June 2012 DISABILITIES Thread

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This June, Get a Free Digital Download of the Autism Advocate on Facebook

For the entire month of June, each fan of the Autism Society on Facebook will have access to a free digital download of one of our favorite issues of the Autism Advocate, titled Tools that Help Individuals Communicate Effectively. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=wits3QUjuneyym4wd7c1ug

Autism Journeys: Dan

In honor of this month's Mother's Day holiday, I spoke to a few autism moms I know. I asked them about their experiences with autism and any advice they might have for new autism moms. What follows is something I could never give you on my own: autism through a mother's eyes. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=vTKzj0eivUmcgdfImDPctA

Antioxidant Shows Promise as Treatment for Certain Features of Autism, Study Finds

A specific antioxidant supplement may be an effective therapy for some features of autism, according to a pilot trial from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital that involved 31 children with the disorder. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=ibZ649LUqTxloXTMMf2Kgw

ASPERKIDS: An Insider’s Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children with Asperger Syndrome

As a parent, a teacher, and an “Aspie” herself, Jennifer Cook O’ Toole provides the definite insider’s view of Asperger syndrome. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=lzEdOTA666Z1IhFpAjE6cg

Autism Spectrum Conditions Through Everyday Transitions

Facing any type of change can cause confusion and anxiety for individuals with autism spectrum conditions. This book looks at the small transitions in everyday life that can be a big deal for a child with autism and offers simple and effective strategies to make change less of a daily challenge. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=U0Anu-dInDtOhtMXh5_0gg

Autism as Context Blindness

According to Peter Vermeulen, treatment of autism is still too focused on behavior and minimally focused on observation or determining the way of thinking that leads to the behavior. Read more: support.autism-society.org/site/R?i=0yfK7QXA1oI9LUubOk55Ow

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The Memphis Center for Independent Living is currently recruiting individuals with disabilities across Tennessee to work as “Peer to Peer Specialists” for a statewide Money Follows the Person project aimed at helping people with disabilities transition from nursing facilities into the community. The Peer to Peer Specialists will be contractual workers who conduct one-on-one Independent Living Skills trainings with individuals transitioning to living in the community. Preference will be given to those job applicants who have had personal experience with living in a nursing home. Specialists will be hired for several areas across the state, not just in Memphis.

Money Follows the Person Statewide Peer to Peer Transition Project

Project Overview: Memphis Center for Independent Living (MCIL) will create a statewide network of trained peers to facilitate individual transitions from nursing facilities back to the community. These Peer Specialists will train individuals transitioning out of nursing facilities in a variety of important independent living skills.

Project Management: Memphis Center for Independent Living will contract with a Peer Transition Project Coordinator for managing the project, creating the training modules, training and supervising the peer to peer specialists, and ongoing coordination of Peer to Peer transition team. The contract will be for 40 hours per month.

Peer to Peer Trainers: The Project Coordinator will assist MCIL to identify, recruit and train approximately 8 Peer Specialist Trainers forming a statewide network of Peer to Peer Specialists. Our goal is to have 2 Peer Specialists from the Knoxville area, 2 from Nashville, 2 from Memphis/Shelby County, 1 from the Chattanooga area and 1 to serve the Jackson/Paris Tennessee area. The Peer Specialists will be people with disabilities who have either transitioned from a nursing home or have developed appropriate skills to avoid institutional placement.

Train the Peer Specialists: The newly recruited Peer Specialists will meet in Nashville for 3 days of intensive training. Training will be provided on how to train and support transitioning individuals on IL (Independent Living) Skills modules needed for community independence. Additionally they will learn how to find community resources, work with care coordinators, document services and submit reimbursement requests. The Project Coordinator will conduct these trainings and be available for technical assistance throughout the project. Upon returning to their respective communities, each Peer Specialist will have an electronic copy as well as a notebook with print copies of the training modules.

Independent Living Training Modules: Peer to Peer trainers will conduct Independent Living Skills training with transitioning individuals referred from Care Coordinators. These training modules may include but are not limited to skills such as: assertiveness/self-advocacy, budgeting, managing personal assistants, basic rights and responsibilities under CHOICES, local resources and other individualized skills as needed.

