AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
OUR FIRST MEETING WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23rd
TIME: 7:00-8:30 P.M.
IN PEACE BY PIECE LEARNING CENTER
LOCATED AT 1650 MEDICAL LN., SUITE #2
FORT MYERS,FL.
PLEASE R.S.V.P. BY APRIL 20TH
CALL APRIL SANCHEZ AT: (239)369-3391 OR (239)357-8788
FREE RESPITE CARE IS BEING OFFERED
VIA R.S.V.P ONLY BY MONDAY, APRIL 14TH
THIS IS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF OUR CHILDREN
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
March for Babies
On March 22, 2008 my nephew, Gregg Anthony, was born.
On March 24, 2008 he passed away.
He was born at 24 weeks gestation due to preeclampsia
putting both him and his mother at risk.
It is the reason I've chosen to walk in the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk in my community. Please support me and my family by donating to the March of Dimes.
As all or most of you know, I am a HUGE activist for children, especially children that have a difficult road ahead of them and those who were dealt cards that you and I would NOT have chosen. As I sit here tonight, my heart and mind are heavy. My brother, Gregg, has just become a dad today............his baby was born at 24 weeks gestation and weighs 1lb..........I want to throw my arms around my brother and his family and "make it better", after all, isn't that what big sisters do?!?!?! I know in my realistic mind, that that simply isn't possible. So, I'm left with the next option.............PRAY!!!! and pray HARD!!!! But I can also fight to do what I can to see that another family doesn't have to go through what my brother and his family are going through now...........before today, I was all set to walk in the March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk in my local area, on 4/26 to raise money for these babies. I was ready to walk for all babies, but this year, I'll walk for one. Please take some time and go to the March of Dimes website and see what you can do..........Thank you.
www.marchforbabies.org/celebratingabilitiesinc
www.marchforbabies.org/515598
http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21321.asp
http://www.marchforbabies.org/
TV Journalist and March of Dimes Volunteer Jane Clayson tells her story about the premature birth of her son William.
William was born weighing only 2 pounds, thirteen ounces and spent three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
But thanks to his family's support, advanced medical care and research the March of Dimes helped fund, young William, today, is a vibrant little boy.
Jane Clayson and her family formed a March for Babies Family Team to help support the March of Dimes mission to give every baby a healthy start.
Visit marchforbabies.org to form your own family team or to find out more information.
On March 24, 2008 he passed away.
He was born at 24 weeks gestation due to preeclampsia
putting both him and his mother at risk.
It is the reason I've chosen to walk in the March of Dimes' March for Babies walk in my community. Please support me and my family by donating to the March of Dimes.
As all or most of you know, I am a HUGE activist for children, especially children that have a difficult road ahead of them and those who were dealt cards that you and I would NOT have chosen. As I sit here tonight, my heart and mind are heavy. My brother, Gregg, has just become a dad today............his baby was born at 24 weeks gestation and weighs 1lb..........I want to throw my arms around my brother and his family and "make it better", after all, isn't that what big sisters do?!?!?! I know in my realistic mind, that that simply isn't possible. So, I'm left with the next option.............PRAY!!!! and pray HARD!!!! But I can also fight to do what I can to see that another family doesn't have to go through what my brother and his family are going through now...........before today, I was all set to walk in the March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk in my local area, on 4/26 to raise money for these babies. I was ready to walk for all babies, but this year, I'll walk for one. Please take some time and go to the March of Dimes website and see what you can do..........Thank you.
www.marchforbabies.org/celebratingabilitiesinc
www.marchforbabies.org/515598
http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21321.asp
http://www.marchforbabies.org/
TV Journalist and March of Dimes Volunteer Jane Clayson tells her story about the premature birth of her son William.
William was born weighing only 2 pounds, thirteen ounces and spent three months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
But thanks to his family's support, advanced medical care and research the March of Dimes helped fund, young William, today, is a vibrant little boy.
Jane Clayson and her family formed a March for Babies Family Team to help support the March of Dimes mission to give every baby a healthy start.
Visit marchforbabies.org to form your own family team or to find out more information.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Strong Love
Strong Love | Jon Shapiro and Holly James
I wanted to let you know about Strong Love, a new film a woman named Bonnie Burt produced about a couple both born with Down syndrome who decide to marry. I thought it might be of interest to all of you. I thought it was particularly appropriate given that yesterday was World Down Syndrome Day.
A recent review from the Down Syndrome News:
“Some scenes will make you cry, others will make you laugh. All in all, it’s a picture of life full of surprises, challenges and joy.”
Bonnie has posted a short excerpt from the film of Holly and Jon practicing their wedding vows if you are interested in previewing it. Click here to view it on YouTube.
From the website:
Strong Love is the story of world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, both of whom were born with Down syndrome. This documentary follows the couple over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married. Their challenges, their triumphs, and their complex, sometimes surprising relationships with family and friends are at the heart of this inspiring film.
