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The Federal Register yesterday (Dec 15) published the Notice of Proposed Rule Making for the 2% rule. This proposed rule would allow up States to use modified/alternative assessments with up to 2% of children in the state whose disabilities allegedly would prevent them from achieving at grade level.  According to the NPRM, "States will e able to use different achievement standards for approximately thirty percent of students with disabilities, which is a significant change in how those students are assessed  .pdf; text; MS Word

Publication of The Oregon Clarion is currently on hold as we consider making some changes. We are exploring whether or not to continue to publish the Clarion in its current form, make some changes to it, or perhaps produce a completely different kind of publication. We need your help. Please take a minute to let us know what kind of publication would be most useful to you by answering some or all of the questions below. You can send your email response to clarion@ocdd.org or mail your response to: Clarion c/o OCDD, 540 24^th Place NE, Salem, OR 97301. Please return all responses by Wednesday, November 30, 2005.  ...Read more.

ABA4Autism.com and the Psychology department at the University of Tennessee at Martin are conducting a second survey on the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This survey is for mothers of children with ASD as well as mothers of normally developing children who are ten years of age or younger.  Mothers who participate in the survey will receive a free ABA program to teach their children to follow directions as well as free ABA mini programs for common problems like sharing. To take the surveys please go to http://www.aba4autism.com

Key Magazine would like to write a feature story about a high school senior who has Autism Spectrum Disorder who will be graduating from high school in 2006. About KEY - Each issue of KEY Magazine is distributed to more than one million high school students through their guidance counselors in the fall, winter and spring. The publication and this companion web site, www.keycolleges.com , provide students and parents with a resource for determining a college or career choice and applying for scholarships and financial aid. In addition, the magazine features humorous and entertaining articles about books, music, video games and products geared toward college students. KEY is published by PlattForm in Olathe, Kansas, a leader in marketing communications and direct-response advertising within the postsecondary education industry.  For more information please contact Kevin Kuzma, Public Relations/Publishing Manager. PlattForm at 500 N. Rogers Road, Olathe, KS 66062.  913-254-6087,  913-764-4043.  www.plattformad.com; www.careerexplorer.net;  www.search4careercolleges.com

Club includes the excluded / At a monthly game night, kids with autism find fun and acceptance, and parents find support - Shouts and laughter punctuate the reverential air of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. - "I have an I-22!" an excited youngster shouts. "I have it, too!" yells another. As the bingo game gets into full swing, another mover and shaker hits the floor for a round of "Dance Dance Revolution," a video game in which players "dance" to music by stepping on large buttons that correspond to arrows on a screen. No, it's not Sunday School gone wild. It's a rainy Friday evening in Vancouver, and the game is on. - By Melinda Thompson

"UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE, MAKES THE DIFFERENCE" - For Adults with Asperger's Syndrome, partners, parents, siblings, families, therapists, educators, employers, service providers and other interested people and groups.  Roger N. Meyer of "...a different mind" and one of Oregon's finest, presents.  ...Read more.

Online IDEA Training Course for Parents - Take a 4-hour training course at your own pace on getting the services your child needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Featured Instructor Jane Strawser, parent and volunteer education advocate with the LDA of Calvert County, Maryland shares her knowledge and expertise on the IDEA law of 1997, with annotations on changes made in the newly reauthorized IDEA 2004. Free to LDA members: enter through the "LDA Members Enter Here" button on the left hand column on the home page. For non-members: More

ICE - Paramedics will turn to a victim's cell phone for clues to a person's identity.  You can make their job much easier with a simple idea that they are trying to get everyone to adopt.  ICE stands for In Case of Emergency.  You can add an entry in your contacts list in your cell phone under ICE, with the name and phone number of the person that the first time responders should call on your behalf and save them a lot of time while having your loved ones contacted quickly.  It only takes a moment of your time to do.  Paramedics and other first time responder's know what ICE means and they look for it immediately.  ICE your cell phone NOW!

Lifeline is a government program that offers qualified people a discount on their monthly local telephone bill. Each state has its own guidelines to qualify. In Oregon, Lifeline is known as Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP).  - You're eligible for Lifeline if you participate in any of the following programs:

• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Oregon Health Plan
• Total Income (total household gross income does not exceed 133% of the Federally
• established poverty levels set forth for the number of persons in applicant's household.)

To apply for Lifeline call the Oregon Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at 1-800-848-4442, or in Salem at 373-7171 to be certified for eligibility. Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.

 

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New AS Group:  "After School. Now What?"

 

• How do I manage money?

• How do I handle friendships?

• College?  Job?  Work?  School?