Project Process: Upon receiving referrals from Care Coordinators, the Peer Specialist will meet with the individual and together they will determine which Independent Living Training Modules the individual will receive. Peer Specialists will receive payment for each module the individual successfully completes. Each module will have a pre and post-test along with other documentation. The post-test must show a satisfactory level of understanding of the module to be determined completed. The Peer Specialist will receive $50 per completed module whether completed in one visit or multiple visits as well as transportation reimbursement.
All reports will be submitted to the Project Coordinator who will report to MCIL Executive Director and provide required documentation for billing. Assessments and evaluations will be compiled by MCIL to assist with quarterly reports. Memphis Peer Specialists will also encourage nursing home residents in the transition process to participate in activities and workshop opportunities that take place at MCIL. All Peers will also have access to a resource office in Memphis for materials, equipment loan and individual training space as appropriate.

Please contact Deborah Cunningham or Sandi Klink if you are interested in being considered a Peer Specialist Trainer in your area of the State.
E-mail [e-mail] or Sandi @mcil.org or call 901-726-6404

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The Tennessee Disability Coalition, the Tennessee Autism Summit Team (a broad-based group that includes autism organizations, state agencies, and other interested parties), and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center are conducting a statewide, web-based survey. This survey will inform us of the needs for different services and service coordination throughout Tennessee. We will use this information to develop a state plan to improve services and service coordination for children with autism and other related disabilities. This coordinated, statewide service plan is the focus of a federal planning grant from Maternal & Child Health Bureau of the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services.

The survey is for parents or guardians of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. I have attached a flyer (in both English and Spanish) for the survey that contains some more information and the link to the survey online. If you could please distribute the flyer to families of children with autism, we would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!

Maria P. Mello
On behalf of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers working with the Tennessee Autism Summit Team

To access the survey, click on:

English Survey: kc.vanderbilt.edu/AutismServicesSurvey

Spanish Survey: kc.vanderbilt.edu/Encuesta_para_Padres_de_Niños_con_Autismo

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The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee (BIAT) is now accepting Host Organization applications for the 1st Annual Statewide Walk for Thought. Host Organizations must be a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving persons with brain injury.

In hosting a walk site, the host organization will receive 25% of funds raised at their site.

The host organization will also be responsible for securing a date and location for the walk.

You will be responsible for recruiting volunteers and participants for the event.

As we plan for the 1st Annual Statewide Walk for Thought to take place in March and April of 2013, we hope to increase the number of walk sites across Tennessee and continue our efforts to raise awareness of brain injury and provide profit sharing opportunities to nonprofit organizations serving their communities.

Applications are due July 27, 2012.

Upon receipt and acceptance of the application, Host Organizations will be provided with a Guide to assist them in planning for the Walk for Thought.

For more information, please contact Pam Bryan. Executive Director, at 615-248-2541 or [e-mail]

Sincerely,

Pam Bryan, CBIS

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CLARK CENTER PARK (CARBIDE), OAK RIDGE, TN, OPEN DOORS TN & East TN White Water Club
PRESENTS: A DAY ON THE LAKE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES - FREE EVENT!!!
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ANY CHILD WITH A DISABILITY OR ADULT AND THEIR FAMILIES

Canoes can be adapted so that those with physical disabilities can join the fun. If your family member needs an adaptation, please let us know when you email.

WHERE: CLARK CENTER PARK, from Knoxville go Oak ridge hwy toward Oak Ridge take Bethel Valley Rd left on Pump house Rd, right on Bull Bluff Rd into follow to swim area.
WHAT: Swimming area, Grill & Picnic tables, lots of shade, Full Bathrooms, Great Parking.
WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH 10AM TO 4PM
HOW: RSVP [e-mail]

WE HAVE VOLUNTEERS FROM THE OAK RIDGE CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB TO ASSIST OUR GUEST IN THE CANOE. FOR SAFTEY KAYAKS WILL FOLLOW OUR GUEST TO INSURE A GREAT SAFE TIME FOR ALL. BE SURE TO BRING CHANGE OF CLOTHS AND WEAR PROPER ATTIRE FOR A CANOE RIDE.

PLEASE BRING LIFE JACKET IF YOU HAVE ONE IF NOT ONE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU.

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Call for Entries: Through My Window: Work by Young Artists with Disabilities

(05/25/2012/Knoxville) – The Arts & Culture Alliance announces a call for entries for “Through My Window: Work by Young Artists with Disabilities”, an exhibition of artwork by student-artists with autism and other disabilities. This exhibition seeks to promote awareness of the abilities of people with disabilities and celebrate the accessibility of Knox and surrounding counties. Approximately 40-50 works will comprise the exhibition in the main gallery of the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville from July 6-27, 2012.

“I happened to be in conversation with Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett when he mentioned some of the children he had gotten to know that have developmental disabilities,” says Arts & Culture Alliance Executive Director Liza Zenni. “He mentioned the wonderful artwork they have produced, which gave us the idea for this exhibition.”