“Strong Love” is next scheduled to play at the Sprout Film Festival in NYC on Saturday May 10, 2008, at 11 am. Click here for more information about this screening.
For more information and purchasing this video you can visit Bonnie Burt at her website.
I wanted to let you know about Strong Love, a new film a woman named Bonnie Burt produced about a couple both born with Down syndrome who decide to marry. I thought it might be of interest to all of you. I thought it was particularly appropriate given that yesterday was World Down Syndrome Day.
A recent review from the Down Syndrome News:
“Some scenes will make you cry, others will make you laugh. All in all, it’s a picture of life full of surprises, challenges and joy.”
Bonnie has posted a short excerpt from the film of Holly and Jon practicing their wedding vows if you are interested in previewing it. Click here to view it on YouTube.
From the website:
Strong Love is the story of world-class weight lifter Jon Shapiro and his childhood sweetheart Holly James, both of whom were born with Down syndrome. This documentary follows the couple over the course of three years, starting with their decision to get married. Their challenges, their triumphs, and their complex, sometimes surprising relationships with family and friends are at the heart of this inspiring film.
“Strong Love” is next scheduled to play at the Sprout Film Festival in NYC on Saturday May 10, 2008, at 11 am. Click here for more information about this screening.
For more information and purchasing this video you can visit Bonnie Burt at her website.
Disability Awareness Month
March is Disability Awareness Month
This was sent out by Jan Fitzgerald Director of Parent to Parent of NYS. Enjoy!
March is disabilities awareness month. It is a time to raise awareness that people with disabilities want the same things that everyone else wants. Those “things” are friends, peace of mind (including freedom from abuse), to be valued through employment and to have enough money to be able to live a quality life.
It is a month set aside to recognize the great strides in the care and treatment of people with disabilities moving from an understaffed institutional ward to independent and supported living.
During this month of March, be a friend to a person with a disability, consider hiring a person with a disability in your place of employment (there are supports available to train and coach) and recognize that people with disabilities are often the kindest and most compassionate people you will ever know. Including a person with a disability at any meeting changes the dynamics and changes the environment in positive ways. Welcome people with disabilities in to your business, your restaurant and your place of worship.
During this month of March, consider a career that includes working with people with developmental disabilities. There are opportunities in many fields and the gratification at the end of the day knowing you made a difference is tremendous.
During this month of March, there is one huge request. Help end the disrespect and cruelty targeted at people with disabilities by not tolerating the use of the word “retard” in any conversation you are a part of. Do not tolerate the derogatory use of the word “retard” by your children.
Janice Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Parent to Parent of NYS
www.parenttoparentnys.org
518-359-3006
This was sent out by Jan Fitzgerald Director of Parent to Parent of NYS. Enjoy!
March is disabilities awareness month. It is a time to raise awareness that people with disabilities want the same things that everyone else wants. Those “things” are friends, peace of mind (including freedom from abuse), to be valued through employment and to have enough money to be able to live a quality life.
It is a month set aside to recognize the great strides in the care and treatment of people with disabilities moving from an understaffed institutional ward to independent and supported living.
During this month of March, be a friend to a person with a disability, consider hiring a person with a disability in your place of employment (there are supports available to train and coach) and recognize that people with disabilities are often the kindest and most compassionate people you will ever know. Including a person with a disability at any meeting changes the dynamics and changes the environment in positive ways. Welcome people with disabilities in to your business, your restaurant and your place of worship.
During this month of March, consider a career that includes working with people with developmental disabilities. There are opportunities in many fields and the gratification at the end of the day knowing you made a difference is tremendous.
During this month of March, there is one huge request. Help end the disrespect and cruelty targeted at people with disabilities by not tolerating the use of the word “retard” in any conversation you are a part of. Do not tolerate the derogatory use of the word “retard” by your children.
Janice Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Parent to Parent of NYS
www.parenttoparentnys.org
518-359-3006
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lecture delivered by Temple Grandin, a noted expert and author on early intervention, educational strategies, visual thinking, social skills, medications and mentoring. Grandin presents around the world and is the author of several books including Emergence: Label Autistic, Thinking in Pictures, Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships, co-authored with Sean Barron. In addition to several DVDs, her recent release of Animals in Translation maintained a top 10 position on the New York Times best-seller list. Based on statistics provided by the Autism Society of America, it is estimated that one in every 150 children born in the United States has autism and approximately 1 million in this country have this disorder, which does not include Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Asperger's and other spectrum disorders. A new case of autism is diagnosed nearly every 20 minutes, meaning approximately 24,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
I like Steven Rosenberg's idea the best.............
http://www6.miami.edu/pld/shannonmora_article.pdf
South Florida activists, groups lobby state for
constitutional changes
By Mark Hollis
Tallahassee Bureau
July 5, 2005
TALLAHASSEE · Shannon Mora, a Miami mother, thinks government officials would pay
more attention to children's needs if parents could cast votes on behalf of their kids.