• How do I live on my own?

• Keeping myself safe?

Tools for young adults (17-25 years) with Asperger's, high-functioning autism, or pervasive developmental disorders. Free Introductory Presentation: Thursday, September 15 at Tigard Chamber of Commerce,   12345 SW Main Street,  Tigard, Oregon.  Next series starting in September, 2005. $50 per 90-minute group. 12 weekly meetings. Skills notebook and other materials included. Information for insurance billing available. For more information or to schedule a free screening interview, contact: Peggy Piers, M.Ed. (503) 977-2411 or Karen Joy Campbell, LCSW (503) 998-7030

 

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Lane County Dept. of Environmental Health is offering free blood lead screening to children ages 6 mos through 5 years who are at risk of lead poisoning. While tests can  also be done by family doctors, these are free screens

 

Who: Children of crawling age up to 6 years old

What: Free blood lead screening

When: Mon and Tues, Aug 15 & 16, 8 am to 5pm

Where: Monday at the Lane County Mental Health, 2411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Eugene;  Tuesday at Willamalane Park Swim Center, 1276 G. St, Springfield.  Details: Parents should bring the mailing address of their child's doctor so test results can be forwarded.  More info: www.cdc.gov/lead

The Inclusive Child Care Program - Helping to make child care accessible to families of children with special needs.  ...Flyer.

Local author provides personal insight and advice on one of the HOTTEST TOPICS in Developmental Disabilities Today, Asperger Syndrome!  August 31, from 1 – 4 PM at Albany Christian Daycare at 420 Third Avenue SE, Albany, OR 97321. Free to attendees. For further information, please see their Flyer. 

"...of a different mind" is a combined business web site and a personal web site of Roger N. Meyer.   Within this web site, he offer's you views of his writing, his work and himself.  Roger  is a published author, a special education advocate, a paid social security representative, and individual disability and civil rights advocate.  He is co-founder of Oregon Parents United (1998), and co-founder of ASPIRES (2000). Roger lives in Portland, Oregon - U.S.A.

Save the date!  June 7, 2005  CALL IN DAY FOR President Bush, Laura Bush and Congress after 12 noon - Eastern Time. - Unlocking Autism and the National Vaccine Information Center are asking for your support from your home and work on June 7th for a call in/fax in day to Washington, DC.  The last call/fax in on April 28th, started by Lynn Notgrass, was so successful, that the White House was in contact with us by 8:45am central time to ask us to have people stop calling.  We told them that we had talked to parents for years and that they could talk to them for that day. ...Read more.

IDEA Regulations on Fast Track, Expected in June - Troy Justesen, Acting Director of the Office of Special Education Programs, was recently  interviewed by Rachel Kosoy of the Disability Law Resource Project. During this interview, Dr. Justesen said he expects the proposed regulations for Part B of IDEA to be published during the first or second week of June. By Wrights law - 5/2005

Amber Alert - Unicel is getting ready to release a Nation wide promo on Amber alerts.  They are NOT the only wireless network doing this.  They are offering FREE Amber alerts for any subscriber with text messaging. This  is is a FREE service.  Anyone who has a cell phone with text messaging will get this service FREE as a contribution to Amber Alerts and Unicel's commitment to the cause.  Anyone interested can go to https://www.wirelessamberalerts.org/index.jsp  Other wireless carriers are also offering this.  OPU salutes "all" carriers.  "YOU" can make a difference."  Please join Amber Alert.  You never know when you can save a life.

Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!) Internet Webcast of the Boston Spring 2005 Conference. /Now available online for FREE!!

Legislators still need to hear from us regarding cuts to the Oregon Health Plan, so we have set up a letter template on the action center on the Oregon Network. Please go to: 

http://ocdd.e-actionmax.com/showalert.asp?aaid=1280

And send the legislators a note about restoring the cuts to dental and vision coverage on OHP. Details and talking points are available on this site. IT IS REALLY FAST AND EASY TO DO, and will take you less than 5 minutes to get letters off to the key 14 legislators.