This call for artwork is open to student-artists with disabilities, ages 5-22, residing within the following eleven counties of East Tennessee: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Sevier, and Union.

Each artist may submit two works for consideration, and at least one will be included as selected by honorary juror Senator Becky Massey Duncan, Executive Director of the Sertoma Center.

Artwork and applications should be delivered to the Emporium Center on Monday, July 2, between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

There is no entry fee. There is no imposed theme on this exhibition, so student-artists with disabilities are encouraged to submit artwork in a variety of media, highlighting the unique perspectives of the individual artist. All works must be wired and ready to hang. Download a prospectus with detailed information and application at www.knoxalliance.com (under Calls & Press Releases), or send an SASE to Suzanne Cada, Arts & Culture Alliance, PO Box 2506, Knoxville, TN 37901. A minimum of $100 in prizes will be awarded.

The Emporium is free and open to the public Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and is ADA compliant. For more information, contact Suzanne Cada at [phone] or [e-mail].


About the Arts & Culture Alliance
The Arts & Culture Alliance serves and supports a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance receives financial support from the Tennessee Arts Commission (www.tn.gov/arts) and First Tennessee Foundation (www.firsttennesseefoundation.com).

Contact: Suzanne Cada
PO Box 2506
Knoxville, TN 37901
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.knoxalliance.com

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Subject: Upcoming Open Doors TN Events, East TN

June 24: Canoe Fest
July 6 &7: Open Doors TN Camp In
July 23 thru 27: Zoo Camp

People with all types of disabilities are welcome to be part of any event!

RSVP [e-mail]

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The Council on Developmental Disabilities is seeking content for its 2012 Breaking Ground Arts Issue.

We are looking for fiction and poetry (up to 1,000 words), photographs and all other types of artwork. All writing and art submissions must be by a person with a disability, or have disability as its theme.

Please submit entries electronically to [e-mail] , or send entries to the address listed below, to the attention of me, Ned Andrew Solomon.

The deadline for submissions is June 15.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at [e-mail] , or at 615.532.6556.

Gratefully,

Ned Andrew Solomon

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Project HEALTH (Helping Every Ability Learn To be Healthy) is a program of Sports 4 All Foundation, a non-profit that serves people with disabilities. We currently host adaptive fitness and nutrition classes in the Nashville and Murfreesboro areas and are looking to expand into LaVergne. Before we do so, we want to make sure that families in La Vergne are open to utilizing our services.

All Project HEALTH classes are free of charge and will be hosted at La Vergne's Parks and Recreation Community Centers. Please take 5 minutes of your time to fill out our survey so that we can serve the special needs community!

Check out www.s4af.org or email [e-mail] for more information. Thanks so much!

www.surveymonkey.com/s/TXN7N9M

Project HEALTH (Helping Every Ability Learn To be Healthy)
Sports 4 All Foundation
www.s4af.org
615-354-6454

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TN Employment Data

TEC, the Tennessee Employment Consortium, just released the attached report titled “DIDD Employment Data Update 2012,” which captures employment data on individuals served by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who are ages 22-61 for January 1, 2012-March 31, 2012. Note the specific age range in this report’s data, which differs from previous reports by TEC.



Another recently released report on employment of people with disabilities is “The National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes,” a product of Access to Integrated Employment, a project of the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. You can view the report at statedata.info/statedatabook/. Pages specifically about Tennessee are p. 319-325

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The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of completing our annual update to the five-year state plan. This current plan is in effect for federal fiscal years October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2016. The plan is updated and resubmitted to our federal oversight agency, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities every August.

The State Plan is our strategic planning document, and it serves as a framework for our planning, implementing and evaluation activities. This year the plan update involved changes to existing objectives and the addition of a new goal and objective. It is attached to this email and also posted on our website’s homepage at www.tn.gov/cdd. We strongly encourage the public to send their comments, thoughts, and concerns to the Council via e-mail or phone call or snail mail.

To submit public review comments or for information about the State Plan, please contact Alicia Cone at [e-mail] , 615-253-1105, or Parkway Towers, Suite 130, 404 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243.

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Websites

Tennessee Works: The Tennessee Collaborative on Meaningful Work, a group formed around increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, has launched their new website all about employment. It has resources for jobseekers with disabilities, employers, researchers and much more. The site also invites viewers to share any information or resources about disability and employment in Tennessee. Check it out at www.tennesseeworks.org!
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Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD, formerly just ADD): AIDD, the agency which oversees Councils on Developmental Disabilities has a great new website that already has a ton of great information and resources, with more to come throughout the year as they continue to transition to the new site. See it at transition.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add.