"There's just not enough attention on what kids need, like better schools," says the mother of
three. "For education to really improve, parents' votes should count more. ... A politician doesn't
have to pander to me. But they might if I had a vote for every child in my household."
South Floridians such as Mora are collecting signatures this summer to change the state
constitution.
Mora's plan allows legal guardians to vote for children.
Other ideas include the improbable, such as a plan to define every political campaign
contribution as a "bribery" punishable by a year in prison, better-funded and much-publicized
changes that would revamp Florida's sales-tax structure, ban gay marriages in the event that a
current ban doesn't hold up in court, and strip legislators of their authority to draw
congressional and legislative districts.
J. Michael Sahm of Fort Lauderdale is behind an effort to make grocers label foods that are
"genetically engineered."
Steven Rosenberg, a West Palm Beach dermatologist, is trying to force state legislators to take
the FCAT test -- and repeat it until they get a 10th-grade score.
Rosenberg's daughter, Miranda, 18, thinks it's time that Florida lower its voting age to 16.
Altogether, almost 50 petition-gathering campaigns are registered and officially "active." "It's hard to get young people involved with the political process if they can't vote. But they can get petitions signed," Rosenberg said. The amendments in which he's involved have piqued interest among teachers as "a learning experience" in South Florida schools "about the political process," he said.
Many of the proposals are not the sort of moderate-sounding messages that politicians like to wrap themselves
around.
One group proposes to legalize marijuana, and another seeks an end to alimony obligations for divorcees.
Yet another is pushing for a lower drinking age.
Still, the advocates of these initiatives don't consider their ideas frivolous or funny. Miranda Rosenberg started her
proposal for lowering the voting age to 16 when she was 15, attending Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach.
She's 18 now, and this fall, her father said, she'll be a freshman at Harvard University, having drawn national
publicity for her grass-roots campaign.
Robert Sell of Sebastian in Indian River County started a petition drive to end alimony in Florida after his divorce. He
thinks alimony violates the U.S. Constitution and encourages some spouses to break up marriages only for their own
financial gain.
"A lot of women will walk away with the home, the family car, half the retirement and bank funds; and the guy ends
up paying alimony to boot," Sell said. "So, alimony is just an incentive for women to file for divorce."
Floridians have enjoyed the right to add their own amendments to the state constitution for almost four decades.
They've used it in the past 15 years to impose term limits on elected officials, demand lower public school class sizes
and free pre-kindergarten classes, ban smoking in most workplaces and push for the construction of a high-speed rail
system, an idea that voters later repealed at Gov. Jeb Bush's urging.
"There's just a preponderance of these amendments being offered because people feel their elected representatives
aren't representing them," said Damien Filer, a ballot initiative expert in Tallahassee. "The people who go to
Tallahassee are supposed to be working for us. But as we all know, far too often, they end up doing things just
because they owe a lobbyist or owe a political interest, but not what the majority of the people of the state want."
Supporters of the system call the citizen initiatives a form of "direct democracy."
Critics, including many legislators, say it's a concept that has gotten out of control.
For two years in a row, legislators have attempted to restrict the people's power to amend the constitution. This
spring, the Republican-run Legislature debated several ways to make it harder to pass a constitutional amendment,
settling on only one: a proposal, which voters will have to approve, that would require citizen initiatives to be
approved by 60 percent of voters rather than a simple majority.
Ben Wilcox, director of Common Cause of Florida, a government watchdog group, said he thought legislators would
prefer an outright end to the citizen initiative process .
Wilcox said that if legislators want to make it harder for citizens to amend the constitution, they should also make it
harder for legislators to do so as well and they should give citizens the power to change state statutes if legislators
think the constitution is getting too cluttered.
Filer said it is wrong to presume that initiatives are easy to get on the ballot.
"It's so hard as it is," he said. "People get an idea in their head and they think they can just stand at the supermarket
parking lot on a couple Saturdays and get all the signatures they need. It just isn't that simple."
Some initiative authors are shocked that their ideas don't generate widespread attention. One of them is William
Cushman of Pensacola. He owns a small technical research firm that tests acoustic equipment and develops hearing
devices. A few years ago, he became frustrated with public officials and grew convinced that large corporations and
other special interests have taken over the government.
Cushman came up with the idea of putting a new definition of bribery into law through a constitutional amendment
that would ban any campaign contributions to a candidate for elected office. He posted his idea on the Internet and
got a few sympathizers, including Janet Carey of Lake Worth, who has since become the chairwoman of his "Florida
Break the Link" campaign.
But Cushman and Carey haven't been able to collect many signatures yet, and they frustrated by the challenge.
"Unfortunately," Cushman said, "it seems to be very difficult to get people to actually get out and work on this
project. I'm not about to go begging for money and trying to hire professionals to collect signatures. If our citizens are
not willing to be good citizens and respond, then they can just suffer the consequences."