For more information:  Sharon Lewis / Grassroots Oregon Coordinator, The Arc of Oregon.  1745 State Street, Salem, OR 97301  503-756-1214  slewis@oregonddcoalition.org

IDEA Public Meetings Schedule - John H. Hager, assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), U.S. Department of Education, is pleased to share with you the schedule of a series of public meetings to be held during calendar year 2005 to receive comments on the proposed rules to implement programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

Note: A Federal Register announcement on December 29, 2004, defined the public input process leading into the development of regulations associated with the amended law

P.E.R.KS. May/June 2005 - Last Newsletter    In the immortal words of Sandy Alfonso who gave countless hours to PERKS and has been a tireless advocate for disabled kids in Central Oregon and neighboring districts, ...“If only” becomes a huge block to our happiness. “If only we had more money”… “If only we had better tools… staff… administrators… equipment…”, then life would be better. I’ve heard it said that there is no such thing as “money problems”. It’s only an “idea” problem. If you get into the “if only” trap, you will feel victimized and helpless. “If only” implies that the situation is out of your control and there’s nothing you can do about it. Such self-deceit is damaging. We always have choices and will improve our lot in life if we take responsibility for the choices we make, and let go of those things that are outside of our control. Empower yourself by changing “if only” to “Here’s what I can do…” Then put your energy into things that are possible instead of depleting your energy on something that’s not changeable. 

President Bush: GET THE MERCUCRY OUT OF VACCINES. April 28, 2005 is National Call  Day.  President Bush's comment line is 202-456-1111 / Switch board 202-456-1414. Please join us on April 28, 2005 for a national call President Bush Day and tell him to "GET THE MERCURY OUT OF VACCINES." Also, ask him to identify assistance for our children who have been injured. We need our insurance companies to pay for our tests, doctor visits and chelation to help our children get well. Please make our message heard loud and clear and we can only do that if we all come together. Please forward to everyone you know to help with this issue. Family and friends can also call.  An Open Letter from Unlocking Autism and how YOU can help!

" Two states passed bans of mercury in vaccines in 2004:  California and Iowa.  Seven additional states had ongoing mercury ban legislation in 2004: Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.  Four other states are pursuing legislation into 2005: Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio. As 2005 starts, Mercury Ban representatives in the following 23 states are actively pursuing legislation to ban mercury in vaccines: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming." 

Portland Habilitation Center is a qualified rehabilitation facility based in Portland.  They have trained and employed Oregonians with disabilities for over 54 years.  They currently employ over 800 adults with disabilities of varying sorts.  Many of our employees are from your referrals. A couple of unions have filed legislation that would severely damage or completely destroy the state law that allows agencies such as theirs to employ Oregonians with disabilities.  The bills are House Bill 3281 & House Bill 3271.  The former exempts all schools and colleges from working with people with disabilities through our organizations and the second completely eliminates our enabling statute.  ...Read more and how you can help!

Theodore K. Kulongoski Declares April 27th Autism Awareness Day and April Autism Awareness Month  ...Read Proclamation.

C.D.R.C. at Risk of Budget Cuts - Legislators are in the process of determining the 2006-2007 budget for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Within OHSU is the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC). The Governor has proposed taking $4.5 million from the CDRC budget. The Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee will be holding a public hearing on April 19, at 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the capitol building. We are encouraging as many families to attend as possible and testify about the impact of CDRC in their lives. ...Read more.

• For more information, see the Oregon Network Alert and a new website dedicated to the effort to save the CDRC from cuts.  For more talking points on the budget, please see the DD Coalition website.  For updates to committee schedule, please visit the state web site at:
  www.leg.state.or.us/budgethearings.pdf 

The Disability Law Resource Project (DLRP) at ILRU for a Web cast on IDEA 2004.  IDEA 2004 is most current version of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, the nation's law that works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.  Troy R. Justesen, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) in the U.S. Department of Education will present this Web cast on Wednesday, April 6, 2005, from 3:00-4:30pm Eastern; 2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; 12:00 Pacific; 11:00 Alaska; 9:00 Hawaii.

Fairview Housing Trust Fund for Adults with Developmental Disabilities is in Danger - Legislators are in the process of prioritizing programs within the Department of Human Services. They have put the Fairview Housing Trust at the bottom of the priority list and the Trust is at risk for being eliminated.

Seeking information on Asperger Syndrome and Military Service - "...On the ASPIRES web site, please find the first article of its kind, anywhere, addressing Asperger Syndrome and military service.  It is found
at http://www.aspires-relationships.com/articles_as_in_the_military.htm .

This is a call for members of this listserv who have been in the active, reserves, or national guard military service to please contact me so that I can complete a second article on the same topic, with a focus for the second article on identification, evaluation, reassignment or separation
from the service with an emphasis, in all such steps, on a "soft landing."  By Roger N. Meyer

"...Almost no one denies we have big problems in our public schools, and there is no shortage of things to point accusatory fingers at:  the teachers, the administrators, the parents, the rules, funding, demographics, drugs, and on and on and on.  I realize that efforts have been and are being made to address these situations; but there is one huge underlying problem that prevents us from really getting anywhere.  I’m going to describe that problem and suggest ways to solve it, but I’m going to start with a story.  Please bear with me."  ...Read Nick's story.