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NACDD news

The National Disability Rights Network recently released an important report called Devaluing People with Disabilities: Medical Procedures Violating the Civil Rights of People with Disabilities. You can view a summary of the report, its recommendations and the full report here . The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities has endorsed these recommendations and offered its support in addressing the critical issue of protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities in the medical world.

www.ndrn.org/en/media/publications/483-devaluing-people-with-disabilities.html

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Events

Statewide:

DLAC’s Voting Train-the-Trainer events: Disability Law & Advocacy Center, in partnership with the Tennessee Coordinator of Elections, will offer 6 VOTE TN! Conferences across Tennessee to increase awareness about disability voting rights and increase access to the election process for voters with disabilities.

DLAC is looking for teams (2 or more) who have:

The ability, time, and connections to conduct at least one voting rights training
Independent ideas about how to carry out training
6/25 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Memphis
6/26 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Jackson
7/26 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Johnson City
7/27 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Knoxville
7/31 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Clarksville
8/7 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Nashville

To get more information about VOTE TN or to register, click here: dlactn.eventbrite.com/?utm_source=Newsletter%2FAnnouncements&utm_campaign=fbb18e4601-VOTE_TN_Annoucement5_22_2012&utm_medium=email
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East

Expo of products for the deaf, hard of hearing & deaf-blind - The East Tennessee Technology Access Center will host a free demonstration of over a dozen products and services for the deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind on June 14th from 1- 7 p.m. at ETTAC’s Knoxville office, 116 Childress Street. For more information, contact Paula Jones- [phone] [e-mail]
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Middle

VSA Art Institute - The 10th annual VSA Tennessee Art Institute will take place July 16-20 at Volunteer State Community College and feature nationally recognized artists who will work with children in grades 3-8 using dance, drama, music, literature and visual arts to introduce them to elements surrounding the river culture. The VSA Art Institute is a summer arts camp for children with and without disabilities. If you have questions, contact Lori Kissinger at [e-mail] or [phone].
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Community Conversation on Children’s Mental Health - Sponsored by: NAMI Davidson County & Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital; June 23rd 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. Visit www.namidavidson.org for more information.
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West

Community Education Series – Recreational and Leisure Activities presented by TN Disability Pathfinder, The STAR Center and UT Boling Center – will cover the variety of opportunities for recreation and leisure activities available for individuals with disabilities; Call [phone] or email [e-mail] for more information. Thursday, June 28, 2012 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; the STAR Center, 1119 Old Humboldt Road, Jackson, TN.

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Project TREDS is hosting a conference for families and professionals July 13th and 14th at the Cool Springs Marriott. We provide free child care so families may attend the conference. We are desperately looking for volunteers for Friday and Saturday either full day or half day shifts. The kids range from 6 months through 18 years of age. Typically developing and special needs including vision and hearing impaired. Volunteers will be placed with children they are comfortable working with. We like to have a one-on-one ratio for children with special needs and one-on--two for typical siblings. We will be planning fun activities for the kids so basically the volunteers will be their buddy for the day and get them to and from activities. We host this conference every two years and everyone that attends has a great time. For some of the parents this is the first time they have left their child so we pride ourselves on quality volunteers. Please share this information with any groups you may know. I have attached the volunteer form to be passed along or filled out as well.

For those who volunteer, we will provide a t-shirt from the conference and a certificate of hours worked which can come in handy for volunteer hours needed. We have great speakers that will hit on a lot of sensory issues with children and how to help them. Our 4 speaker’s backgrounds are autism, occupational therapist with sensory training, deafblind specialist, and vision specialist for children with severe multiple disabilities.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jennifer Miller, BA, CCLS, CEIM
Educational Consultant
TREDS Project for Individuals with Combined Hearing and Vision Loss
Division of Developmental Medicine and Center for Child Development
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
3401 West End Avenue, Suite 460 West
Nashville, TN 37203
615-322-7194
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.TREDS-deafblindproject.com

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The By the Brook Retreat for moms of children with special needs is just two weeks away! There are still some spots available and we would greatly appreciate you sharing this information with any mom who might be interested. We have a fabulous weekend planned specifically for these amazing moms!