Mark Hollis can be reached at mhollis@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6214.
South Florida activists, groups lobby state for
constitutional changes
By Mark Hollis
Tallahassee Bureau
July 5, 2005
TALLAHASSEE · Shannon Mora, a Miami mother, thinks government officials would pay
more attention to children's needs if parents could cast votes on behalf of their kids.
"There's just not enough attention on what kids need, like better schools," says the mother of
three. "For education to really improve, parents' votes should count more. ... A politician doesn't
have to pander to me. But they might if I had a vote for every child in my household."
South Floridians such as Mora are collecting signatures this summer to change the state
constitution.
Mora's plan allows legal guardians to vote for children.
Other ideas include the improbable, such as a plan to define every political campaign
contribution as a "bribery" punishable by a year in prison, better-funded and much-publicized
changes that would revamp Florida's sales-tax structure, ban gay marriages in the event that a
current ban doesn't hold up in court, and strip legislators of their authority to draw
congressional and legislative districts.
J. Michael Sahm of Fort Lauderdale is behind an effort to make grocers label foods that are
"genetically engineered."
Steven Rosenberg, a West Palm Beach dermatologist, is trying to force state legislators to take
the FCAT test -- and repeat it until they get a 10th-grade score.
Rosenberg's daughter, Miranda, 18, thinks it's time that Florida lower its voting age to 16.
Altogether, almost 50 petition-gathering campaigns are registered and officially "active." "It's hard to get young people involved with the political process if they can't vote. But they can get petitions signed," Rosenberg said. The amendments in which he's involved have piqued interest among teachers as "a learning experience" in South Florida schools "about the political process," he said.
Many of the proposals are not the sort of moderate-sounding messages that politicians like to wrap themselves
around.
One group proposes to legalize marijuana, and another seeks an end to alimony obligations for divorcees.
Yet another is pushing for a lower drinking age.
Still, the advocates of these initiatives don't consider their ideas frivolous or funny. Miranda Rosenberg started her
proposal for lowering the voting age to 16 when she was 15, attending Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach.
She's 18 now, and this fall, her father said, she'll be a freshman at Harvard University, having drawn national
publicity for her grass-roots campaign.
Robert Sell of Sebastian in Indian River County started a petition drive to end alimony in Florida after his divorce. He
thinks alimony violates the U.S. Constitution and encourages some spouses to break up marriages only for their own
financial gain.
"A lot of women will walk away with the home, the family car, half the retirement and bank funds; and the guy ends
up paying alimony to boot," Sell said. "So, alimony is just an incentive for women to file for divorce."
Floridians have enjoyed the right to add their own amendments to the state constitution for almost four decades.
They've used it in the past 15 years to impose term limits on elected officials, demand lower public school class sizes
and free pre-kindergarten classes, ban smoking in most workplaces and push for the construction of a high-speed rail
system, an idea that voters later repealed at Gov. Jeb Bush's urging.
"There's just a preponderance of these amendments being offered because people feel their elected representatives
aren't representing them," said Damien Filer, a ballot initiative expert in Tallahassee. "The people who go to
Tallahassee are supposed to be working for us. But as we all know, far too often, they end up doing things just
because they owe a lobbyist or owe a political interest, but not what the majority of the people of the state want."
Supporters of the system call the citizen initiatives a form of "direct democracy."
Critics, including many legislators, say it's a concept that has gotten out of control.
For two years in a row, legislators have attempted to restrict the people's power to amend the constitution. This
spring, the Republican-run Legislature debated several ways to make it harder to pass a constitutional amendment,
settling on only one: a proposal, which voters will have to approve, that would require citizen initiatives to be
approved by 60 percent of voters rather than a simple majority.
Ben Wilcox, director of Common Cause of Florida, a government watchdog group, said he thought legislators would
prefer an outright end to the citizen initiative process .
Wilcox said that if legislators want to make it harder for citizens to amend the constitution, they should also make it
harder for legislators to do so as well and they should give citizens the power to change state statutes if legislators
think the constitution is getting too cluttered.
Filer said it is wrong to presume that initiatives are easy to get on the ballot.
"It's so hard as it is," he said. "People get an idea in their head and they think they can just stand at the supermarket
parking lot on a couple Saturdays and get all the signatures they need. It just isn't that simple."
Some initiative authors are shocked that their ideas don't generate widespread attention. One of them is William
Cushman of Pensacola. He owns a small technical research firm that tests acoustic equipment and develops hearing
devices. A few years ago, he became frustrated with public officials and grew convinced that large corporations and
other special interests have taken over the government.
Cushman came up with the idea of putting a new definition of bribery into law through a constitutional amendment
that would ban any campaign contributions to a candidate for elected office. He posted his idea on the Internet and
got a few sympathizers, including Janet Carey of Lake Worth, who has since become the chairwoman of his "Florida
Break the Link" campaign.
