TENNCARE ENROLLMENT! Do you need medical care? Are you a low-income adult with few resources and high medical bills? TennCare is opening enrollment on February 21st, 2012 from 7pm - 9:30 pm ET You must call a toll free number 866-358-3230. In the past, thousands of people have applied, but only 1,336 have received coverage through the Spend Down program even though there is room for 7,000 Tennesseans to enroll in the program. See link for income qualifications:
news.tn.gov/node/8388 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTISM PROJECT - Participants wanted!
Researchers have reached out to the CAC to help gather participants for their newest autism study.They are conducting a survey of parents of children with ASD to gain insight on their thoughts and experiences related to the diagnosis of their child with ASD. Additionally, we would like to gain a better understanding of parents’ perceptions and attitudes regarding the risk of ASD in the siblings of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Participants should be residents of the United States and have at least one child with a diagnosis of ASD. All answers will be kept anonymous. If you or your members have questions regarding this survey, please feel free to contact us at autism.project100@gmail.com.
The survey is being conducted using an internet based survey service and can be found at:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/autismsurvey100-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discovery Fun Zone!
Where: Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37402
When: February 23, 5:30 – 6:30pm
This event is for children with special needs and their siblings ages 6 – 12 years of age. Evening for families of children with special needs to come connect with each other, meet new friends, have some fun and explore all the CDM has to offer. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Club Discovery is a free, inclusive program that meets once a week and is designed to provide a framework for children with and without special needs to investigate their world in a safe environment. During Club Discovery, children are allowed to practice life-skills while participating in activities with each other and supportive adults. This program is sponsored by Unum. RSVP to Jessie Steele at steele_je@chattanooga.gov or 423.643.5716
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TEEN TITANS FEBRUARY OUTING:
What: A social group for teens with exceptional needs
When: Saturday, February 25th, 4:00-6:00pm
Where: Hamilton Skate Place
OUR MARCH EVENT WILL BE THE ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE ON MARCH 16TH AND OUR APRIL EVENT WILL BE SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH TO SEE THE LOOKOUTS BASEBALL GAME
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Awesome Autism
When: February 27th, 6-8pm
Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Avenue, Chattanooga
This support group for families or individuals affected by Autism Spectrum issues. The meeting is for sharing resources and ideas. Meeting is always the last Monday of each month.
Contact: Jackie Benkert at 423/886-5430 awesome_autism@yahoogroups.com
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Autism Orientation - Free workshop
Where: Siskin Children's Institute, 1101 Carter Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
When: Thursday, March 1st from 6-8 PM at Siskin Children's Institute.
Excellent opportunity for parents who just received ASD diagnoses or for relatives, caregivers, and others who want to learn about Autism. The orientation will be similar to the one held last year (that was through a grant with TEIS) and is a continued collaboration with the Autism Society of East Tennessee. Dr. Karen Weigle and Denise Brown will be the speakers at the orientation. I've attached the flyer for more information. Please distribute the flyer and information to parents, caregivers, and professionals who might benefit from the orientation.
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Georgia's 2012 "Across the Spectrum" Autism/Asperger Conference
When: February 29 - March 1
Where: Gwinnett Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia, 90097
Featuring Keynote Presentations by Dr. Temple Grandin and her mother Eustacia Cutler
On-site registration rate $175.00 - Certificate of Attendance $ 5.00 - Exhibit Hall Pass (ONLY) $ 35.00
www.georgiaautismconferences.com/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIBshops workshop
When: March 6, 2012 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm - Dinner Included
Place: First Baptist Church, 201 North Main Street LaFayette, GA 30728-2419
Ages 7-12 years old or teens ages 13 – 21 can attend as a Teen Mentor.
Sibshops are celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibshops acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance. Sibshops are a spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide range of abilities).
Space is limited: Reserve Now! Flyer attached
Contact Mrs. Michal Jones, Parent Mentor, Walker County Schools, 706-866-5215, michaljones@walkerschools.org
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Mother's Moving Mountains
When: Saturday, March 10, 2012, from 1:00-3:00 PM
Where: Educational and Yoga classroom behind Nutrition World: 6201 Lee Highway, Chattanooga TN 37421.
Mothers Moving Mountains is a family support group for families facing autism spectrum issues and other special needs. Purpose: to educate, equip, and encourage families. Some months they have special speakers while other months they simply share joys and concerns and seek to find positive solutions for our children and families. The group meets the 2nd Saturday of each month, same time and place. The meeting and parking are free.
For more info, contact Lisa Dupree--Mothers Moving Mountains Facilitator (423) 847-3730 autismhope4you@yahoo.com
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Greater Chattanooga Aspies (GCA) - March 15th, 6-8pm.
GCA is a support & social group for young adults and adults (16+) with officially diagnosed High function Autism / Asperger's Syndrome in the greater Chattanooga area. Regularly scheduled meetings will be the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6 - 8pm with a speaker the first hour and support group time the second hour. For more information, contact Scott Kramer at: GCAspies@gmail.com or go to:
www.meetup.com/G-C-As .
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MOOVIN' AND GROOVIN ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE
What: An event for kids ages 12-25 with exceptional needs and their siblings.
When: Friday, March 16th, 7:00-9:00pm
Where? Ft. Oglethorpe United Methodist Church Gymnasium
Cost? $5/per dancer
if anyone would like to donate to the dance to help out with decorations, refreshments, or a DJ please let me know!!
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Play Me a Riddle - Fun time and networking opportunity!
When: Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Lindsay Street Hall, 901 Lindsay Street Chattanooga, TN 37402
This is a unique family friendly day of music, play, introductions, and community. There are several amazing groups and facilities to support Autism in Chattanooga. This day will host as many as possible and give smaller groups a chance to connect with each other as well. All families are welcome to participate and network. We are asking for support groups, educators, and facilities who would like to set up and share their organization or business in support on this day to contact us as well as adults who have lived with autism and would like to speak. More info and list of performers will appear at
www.facebook.com/chattautismdayDeadline for groups/educators/facilities to apply is March 21st, 2012
For more information or inquiry please contact Cynthia Joyner at cynjoyner@gmail.com
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GET YOUR GAME ON - FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER EVENT
What: A fundraiser event to benefit Catoosa County Special Olympics
When: Sunday, April 15th, 3:00-5:00pm
Where: Heritage High School Auditorium
Details: All Athletes Will Be Invited To Model In The Show (registration will be sent out March 1st) Tickets for the show will be $10 and will go on sale March 1st
PLEASE CONTACT GINGER BROWN IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE A DOOR PRIZE, AN AUCTION ITEM OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING...OUR NEXT MEETING IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH AT 2:00PM AT GINGER BROWNS DANCE STUDIO ON CLOUD SPRINGS ROAD
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SUNSHINE SOCCER PROGRAM:
What: TOPSoccer league for kids with exceptional needs
When: 1st practice begins Monday, March 12th, 5:30-7:30PM
Where: Heritage High School Soccer fields
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3RD ANNUAL COMMUNITY CONFERENCE ON AUTISM - FILL YOUR TOOLBOX
When: Friday, May 4th, 8am - 4:50
Where: Chattanooga Convention Center
Cost: Individual = $35 (earlybird special), Family rate = $55 (early bird), Professionals seeking CEUs = $85 (early bird)
Lunch provided. Door prizes, more exhibitors and speakers than last year, great networking opportunity. Everyone leaves with new skills. Registrations will in the next week or so. Early bird rate ends March 15th. See
www.ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org for more info
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Chattanooga Autism Center
Where the Pieces Come Together
ChattanoogaAutismCenter.org