Moms can register online by visiting www.risingaboveministries.info/national-ministries/by-the-brook-retreat

Thanks so much!
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BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF TENNESSEE'S GLOBAL PICNIC

Brain Injury has been referred to as the "Silent Epidemic" long enough; it has been called the "Invisible Disability" long enough; survivors have been classified as the "Walking Wounded" long enough. It has been estimated that there are a BILLION people on this planet living with some type of brain injury; brain injury is projected to become the number one health problem in the world by 2020; brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability for American youth under the age of 25.

Hardly a silent and invisible disability, but one that up to 2/3 of the American public are not even aware of by some estimations. The Brain Injury Global Picnic is intended to host awareness events on the same day across the world to shine a light on, and bring a loud voice to this devastating and neglected injury.

The idea of a Global Picnic started with Annie Rickets, a woman with a brain injury who lives in England, who woke from a dream in which millions of people were coming together with one Common goal - to end the silent epidemic.

The Brain Injury Association of TN is hosting a "Global Picnic" on June 30th.

June 30th has been the day designated as the World Global Picnic day. There is hope at least 500 picnics will be held around the world on this day to help promote brain injury awareness and education.

The Brain Injury Association of TN's picnic will be held at East Park Community Center. This is located at 700 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206. The picnic will be from 3:00pm until 6:00pm.

The picnic is free to attend, but if you could bring a side item (chips, beans, etc) or a dessert that would be great!

We would like to invite you to attend our picnic!

Warmest Regards,

Pam


Pam Bryan, CBIS
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of TN
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Office: 615-248-2541
Family Helpline: 1-877-757-2428
Fax: [phone]
Website: http://www.BrainInjuryTN.org<http://www.BrainInjuryTN.org>

BIAT's mission is to ensure hope and support by providing brain injury prevention, awareness, education and advocacy to survivors and their families.

Our vision is that our community unites to maximize the quality of life of those who are affected by brain injury.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

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Opportunities and events

+Vanderbilt Research Study - $20 gift card for participants.
What: new research study focusing on the strengths, spirituality, and well-being of young people with disabilities in Tennessee.
Who: Parents or caregivers of young people with an intellectual disability or autism (ages 13-21) are eligible to participate.
How: If you are interested in learning more—or know of other families who may be interested—read the study description below and share this announcement with others. You can also click (http://tinyurl.com/7nohlwx) to find out more information.
We are sending out this announcement on behalf of the project team. Any questions about the study should be directed to Erik Carter, Associate Professor of Special Education, at [e-mail] [phone]. See Attached Flyer.

+Getting the Most Out of Your Library!!!
Where: South Branch Library, 925 W 39th St, Chattanooga, TN 37410,
When: June 19, 3pm.
Join us and our personal guide Ms. Halle Henderson for our own tour of the South Branch Library. It's for all ages and FREE! We'll learn how the library works, about how to get a library card & how to check out books , some of the services that they offer, and the option to sign up for the summer reading program! You don't have to have or have to get a library card to come or participate in the summer reading program. I know some of the families live out of city limits and have to pay for a library card but they won't need to for this. It will be for all ages and siblings are welcome. Contact Cynthia Joyner for more info: [e-mail]

+S.T.A.G.E.S committee meeting
When: Thursday, June 21, 6:30 pm
Where: Ronald McDonald House Library, 200 Central Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37403
What: STAGES stands for (Seeking Transitions so Adults Grow, Excel, and Shine). This committee is developing a transitional housing program and other support programs for young adults with ASD who are transitioning from living at home to various levels of independent living. Please come and participate in this group and help us build another successful program for our region.
Contact Sue Lowery for more info: [e-mail]

+Awesome Autism - parent support group
When: Monday, June 25th, 7pm.
Where: Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37403
Awesome Autism is a support group for parents, educators, and people on the autism spectrum. It meets the fourth Monday of each month at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House at 7 p.m so people can discuss and share information and resources.
See Facebook Page for more info: www.facebook.com/pages/Awesome-Autism/149661165046458

+PACT meeting
When: Thursday, June 28, 6-7:30pm
Where: 3097 Broad Street, Chattanooga TN, 37408.
PACT stands for Parent / Advocate Collaboration Team. This CAC group is open to all who want to see new programs and services provided in our region and who are willing to give ideas and help us build.