NEWSWEEK COVER: 'The New Age of Autism' / Scientists Hope to Identify Early Markers of Autism in Babies as Young as Six Months - Some of the most exciting new research on autism involves efforts to spot clues of the disorder in infants as young as 6 months, Newsweek reports in its February 28 cover story "The New Age of Autism," on newsstands Monday, February 21. Today most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aren't even seen by specialists until they've passed their 2nd birthdays, and many aren't diagnosed until at least the age of 3. But in a joint effort by the National Alliance for Autism Research and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, researchers at 14 sites, from Harvard to the University of Washington, are studying the baby siblings of children with autism. By measuring the infants' visual and verbal skills and their social interactions, scientists hope to identify early markers of autism before children turn 1, reports Senior Writer Claudia Kalb.

Fine Arts Exhibit - Seeking Paintings, Drawings, Printmaking, and Photography to display during the Oregon Conference on Direct Supports (June 15-17) and The Arc of Oregon Convention (June 17-18) at LaSells Stewart Convention Center on the Oregon State University Campus.  ...Read more.

Canada Regulators Order ADD Drug Withdrawn - Canadian regulators ordered a drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder off the market late Wednesday because of reports that it has been linked to 20 sudden deaths and a dozen strokes, including some among children.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, said it had evaluated the same reports and doesn't believe the data warranted such action in the United States. In a statement late Wednesday, Health Canada said it is asking makers of related stimulants used to treat the commonly diagnosed condition to provide a thorough review of their worldwide safety data. By FindLaw

Asperger Syndrome Experts Endorse New “INTRICATE MINDS” Peer Awareness Video  -  Some of the country’s leading experts in Asperger Syndrome (AS) have endorsed a new video designed to help classmates accept and befriend students with AS, who are now frequently subjected to teasing, harassment and isolation.  The video is titled, “INTRICATE MINDS: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome.”

On Thursday, Feb. 3, CBS will air "WITHOUT A TRACE"  (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT on the CBS Television Network) starring Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Enrique Murciano and Eric Close, will feature a storyline in which the FBI team searches for a 12-year-old boy with autism who vanishes from a Manhattan museum while on a school field trip.

In addition to being a very moving and accurate story that depicts a family with a child affected by autism, as well as some of the varied traits of the affected child, the actors who play the parents, Christine Tucci and Vincent Angell, are really married and are themselves the parents of a 3-year-old son with autism.  According to Christine and Vincent, this is probably the most important role of their lives, considering their connection to the topic, and they applaud the writer of the episode for the accuracy of their portrayal.

Also, Christine and Vincent taped a PSA that will run at the end of the episode encouraging parents to seek out early diagnosis and intervention.

Press Contacts: 

Diane Ekeblad              323/575-2029  diane.ekeblad@tvc.cbs.com
Barbara Abseck            212/975-4637  beabseck@cbs.com

On December 3, 2004, President George W. Bush signed the "Prohibition on Mandatory Medication Amendment."  This amendment is found in the new IDEA 2004. Most portions of the new IDEA go into effect on July 1, this year. ...Read more

Autism - The Silent Epidemic is a  video presented by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) on Autism Spectrum Disorders, (ASD's).  It is a very POWERFUL presentation with valuable information, featuring beautiful children before and after autism hit and one child after recovery.

New York Police Department Needs Our Help! - Chief Deluca wants to see autism spectrum issues represented in police training statewide.  Chief Deluca is asking that autism and law enforcement advocates nationwide to  send letters of support for this to him.  ...Read more.

Thirty-Four States Seek Banning of Mercury in Vaccine - The grassroots organization Mercury Ban is working toward a ban of mercury from infant and pregnant mom vaccines.  We are joining forces with Americans in 23 states - parents of children with autism or other vaccine injuries and other concerned citizens - who are signing up on a daily basis to seek protection by state legislators from mercury injected into infants and young children. Two states passed bans of mercury in vaccines in 2004:  California and Iowa.  Seven additional states had ongoing mercury ban legislation in 2004: Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.  Four other states are pursuing legislation into 2005: Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Ohio.

A User's Guide to the 2004 IDEA Reauthorization (P.L. 108-446 and the Conference Report) authored by Robert Silverstein, J.D., Director of The Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy and funded by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. 

Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD) / January 2005 Newsletter FCTD deals with Mediation and advocacy.  They believe, "...The root cause of the problem, in the words of actor Paul Newman in the Oscar-winning movie Cool Hand Luke, can be attributed to "a failure to communicate." Mediation, in the hands of professional practitioners,
is a desirable and beneficial alternative to due process hearings and other forms of litigation. It helps shift the potential for adversarial legal warfare to a civilized discussion between parties who ultimately come to understand and appreciate the needs of those sitting on the opposite side of the table. The result, happily, are decisions that are forged and agreed upon by all parties, instead of verdicts imposed by judicial fiat.  Their current Newsletter can be viewed by Word Doc  Pdf.

An Invitation…  The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), a national association dedicated to promoting excellence in special education advocacy, cordially invites you to attend its annual conference to be held at the Sheraton Midtown Atlanta Hotel at Colony Square, from March 10-13, 2005. This year’s conference promises to be the best one ever. The conference will feature four intensive skills training pre-conference sessions as well as a general conference program with 25 separate sessions covering virtually every aspect of special education advocacy.

A major theme in this year’s conference will be an examination of the many changes that were included in the recent reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Come and learn from seasoned and skilled advocates and attorneys about how these changes might affect you.

The conference promises to provide parents, advocates, and attorneys with a wealth of useful information relevant to their day-to-day lives. Please visit: www.copaa.org in order to review the conference program and obtain conference registration materials. Please feel free to contact us (edburke@copaa.org) if you should have any questions.

To All Parents of a Child With ASD: Would you be interested in assisting the psychological well being of siblings of children with an ASD?  My study investigates which factors of the siblings’ relationship and family situations relate to better psychological health among siblings of children with an ASD. ...Read more.

We still need your tips & stories!  Deadline extended! - Dr. Gutstein is currently working on the next RDI™ Book and would like to include your examples: what you tried, short anecdotes about progress, and any helpful tips you can provide. If you've posted on anyah.message boards or told us stories in chat, please just copy & paste and send your thoughts along!

Please let us know what personal information we can include, by including the following in your email: "The Connections Center has our permission to use this story and the following in any of their materials:"

Name or initials: [example: "Steven Gutstein" or "SG"]
Location: [example: "Houston, Texas"]
Child's name or initial: [example: "Mistletoe" or "M" or "none"]

Please send your stories and tips before January 21, 2005, to: feedback@RDIconnect.com, with "RDI Story" in the subject line. Thanks so much for your help!

Dr. Gutstein will be presenting in Portland, OR  (May 6 - 7, 2005)

University of Cambridge – Autism Research Centre announces Asperger Syndrome (AS) Sib Pair Project - We are looking for adults or children who are diagnosed with AS to take part in a new genes project, along with their brothers and sisters.

This new worldwide study involves collecting a DNA sample and a questionnaire from individuals with Asperger Syndrome and their biological brothers and sisters. Providing a DNA sample is quick, easy and a completely painless process.

For further information please see:
http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/volunteers/sib_pair.asp

Or email Sally Wheelwright: sjw18@cam.ac.uk

University of Cambridge – Autism Research Centre announces Asperger Syndrome (AS) Sib Pair Project - We are looking for adults or children who are diagnosed with AS to take part in a new genes project, along with their brothers and sisters.

This new worldwide study involves collecting a DNA sample and a questionnaire from individuals with Asperger Syndrome and their biological brothers and sisters. Providing a DNA sample is quick, easy and a completely painless process.

For further information please see:
http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/volunteers/sib_pair.asp

Or email Sally Wheelwright: sjw18@cam.ac.uk

LD Online Report - January 2005. - This issue deals with assistive technology in the classroom and at the workplace plus a handy tech guide

• How To Support Students with Learning Differences
• Considering Your Child's Needs for Assistive Technology
• Using Technology to Enhance the Writing Process for Students with Disabilities

Autism Today is conducting a survey on how to better serve the autism community.  They are offering the first 500 people that fill out their survey a free viewing of an Autism Education Online presentation 'Keys to Success for Those with Autism' by world renowned Stephen Shore Ph.D., a person on the autism spectrum.

The Today Show and CNBC will both air series on autism the week of February 21. The Today Show series will be 11 parts, airing at 8:15 and 9:15 each day, with a "bonus" third piece on Friday. The CNBC series will be 5 parts (for a total of 16 total pieces). Check your local listings for times in your area. Education on autism - A Huntington man will be featured in an upcoming series on NBC’s "Today" show to help educate and provide hope to people with autism and their families, says the show’s producer. Donald Harvey, 38, of Huntington was filmed Tuesday doing his daily activities, including getting ready in the morning, going to the YMCA, and running the vacuum cleaner at the Radisson Hotel Huntington, by The Herald-Dispatch

Autism And Art Explored At New York Exhibition - The Ricco/Maresca Gallery, New York, NY, has organized a major group show: “Autism/Asperger's/Art.” The exhibition, by curator Larry Dumont, M.D., presents a spectrum of important work created by artists with autism and related developmental "differences."

