact Jackie Benkert at: [phone]. Group meets the 4th Monday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House next door to Erlanger. On facebook as: AwesomeAutism-please join!

Family Share Support Group meets monthly for a meal. For more information and to RSVP, contact [e-mail] or [phone].

Social Group for Chattanooga Teens affected by Aspergers. Meets regularly, local parents have started this group. For information on next meeting, call [phone].

See above as well--Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA) is a support & social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome/High functioning autism in the greater Chattanooga area. Regularly scheduled meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6 – 8pm with a speaker the first hour and support group time the second hour. Their socials are monthly with TBD dates, times, & activities. For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: [e-mail] or go to: www.meetup.com/G-C-As

Surrounding Areas:

MARYVILLE: There will be an Autism Orientation program on Thursday, August 25th at the Fairview United Methodist Church from 6:30-8:30 PM. General information and resources will be shared as well as time for meeting others in the autism community in Blount County. See the attached flyer for more information as well.
MORRISTOWN:
Autism Orientation at Manley Baptist Church on Thursday September 1st 2011 from 6:30-8:30. Please see attached flyer for more information or to RSVP.

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Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org