+Pints for Autism Fundraiser Party
When: July 1, 5pm - 10pm
Where; Honest Pint pub, 35 Patten Parkway, Chattanooga, TN 37402
$5 to enter, must be 21+ with valid ID.
The owners of the Honest Pint (who also own Terminal and Hair of the Dog pubs) are having a fundraiser with several live bands and door prizes. Proceeds from the door, as well as sales of pints from a keg of their Malichi Red Ale, plus raffle sales will be donated to the Chattanooga Autism Center. Come if you can and more importantly, invite your friends!! www.thehonestpint.com/ www.facebook.com/events/320598594685474/

+Free Autism Workshop Series - Bachman Academy
When: July 12, Thursday, 6-7:30pm
Where: 3097 Broad Street, Chattanooga TN, 37408. (just after Southern Saddlery building, before Grapevine Cafe)
Topic: Staff from Bachman Academy will discuss their school: Bachman Academy is a Boarding/day school for children in grades 6-12 who have Asperger’s Syndrome, language-based learning differences (e.g. dyslexia), and/or attention issues (e.g. AD/HD). The Academy provides a language-rich program of study that emphasizes active learning, and offers college-prep academics as well as career education in equine studies, mechanics, woodworking/carpentry, and horticulture/agricultural science. The average student to faculty ratio is 5:1, and the student to staff ratio is 1:1. Bachman Academy is dually-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools.
Website: www.bachmanacademy.org

+Signal Centers Children's Program has Several Openings
Signal Centers, Inc. serves both typically-developing children and those with disabilities/special needs. Low student-to-teacher ratios are maintained, thus enabling individualized attention. Speech, feeding, occupational, and physical therapy are offered in the classroom, and teachers often incorporate these therapies directly into classroom activities. If you have questions, or would like to tour the facility, Contact Graham Parker at [e-mail] or call her at 423.698.8528 x 219
Website: www.signalcenters.org/childrenPrograms.shtml

+UHCF Medical Expenses Grants
The UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan.
Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger.
See full Criteria: www.uhccf.org/criteria_new.html
Apply; www.uhccf.org/apply_applicant.html

+Do you have a child between the ages of 3 years old and 6 years old with challenging behaviors? This is a special opportunity to give parents/guardians to include their voice, and to help researchers understand parental/guardian experience with services for their child’s challenging behavior. If you have a preschool child with challenging behavior, have received any services, and have 6-10 hours of time that you can share, I need your help! Participation involves 3-5 interviews (each approximately 60 minutes) at a convenient location and time for you. A $50 VISA GIFT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED FOR EACH FAMILY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF ALL THE INTERVIEWS.

You are eligible for participation if:
You live in the Chattanooga area (Hamilton Co, Marion Co. Sequatchie County, Bradley Co. Walker Co., Catoosa Co.)
You would like to help professionals involve families more in services
You are the parents/Guardian of a child between 3 yrs. old and 6 yrs old
Your child has challenging behavior, such as prolonged tantrum, aggression, non-compliance, property destruction, self-injury, withdrawal, or screaming
You have received services for your child’s challenging behavior

For More Information, contact: Laura Berryhill, M.Ed, BCBA [phone] [e-mail]

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Summer Creative Arts Camp: Week 1 July 9 - 13 | Week 2 July 16 - 20 (8:00am - 4:00pm)

There are only a few spots still available for this camp! Send your registration forms as soon as possible, and contact Erin Kice at [e-mail] or 615.386.9002 for more information!

Our Summer Creative Arts Camp has a new format! This year, campers will enjoy a two week format where they can choose to attend either one week session or join us for both! Activities will include Visual Arts, Music, Yoga and lots of creative fun. Each week, activities are age and developmentally appropriate and accessible to a variety of skill levels.

Requirements for Campers:

Must be age 12 or older.
With Down syndrome or other developmental disability.
Able to care for his/her own personal needs.
Fully toilet trained.
Able to listen to and follow directions.
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Cost: $150 for either 1 week registration, $250 for 2 week registration. Financial assistance is available
Registration is now open!

This camp will take place in Goodpasture Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church (3900 West End Ave. Nashville, TN). For more information, contact Erin Kice at 615.386.9002 or [e-mail].

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Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Informational Meetings for Families Caring for Individuals with Disabilities

The Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) invites you to attend three informational meetings. The topics benefit those with specific or multiple disabilities.

First Meeting - June 27, 9am - Behavior

Information will be presented regarding technical assistance and training
TennCare Representative and Managed Care Organization (MCO) representatives will be available to explain the behavior services available through insurance
Behavior Providers that provide services to individuals will be available to speak with families.

Second Meeting - September 2012 - Therapy

Information will be presented by the DIDD Regional Technical Assistance Department regarding therapies. This includes:
Assessments, consultation, and recommendations in the areas of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Nutrition. Families may be provided training by request.
Help to access therapy services through EPSDT/TennCAre or private insurance and who to call if the family member's needs are not met.
Assistive Technology Dept (AT dept.) will discuss equipment needs to support the family member. These include sidelyers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs.