Roger Ricco, Frank Maresca, and Dumont, Director of Child and Preadolescent Psychology, Kids Peace, Orfield, PA, have invited leaders in the field of autism research and art to participate in concurrent special events throughout New York City. In conjunction with the exhibition there will be a round table discussion which includes artists and other professionals from the Creative Growth Art Center, The Riddle Institute, Studio XI, The Shield Institute, ASPIE (The School for Autistic Strength, Purpose and Independence in Education) and Boundless Art.

This event will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 5 pm, at the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The show will hang January 6 through February 5, 2005, at Ricco/Maresca Gallery, 529 W. 20th St., NY, NY. Updated schedules of participants, opening receptions, events and catalog information can be found at http://www.riccomaresca.com/ and info@riccomaresca.com.

Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon Car Magnet is now available through Magnet America.  Check them out!

Stephen Shore to Rejoin ASA Board - We are so pleased to announce that AHA/AS/PDD's Advisory Board member, esteemed colleague and friend will be rejoining the board of The Autism Society of America. For anyone fortunate enough to have attended our April conference in 2003 you heard Stephens wonderful talk as our keynote and his return last year as one of our workshop presenters. He will be back this year with our adult panel in a thought provoking topic of relationships and sexualty. Stephen is the second of now two adults on the autism spectrum on the board of ASA!!

The Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) and the Portland Trail Blazers have teamed up to create Autism Awareness Night!  ASO is selling tickets to the Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets Game, which will be on Saturday, April 2, 2005.  The purchase price includes registration for the Autism Walk-a-thon on Sunday, April 10th (visit www.autismwalkathon.com for more information about the walk).

The Autism Society of Oregon (ASO) has developed a 911 form for families who might come in contact with first time responders, i.e. police, fire departments, paramedics, etc.  ...Read more.

Congress completes work on reauthorization of the Individuals with   Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). COPAA member Jess Butler has prepared a comparison of the new IDEA bill, H.R. 1350 to IDEA ’97. ...Read more.

• Report Card 2004 / Summary of Grades and Status Report  

• Report Card 2003 / Summary of Grades and Status Report   

• Report Card 2002 / Summary of Grades and Status Report  

• Report Card 2001 

Dennis Debbaudt's Autism Risk & Safety Newsletter - Fall 2004   

Chalk Boards first Monthly Newsletter from Oregon. (11/2004) - In this issue:

• Why We Exist
• Top 10 Things Your Mother Never Told You About Oregon's Public Schools

Dennis Debbaudt coming to Oregon - The Autism Society of Oregon is bringing Dennis back to Oregon on May 1, 2005. He is scheduled to speak in Portland and Eastern Oregon. Stay tuned for updates. For more information on "who" Dennis Debbaudt is, please visit his web site at http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/.

FEAT of Oregon presents Super Saturday Junior, a recreational and social program for children ages 3-8 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their siblings and friends!  ...Read more.

 “Capt. Jack Sparrow Helps Kids With Autism,” benefits Families for Effective Autism Treatment of Oregon, 1 p.m., pirate costumes encouraged, events include “talk like a pirate” lessons and showing of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” $10, Hollywood Theatre, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd. Call 503-493-1128.

• Pirates Plunder for a Good Cause 

NEWS ALERT: This Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. CBS-TV "60 MINUTES" will examine parental concerns about vaccines and the position of the medical and public health community. The 15 minute segment will feature correspondent Dan Rather and interviews with physicians, mothers from the New York City area, NVIC president Barbara Loe Fisher and others. Barbara was interviewed by Dan Rather in New York City several weeks ago and filming also took place at NVIC's Vienna, VA office. You won't want to miss this special report on why some parents are questioning vaccines and how doctors are responding to their concerns.

• Saying 'No' To Immunization - 60 Minutes Transcript / Correspondent Dan Rather reports.  10/20/2004
• Are Vaccines Safe?  
• Andrew Wakefield responds to 60 Minutes
• NVIC Responds to 60 Minutes
• NAA  Responds to CBS

U of O student working on a thesis for AS/HFA and is looking for families to participate. - My name is Wanda Dixon, I am a senior at the University of Oregon pursuing a BA in Psychology. I am currently working on an Honor’s Thesis that involves a study of individuals with High Functioning Autism (HFA) and individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS).  ...Read more.