But Cushman and Carey haven't been able to collect many signatures yet, and they frustrated by the challenge.
"Unfortunately," Cushman said, "it seems to be very difficult to get people to actually get out and work on this
project. I'm not about to go begging for money and trying to hire professionals to collect signatures. If our citizens are
not willing to be good citizens and respond, then they can just suffer the consequences."
Mark Hollis can be reached at mhollis@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6214.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Having a Party??
Check out this local baker's incredible creations........she's amazing!!!
http://www.asugaraffair.com/
http://www.asugaraffair.com/
Friday, March 7, 2008
Take Action!
Dear Parent Advocates,
Many of you have children with disabilities that have been effected physically and mentally by the over use of restraint and seclusion in the public school system. You know the trauma this has caused your child and the emotional drain this has caused your family. Children with behavior issues are at risk the most but children with non compliance issues are also being restrained and put in seclusion.
Please contact your local legislatures by phone and email and ask them to support Senate bill SB 2028 sponsored by Senator Ted Deutch and House bill is HB 1139 sponsored by Representative Susan Bucher. This bill will help reduce and control restraint and seclusion on children with disabilities in the public school system. Time is very critical so please make your call and email to your local legislatures as soon as possible. Our children deserve to be treated with dignity and should be SAFE when they go to school.
Find your local Legislators in the link below by your ZIP code + 4 Code (the 4 extra number can be found on most of your incoming mail next to your zip code)
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Mode=Find%20Your%20Legislator&Submenu=3&Tab=legislators&ZipCode=33436
Regards,
Phyllis Musumeci
Families Against Restraint and Seclusion
Many of you have children with disabilities that have been effected physically and mentally by the over use of restraint and seclusion in the public school system. You know the trauma this has caused your child and the emotional drain this has caused your family. Children with behavior issues are at risk the most but children with non compliance issues are also being restrained and put in seclusion.
Please contact your local legislatures by phone and email and ask them to support Senate bill SB 2028 sponsored by Senator Ted Deutch and House bill is HB 1139 sponsored by Representative Susan Bucher. This bill will help reduce and control restraint and seclusion on children with disabilities in the public school system. Time is very critical so please make your call and email to your local legislatures as soon as possible. Our children deserve to be treated with dignity and should be SAFE when they go to school.
Find your local Legislators in the link below by your ZIP code + 4 Code (the 4 extra number can be found on most of your incoming mail next to your zip code)
http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Mode=Find%20Your%20Legislator&Submenu=3&Tab=legislators&ZipCode=33436
Regards,
Phyllis Musumeci
Families Against Restraint and Seclusion
Florida Schools to take another hit from state.........
http://www.miamiherald.com/295/story/434891.html
Posted on Wed, Feb. 27, 2008
Schools to take another hit from state
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS AND GARY FINEOUT
State lawmakers are poised to slash more than $350 million from schools -- forcing layoffs in some districts before the end of the school year in June -- in an effort to balance the current year's budget, shrunken by withering sales-tax collections.
Schools, community colleges and universities will take the brunt of the $542 million in proposed cuts lawmakers want to make for the budget year that ends June 30. Other areas hit hard include state attorneys and public defenders, county and circuit courts, county health departments and juvenile justice programs.
Broward and Miami-Dade officials say they will manage without layoffs. But at other school districts, staff cuts will be inevitable, said Mark Pudlow, spokesman for the Florida Education Association, the teachers' union.
''We expected the Legislature would probably do something like this,'' he said. ``It's unfortunate there wasn't a way to prevent it.''
Gov. Charlie Crist called the House and Senate proposals ''unfortunate'' and repeated his recommendations to lawmakers to dip into reserve accounts and use one-time cash from the state's rainy-day fund to avoid making cuts. For the budget year that begins July 1, the governor has proposed a budget that adds $1 billion to schools by relying on higher property tax revenues and new state lottery games.
''This is just the beginning of the process,'' Crist said. ``Everything that we can do in a responsible way to utilize rainy-day funds and get us to a bridge to a brighter future for Florida is the way to go.''
House and Senate leaders agreed to the cuts this week and will take up the actual reduction bills on Monday, the eve of the 2008 regular session, and pass them by the second week of March.
Schools account for 66 percent of the latest budget cut because it's late in the fiscal year and school budgets depend heavily on sales-tax revenue, which has been sinking below expectations for months. Nearly half of the $28 billion the state collects from general revenue -- primarily sales taxes -- goes to schools.
Legislators have already cut $1.1 billion from the 2007-08 spending plan, but the declining revenues and sluggish economy have forced them to take another whack when they meet next week.
Once those cuts are done, they must next embark on an even harder task: shaving more than $2.5 billion from the next state budget to balance the 2008-09 spending plan.
HOW BAD IS IT?
''However bad you think it is, it's worse than that,'' said Rep. Joe Pickens, a Palatka Republican and chairman of the House Schools and Learning Council.