Third Meeting - December 2012 - Resources in Middle Tennessee

Representatives from a variety of resources within Middle Tennessee will discuss many services.
The Kennedy Center: to discuss their resource books
MCO's: to discuss home health aide and nursing services
Family Support Program Representative will discuss the process to receive the monies.

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EdPro Development, Inc. is Hiring...Again!

Full-time Positions Available: Educational Professional Developer (significant travel is necessary)

EdPro Development, Inc. is looking for individuals interested in working full-time as an Educational Professional Developer. We provide customized, ongoing professional development and coaching supports in order to build the local capacity of teachers and administrators. The provided coaching supports are recognized by research to have far superior results in supporting applications of best practices to classroom and leadership situations over theory and discussion, demonstration, as well as practice and feedback during training. Through coaching, recipients of ongoing professional development receive differentiated professional learning in a collaborative environment. Our professional development activities include on-site, ongoing coaching, school-based inservices and workshops, conference presentations and regional workshops.

EdPro Development is beginning its fourth year and our professional developers have over 30 years combined experience. If you are looking to work with seasoned professionals for an up-and-coming company, please send us your resume or vitae. Please remember, travel is a necessary component when working with schools throughout Tennessee.

EdPro Development, Inc. is a Tennessee not for profit corporation incorporated for the sole purpose of serving schools and school districts through data-driven, quality, ongoing professional development services. Our mission is to provide the educational community quality, research-driven and affordable professional development with passion and integrity that results in each student being empowered, equipped and excited to learn. We are also proud to host the Annual Tennessee School-wide Positive Behavior Support Conference held in November every year.

Please email your Resume or Vitae to [e-mail] along with any questions you might have.

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SAVE THE DATE - It's a new time of year...Don't Miss It! November 8-9, 2012

Tennessee's Sixth Annual School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Conference

SWPBS: It's The Right Thing To Do!

Sponsored By: EdPro Development, Inc
Proudly serving TN Schools!

Where: Sheraton Music City Hotel, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN, TN 37214

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Tim Knoster, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Associate Profession of Exceptionality Programs and Author

Multiple Session Presentations: School Teams Across Tennessee

Conference Fees

Early Bird Rate On or Before October 22 Individual Participants - $175.00 $195.00 (after October 22)
Early Bird Rate On or Before October 22
Teams of 4* $625.00 - Add $150 per person for teams exceeding 4 people.
Teams of 4* - $750.00 (after October 22) Add $175 per person for teams exceeding 4 people.
(*Teams of 4 People from One School or from One Central Office)

Approved for 11 TASL Credit Hours

Questions, please contact: Claudia Walley, EdPro Development, Inc.

[e-mail]

865-388-8612

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TN Autism Plan Survey for Parents


The Tennessee Autism Plan is looking at challenges and opportunities presented by the current state of ASD services. This group is working towards a comprehensive, coordinated system of health care and related services for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. Parents: please take the survey on Autism Services here.


r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001vJm8I42DB2OMLc_3tgpZzldvqJCOFaD0WjgtjhJlqvmVYUWYHAzQxyia4yDgB53iG_cwhW4XWcuzJksRJRbr9SXiIdEeORSvqMd79ySqERLsQ9JZZGZUvs2RQ-hrHb7l96aobTXweLPS6jmYlxCwSQ==

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Check out ASMT's Community Bulletin Board for other upcoming activities in the autism community!

r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001vJm8I42DB2OaFga8O0nyZvcYgT4-2nMoDp3DH8riOPrr8RtI1PPHib-9i4EmyOUQzEYz6M8ElPFC7t2J0ylrBuvlaynPvire7G-KDns2JrszqoE9a2PCbcx6Ln1OK3DR_p4sOpq16MGODXICX9SIcmnMhhxumTykIGXT3ADiEeWgfP-aqs6BYfJ9YhoJ8ob3qS1vnT1nvVU=

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Our Friend Mikayla Arrives in Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

The Arc of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Mikayla’s Voice, recently mailed copies of Our Friend Mikayla to every one of Pennsylvania’s 1,800-plus public elementary schools. The book details Mikayla’s school days through the eyes of her third-grade peers and is a valuable resource that teaches the meaning of diversity and unconditional friendship in a language that speaks to students of all ages. Mikayla, a third-grader when the book was written, is now a 10th-grade student. Mikayla has never spoken a word, yet her friends have found a way for her voice to be heard across the commonwealth. The book’s printing was funded through a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, with mailing costs funded by Air Products.