Amber Alert in Oregon - Police today issued an Amber Alert for a missing 11-year-old boy who they believe may have been abducted by his mother's ex-boyfriend. The child, Tanner Dane Kahn, is described as autistic.  The child is believed to be traveling with a potentially armed and dangerous man driving a 1999 dark gray Ford Ranger 4X4 pickup truck with Oregon license plates reading XKAHN, police said.  ...Read more and how you can help.  10/14/2004

ASA Launches One-Of-A-Kind, Online Directory of Autism Services "AutismSource" Offers users FREE access to valuable resources in their communities

New UO program trains autism specialists - The University of Oregon this week will launch the state's first teacher training program dedicated solely to preparing specialists in autism, a perplexing neurological disorder affecting an increasing number of children. Project PASS (Preparing Autism Specialists for Schools) aims to boost the ranks both locally and statewide of educators trained to identify and work effectively with children with autism, said Dr. Cindy Herr, assistant professor and research associate in the College of Education's secondary special education department by Anne Williams

Mothers Wanted!  Hello! My name is Judy, I have a 20-year old daughter named Jill who has autism, and I am writing a book about Mother's of children with Autism. The title of this book is Autism Today  ~ Heartfelt Thoughts from Mothers.

My goal in writing this book is to share what all of us as mothers of children with autism know -that we are not alone. Also, to bring some comfort in the similarities we share in raising our children with autism, and allow others a heartfelt look into "our world".

I would love to hear from those of you who are interested in participating in this project.  For more information, please email me at  autism_today@yahoo.com or call me at 913-706-6404. Thanks! 

Tyra Sellers, JD, MA, BCABA / Behavioral Analyst - As a nationally board-certified behavior analyst experienced in assessing and developing a wide range of programs, interventions and cirriculum adaptions for individuals with various disabilities, Tyra is excited to provide learning skills to the children attending Foundation Builder's. She has worked with preschool to adult aged individuals in public schools, group homes and nonpublic schools, developing and implementing ABA-based programs using Discrete Trial Training, Natural Language Paradigm, Errorless Learning and Pivital Response Training. Recently relocating from the Bay Area, Tyra resides in the Beaverton with her husband and two children.

Autism Society of Oregon has made some changes in their administration.  Steve Edelson has stepped down as President of ASO and Genevieve Athens will be assuming this title.  Steve will remain on the Board of ASO.  Steve has been a tremendous asset in this capacity for ASO for many years and he will be featured in the next newsletter due out at the end of this month. If you get a chance, please thank Steve for his dedication to ASO. 

Congratulations to Kathy Harris, former OPU web master and past President of FEAT of Oregon for being named to the Board of Director's.  The ASO has fulfilled all eight regions in Oregon with regional contact's and thanks all chapter members and parents for your support.

Autism Research Opportunity - Nancy J. Minshew, M.D.

PEOPLE Magazine is looking for a family who has a child affected by thimerosal in vaccines, that has a younger child  who they then did not vaccinate. Call People Magazine's reporter, Diane Herbst,  at 973-783-3466 or cell 973-698-7787.  Herbst writes, "We are looking to do a story on autism  and the link with vaccinations, particularly in light of the recent Columbia University data." Joanne Fowler is the  editor at People who is interested in this. Please forward this post to other families that might know a family that meets these requirements.

NIH proposes FREE access for public research data - "The National Institutes of Health has proposed a major policy change that would require all scientists who receive funding from the agency to make the results of their research available to the public for free,"  ...Read more.

Fairview Community Housing Trust Fund. Applications will be received between September 15 and October 15, 2004. Please share this information with staff and others that might be interested.    ...Read more.  Application   

CHAIRMAN BURTON TO EXAMINE NEW SCIENCE CONNECTING MERCURY AND AUTISM - Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), Chairman of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Human Rights & Wellness, will convene a hearing to examine the latest scientific research out of leading universities such as Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, and Carnegie Mellon, regarding the harmful effects of mercury in the human body.  The Subcommittee will also discuss the need for additional research to determine the biological basis for autism, as well as how specifically the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are reviewing the occurrences of this health epidemic.The Subcommittee's oversight hearing, entitled, "Truth Revealed: New Scientific Discoveries Regarding Mercury in Medicine and Autism," will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2004, in Room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building at 10:00 a.m.

Dan Marino launches Child Nett.TV an internet access web channel that broadcasts interactive programming 24 hours a day, seven days week via the internet. The lineup includes streaming video related to autism and other neurological disorders. The mission of www.Childnett.tv is to reach out globally to families, clinicians and educators, connecting them through the internet, to information related to autism and other neurological disorders."