While the budget cuts are not unexpected, they are not sitting well.
''This borders on insanity,'' said Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter. ``You've done all your hiring. You've done all your budgeting. And you've spent down your money.''
Broward County schools must cut $21.7 million during the remaining months of the school year, and officials expect to offset some of that because they froze hiring, left 180 jobs unfilled and cut back on purchases after the first round of budget cuts in fall 2007.
While it won't be impossible to make the new numbers work, Notter said, it won't be easy, either.
''It's like a hunger-strike diet -- you either die or you come back,'' he said. ``I'm not ready to die.''
Miami-Dade County schools officials expect the cuts will take between $23 million and $28 million from their $3 billion budget, but the district is taking steps to ''minimize the impact on the workforce,'' Associate Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.
The district has already cut the administrative budget, eliminated travel expenses and imposed an ''absolute moratorium'' on nonessential purchases, he said.
NEED FLEXIBILITY
Carvalho said that the school system will ask lawmakers to give the districts flexibility so they can better manage their financial woes. For example, officials want authority to use property-tax revenues that are now dedicated for construction to pay the district's property insurance bill.
Miami-Dade also wants to suspend its teacher merit-pay program, get permission to use money now set aside for transportation and textbooks, and delay the last round of class-size requirements until 2010, Carvalho said.
The budget-cutting plans for both chambers also include a $17 million cut to courts, leading judges across the state to warn it will prompt hundreds of furloughs of judicial assistants in circuit and county courts.
''I'm not sure the people in Tallahassee were quite aware of the role of the judicial assistants,'' said Sam Slom, chief administrative judge for Miami-Dade's county criminal division. If judicial assistants have to be furloughed for 58 working days, as projected, ''that would be devastating'' and ''would have a very traumatic effect on the public. Our courts would shut down,'' he said.
Negotiations between House and Senate staff and judicial administrators have persuaded lawmakers to allow the court to cut programs, rather than staff, to avoid massive court shutdowns.
''They understand the significance of the furlough issue and have asked for what else might be done,'' said Lisa Goodner, state courts administrator.
Miami Herald staff writers Nirvi Shah, Breanne Gilpatrick and Susannah A. Nesmith contributed to this report.
Posted on Wed, Feb. 27, 2008
Schools to take another hit from state
BY MARY ELLEN KLAS AND GARY FINEOUT
State lawmakers are poised to slash more than $350 million from schools -- forcing layoffs in some districts before the end of the school year in June -- in an effort to balance the current year's budget, shrunken by withering sales-tax collections.
Schools, community colleges and universities will take the brunt of the $542 million in proposed cuts lawmakers want to make for the budget year that ends June 30. Other areas hit hard include state attorneys and public defenders, county and circuit courts, county health departments and juvenile justice programs.
Broward and Miami-Dade officials say they will manage without layoffs. But at other school districts, staff cuts will be inevitable, said Mark Pudlow, spokesman for the Florida Education Association, the teachers' union.
''We expected the Legislature would probably do something like this,'' he said. ``It's unfortunate there wasn't a way to prevent it.''
Gov. Charlie Crist called the House and Senate proposals ''unfortunate'' and repeated his recommendations to lawmakers to dip into reserve accounts and use one-time cash from the state's rainy-day fund to avoid making cuts. For the budget year that begins July 1, the governor has proposed a budget that adds $1 billion to schools by relying on higher property tax revenues and new state lottery games.
''This is just the beginning of the process,'' Crist said. ``Everything that we can do in a responsible way to utilize rainy-day funds and get us to a bridge to a brighter future for Florida is the way to go.''
House and Senate leaders agreed to the cuts this week and will take up the actual reduction bills on Monday, the eve of the 2008 regular session, and pass them by the second week of March.
Schools account for 66 percent of the latest budget cut because it's late in the fiscal year and school budgets depend heavily on sales-tax revenue, which has been sinking below expectations for months. Nearly half of the $28 billion the state collects from general revenue -- primarily sales taxes -- goes to schools.
Legislators have already cut $1.1 billion from the 2007-08 spending plan, but the declining revenues and sluggish economy have forced them to take another whack when they meet next week.
Once those cuts are done, they must next embark on an even harder task: shaving more than $2.5 billion from the next state budget to balance the 2008-09 spending plan.
HOW BAD IS IT?
''However bad you think it is, it's worse than that,'' said Rep. Joe Pickens, a Palatka Republican and chairman of the House Schools and Learning Council.
While the budget cuts are not unexpected, they are not sitting well.
''This borders on insanity,'' said Broward Schools Superintendent Jim Notter. ``You've done all your hiring. You've done all your budgeting. And you've spent down your money.''
Broward County schools must cut $21.7 million during the remaining months of the school year, and officials expect to offset some of that because they froze hiring, left 180 jobs unfilled and cut back on purchases after the first round of budget cuts in fall 2007.