www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2335&srctid=1&erid=2843117&trid=4cf9d780-d6b5-41c2-aa62-38783768aaf2

The Arc 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: [phone] |

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Institute launches first-ever radiothon
Call-N-4-Kids radiothon to air across Chattanooga

Call-N-4-Kids is an unprecedented event in Chattanooga for which more than 10 radio stations are pledging their support and airing the radiothon on Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Almost anywhere listeners go on their radio dial, they will hear Call-N-4-Kids! Local radio personalities will interview Institute families, build community awareness about the Institute's programs and services, and ask listeners to call in for kids by making a monetary donation.

The radio stations will blanket the region's airwaves with the Institute's message of hope and help for children challenged with conditions like autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental and behavioral delays.

Tune in to hear the personal stories of families whose lives have been changed by the work of the Institute and team of doctors, teachers, therapists and friends.

For more information, visit siskin.org/calln4kids.

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13th Anniversary

June 22nd, 2012 marks the thirteenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. The court’s decision recognized that the civil rights of people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are violated when they are unnecessarily segregated from the rest of society. The promise of Olmstead is that people with disabilities will have the opportunity to live like people without disabilities – to have friends, work, be part of a family, and participate in community activities. Visit “Faces of Olmstead” for stories of some of the thousands of people whose lives have been impacted by the historic decision.

President Obama issued a release today on the disability policy efforts of his administration, commenting that, “As we mark the anniversary of this historic civil rights decision, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting discrimination, and to addressing the needs and concerns of those living with disabilities.” Go here to read the full release from the Office of the Press Secretary at the White House.

tndisability.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=088ba7579477f44de53c5eded&id=1499b54a65&e=2876e3927c

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Picnicking Across the World

The Brain Injury Global Picnic will take place June 30th as picnickers across the world join to raise awareness about brain injury. The idea of a Global Picnic started with Annie Rickets, a woman with a brain injury who lives in England, who woke from a dream in which millions of people were coming together with one common goal – to end the silent epidemic of brain injury. Read more and view registered picnic locations at www.biglobalpicnic.org.

The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee is hosting a picnic from 3:00-6:00pm on June 30th at EastPark Community Center, located at 700 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206. The picnic is free to attend, but it would be great if you can bring a side item.

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June Hearing Date for the CRPD

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century and the first international treaty to address disability rights globally. The United States signed the CRPD in 2009, on the 19th anniversary of the ADA. In May of this year, the White House moved the treaty package to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratify the treaty (which will make the United States an official party to the treaty). The disability community is now urging leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senators Kerry and Lugar, to set a June hearing date to vote the treaty out of Committee and onto the main floor for a resolution of ratification.

What you can do: Ask Senator Corker to support the CRPD! In order to set a hearing date and have a successful vote in the Committee, we need Senator Corker to also support the treaty. Senate offices track how many people are reaching out on this issue from the home state – your voice counts!

To learn more about the CRPD, visit: www.usicd.org/index.cfm/crpd

Contact Senator Bob Corker
By Phone: [phone]
By Email: www.corker.senate.gov/public/?p=ContactMe

The Message:
•The disability community in Tennessee is thrilled that the CRPD has been transmitted to the Senate and received with bipartisan support.
•Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Americans with disabilities.
•Please join the bipartisan support for the disability treaty and ask Senators Kerry and Lugar to set a date for a June Hearing

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The transitional housing project is progressing and now Sue Lowery and other committee members need to know NAMES OF YOUNG ADULTS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE within the next year or so.

Specifically, we need to know the numbers and demand for this project right away. If you are or know a young adult who may need to find an apartment between now and a year or so from now, we need you to contact Sue Lowery at [e-mail]. Some more details:

1) There may be vouchers available that could reduce the rent cost to as low as $100 depending on the young adult's income.

2) Tenants would share a case worker who monitors and assesses progress towards increasing independent living skills.

3) Program is targeted towards young adults who may now be living at home or are not successfully living completely on their own.

4) The goal of the program is to increase independent living ability. For some, this will mean eventually living completely on their own. For others, this may mean they need fewer external resources over time.

5) The program will provide ongoing training in areas such as Social Skills, House Keeping, Finances, Vocational Skills, Organization, Hygiene, etc...

To be clear, this program doesn't exist yet. It won't if there is no demand. That's why response and participation in this development phase is critical. Please contact Sue so she can go to various stakeholders in Chattanooga with real numbers.