Recruiting Volunteers for a Study of Brain Functioning in Autism - We are recruiting individuals with autism for our functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) studies.  Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain while engaging in visual and motor tasks. If you are right-handed, 18-35 years old, and interested in participating in this research, please contact:  Greg Allen, Ph.D. at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry (214) 648-4641, Greg.Allen@UTSouthwestern.ed  If you participate, you will be compensated for your time.

NCIL Announces Disability Vote Teleconference on Thursday, August 26, at 3:00 p.m. EDT  - Goal Is to Make 2004 the Year of the Disability Vote - "Vote as if your life depended upon it-because it does!" - Justin Dart

Vision Disorders Hinder Children's Learning, But Therapy Can Provide Help - Eye Doctors Say ADHD, Learning Disabilities Frequently Misdiagnosed - Press Release

Calling All Artists.  The Autism Society of Oregon is developing a 2005 calendar made up of drawings by autistic children. We are looking for artwork!  ...read more.

Special Olympics Oregon founded in 1972 for athletes with mental retardation is holding its annual Summer Games this weekend in Corvallis.  OPU salute's these incredible children, their coaches and all involved that continue to make this an event that gives "our" children the opportunity to be treated with dignity, respect and participate in Sports.

• Recognizing Oregon's best- Oregon Sports Awards celebrates state's top athletes, coaches and boosters in star-studded event by STEVE BRANDON 7/23/2004
• Special Olympics By Blair Johnson 7/30/2004

Miracle Run is a movie that will air on August 9, 2004 at 9PM EST on Lifetime.  The movie stars Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker and Aidan Quinn.  Miracle Run is a story about Single mom named Corrine who is overwhelmed when she discovers that her seven-year-old twin boys are autistic. But she refuses to give up on their potential, even though it seems that the rest of the world has turned its back on her sons. Thanks to this incredible mother's support, her boys accomplish the unimaginable. This movie, based on a true story, reminds us all that we deserve to reach for the stars. Be sure to watch it with your friends and family or better yet?  Set your VCR to tape it.

Innovative, Educational CD on Autism and Asperger's Offers Optimism and Hope - New Autism & Asperger's audio CD is an informative, insightful and inspirational production to help educate parents, relatives, teachers and employers about autism and Asperger Syndrome. It features interviews, poetry and music from people who have Autism and Asperger's, educational and insightful interviews with parents and researchers as well as compelling stories of hope. Press Release 7/31/2004

The Groden Center Uses VivoMetrics LifeShirt System for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research - Researchers at the Groden Center, Inc. in Providence, Rhode Island have been using the wireless VivoMetrics LifeShirt(TM) System to measure motor movement and heart rate in children with autism spectrum disorders to detect their physiological responses to environmental stressors. Stress can prevent children with autism from adapting to changes in the environment, interacting with others and learning new skills. Therefore, the study seeks to both identify when a child is becoming physiologically aroused and to intervene with self-control techniques such as relaxation and cognitive picture-rehearsal.

Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh Scientists Discover Biological Basis for Autism - "A team of brain scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery into the biological basis for autism, a mysterious brain disorder that impairs verbal and non-verbal communications and social interactions."   Press Release 7/29/2004 

The ABCs of “AYP” - Beyond Any Reasonable Doubt: We Can Do This.  (Washington, D.C.) "As states begin to release their 2003-04 student achievement data, there is still significant confusion about the accountability provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and doubt about whether states can actually meet the requirements and the goals.  To address this confusion, the Education Trust today released two brief documents explaining the accountability and public reporting provisions of NCLB, in addition to a data presentation analyzing some recently released student achievement results..." Press Release 7/27/2004

• Parents Sue for Playground Time - July 2004
• Decision Due in Boy's Law Suit - July 2004
• Playground spat could affect home schooled, disabled children - August 2004
• Teacher recalls behavior that ended playground use - August 2004
• Autism case: An injustice, or a danger? -August 2004
• Falmouth prevails in autism case - August 2004
• Maine Playground Discrimination Case - Court Documents, Court Reports, Press Coverage & Letters to the Editor

Mozart and the Whale:  Jerry and Mary Newport  have agreed to write a book on "The real story behind the movie, Mozart and The Whale." Their co-writer, Johnny Dodd, is a regular writer at the Los Angeles office of "People Magazine."  Johnny specializes in people who overcome obstacles. The publisher is Fireside, a division of Simon and Schuster. The book should be out late next spring.

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