While it won't be impossible to make the new numbers work, Notter said, it won't be easy, either.
''It's like a hunger-strike diet -- you either die or you come back,'' he said. ``I'm not ready to die.''
Miami-Dade County schools officials expect the cuts will take between $23 million and $28 million from their $3 billion budget, but the district is taking steps to ''minimize the impact on the workforce,'' Associate Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said.
The district has already cut the administrative budget, eliminated travel expenses and imposed an ''absolute moratorium'' on nonessential purchases, he said.
NEED FLEXIBILITY
Carvalho said that the school system will ask lawmakers to give the districts flexibility so they can better manage their financial woes. For example, officials want authority to use property-tax revenues that are now dedicated for construction to pay the district's property insurance bill.
Miami-Dade also wants to suspend its teacher merit-pay program, get permission to use money now set aside for transportation and textbooks, and delay the last round of class-size requirements until 2010, Carvalho said.
The budget-cutting plans for both chambers also include a $17 million cut to courts, leading judges across the state to warn it will prompt hundreds of furloughs of judicial assistants in circuit and county courts.
''I'm not sure the people in Tallahassee were quite aware of the role of the judicial assistants,'' said Sam Slom, chief administrative judge for Miami-Dade's county criminal division. If judicial assistants have to be furloughed for 58 working days, as projected, ''that would be devastating'' and ''would have a very traumatic effect on the public. Our courts would shut down,'' he said.
Negotiations between House and Senate staff and judicial administrators have persuaded lawmakers to allow the court to cut programs, rather than staff, to avoid massive court shutdowns.
''They understand the significance of the furlough issue and have asked for what else might be done,'' said Lisa Goodner, state courts administrator.
Miami Herald staff writers Nirvi Shah, Breanne Gilpatrick and Susannah A. Nesmith contributed to this report.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Autism Awareness Month Proclamations
March 25th at 9am - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation at Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Charlotte County Administration Center
18500 Murdock Circle
Room #119
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
www.charlottecountyfl.com
March 25th at 9am - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation at Collier County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
BCC Chambers, Third Floor, W. Harmon Turner Building
Collier County Government Center
3301 East Tamiami Trail
Naples, Fl 34112
www.colliergov.net
April 1st at 9:30am - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation at Lee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
County Commission Chambers
2120 Main Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
www.lee-county.com
Charlotte County Administration Center
18500 Murdock Circle
Room #119
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
www.charlottecountyfl.com
March 25th at 9am - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation at Collier County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
BCC Chambers, Third Floor, W. Harmon Turner Building
Collier County Government Center
3301 East Tamiami Trail
Naples, Fl 34112
www.colliergov.net
April 1st at 9:30am - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation at Lee County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
County Commission Chambers
2120 Main Street
Fort Myers, FL 33901
www.lee-county.com
Peace by Piece
First Annual Peace By Piece Walk and Rock Benefit.
Saturday May 17, 2008
10 am at Centennial Park
Following the walk, they'll be entertainment, food and a silent auction.
All proceeds will help offset the cost of the
summer program as well as help us to secure a larger space for the
upcoming school year to accommodate the growing demand for this
specialized education opportunity.
Contact info is as follows:
239-482-5006, or tdemarest@peacebypieceinc.com.
1650 Medical Lane, Suite 2, Fort Myers, Fl - 33907.
About Piece by Peace (from their website):
Peace by Piece Inc is proud to announce the opening of our new school - Peace By Piece Learning Center (PBPLC). Peace By Piece Learning Center is a certified private school through the Florida Department of Education, serving children with autism and related disorders. We are also finalizing our status as a provider for the McKay scholarship!
PBPLC is a non-profit organization that provides specialized educational services for children and youth with autism and related disorders. Programs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of each student in order to facilitate the development of communication, social, behavioral, academic and life skills necessary to live a productive and independent life.
Services they provide:
Certified Private School by the Florida Department of Education for Children in Pre-K through 5th grade with Autism or a related disorder.
Clinic Based Direct Service
-Peace by Piece provides ABA/VBA and NET services directly to your child in our clinic.
* This approach has the best research support for improving a child's skills.
Home Based Direct Service
- Peace by Piece staff provides ABA/VBA services directly to your child in your home.
The Workshop Model
- An alternative that involves the Peace by Piece staff assessing your child.
- Determining a specific curriculum for your child.
- Training you and members of your family/team on how to implement the curriculum.
........... When you feel comfortable with the program we will also
- Provide on-going supervision
- Additional hands-on training in implementing your child's program, program monitoring and future developments.
IEP Development
- The Peace by Piece Staff knows both the educational process and the science behind effective interventions. Our guidance and support can assist you in this complex process.
Consultation and Training
- Peace by Piece provides training and workshops to schools and organizations, for the purpose of positive behavior change.
Saturday May 17, 2008
10 am at Centennial Park
Following the walk, they'll be entertainment, food and a silent auction.
All proceeds will help offset the cost of the
summer program as well as help us to secure a larger space for the
upcoming school year to accommodate the growing demand for this
specialized education opportunity.
Contact info is as follows:
239-482-5006, or tdemarest@peacebypieceinc.com.
1650 Medical Lane, Suite 2, Fort Myers, Fl - 33907.
About Piece by Peace (from their website):
Peace by Piece Inc is proud to announce the opening of our new school - Peace By Piece Learning Center (PBPLC). Peace By Piece Learning Center is a certified private school through the Florida Department of Education, serving children with autism and related disorders. We are also finalizing our status as a provider for the McKay scholarship!
PBPLC is a non-profit organization that provides specialized educational services for children and youth with autism and related disorders. Programs are designed to meet the unique educational needs of each student in order to facilitate the development of communication, social, behavioral, academic and life skills necessary to live a productive and independent life.
Services they provide:
Certified Private School by the Florida Department of Education for Children in Pre-K through 5th grade with Autism or a related disorder.
Clinic Based Direct Service
-Peace by Piece provides ABA/VBA and NET services directly to your child in our clinic.
* This approach has the best research support for improving a child's skills.
Home Based Direct Service
- Peace by Piece staff provides ABA/VBA services directly to your child in your home.
The Workshop Model
- An alternative that involves the Peace by Piece staff assessing your child.
- Determining a specific curriculum for your child.
- Training you and members of your family/team on how to implement the curriculum.
........... When you feel comfortable with the program we will also
- Provide on-going supervision
- Additional hands-on training in implementing your child's program, program monitoring and future developments.
IEP Development
- The Peace by Piece Staff knows both the educational process and the science behind effective interventions. Our guidance and support can assist you in this complex process.
Consultation and Training
- Peace by Piece provides training and workshops to schools and organizations, for the purpose of positive behavior change.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Celebrating Abilities Inc. now has Down syndrome awareness magnets available for $5.00.
Send a check (please include an additional $1.00 to cover our postage of the magnet) to:
Celebrating Abilities Inc
4309 SW 19th Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33914
Please allow up to 4 weeks for delivery, since I'm ordering them from a third party.
Kids Eat Free Card
Headed to Orlando - Get the "Kids Eat Free Card"
Save at meal-time with a Kids Eat Free Card: the card costs $15; each card is valid for one child (age 11 or younger); one Free child's meal is offered with the purchase of an adult meal or entree. Over 50 restaurants are participating, including high-octane themed kid-pleasers such as NASCAR Sports Grille.
http://kidseatfreecard.com/
Save at meal-time with a Kids Eat Free Card: the card costs $15; each card is valid for one child (age 11 or younger); one Free child's meal is offered with the purchase of an adult meal or entree. Over 50 restaurants are participating, including high-octane themed kid-pleasers such as NASCAR Sports Grille.
http://kidseatfreecard.com/
Local Walks to raise awareness of MS
Q: WHEN ARE THIS YEAR’S walkMS EVENTS?
A:
March 15, 2008
ORLANDO TAMPA
Lake Eola at Thornton Park Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Corner of Lake Eola Dr. and Robinson Av. 1101 W. Sligh Ave.
Check-in 8:00 am Check-in 5:30 pm
Walk begins 9:00 am Walk begins 6:30 pm
March 29, 2008
COCOA LADY LAKE
Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village The Villages Polo Field
430 Delannoy Ave 700 Buena Vista Blvd.
Check-in 8:00 am Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am Walk begins 9:00 am
ST. PETERSBURG
South Straub Park
Beach Drive (next to Museum of Fine Arts)
Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am
April 5, 2008
SARASOTA
JD Hamel Park at Main Street
Gulfstream Ave & US 41
Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am
Q: HOW LONG IS THE walkMS?
A: Most walks offer both a 3K (1.3 miles) and 5K. All routes are fully accessible. Food & festivities are located at the start/finish areas. Refreshments are provided at rest stops along the routes.
Q: HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR THE walkMS?
* On-line at http://www.midfloridamswalks.org/ (Please encourage those with Internet access to register on-line as they will automatically be registered to receive on-line pledges as well as saving the Chapter administrative time and expenses.)
* Fax @ 407-478-8893
* Phone @ 407-478-8880 or 1-888-950-9080
* Mail: NMSS, 2701 Maitland Center Parkway, #100, Maitland, FL 32751
Q: ARE THERE ANY REGISTRATION FEES?
A: There are no registration fees for walkMS. Nationally, our average walker raises $230.00 and there is no limit to what YOU can accomplish. Top fundraisers have the opportunities to earn great prizes including the opportunity to network with top fundraisers throughout the country. Information regarding incentives and fundraising clubs can be found on the walkMS website under Participant Materials.
Q: WHEN WILL I RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION?
A: Your "Welcome Packet" will be mailed or emailed to you within 72 hours of receipt of your registration. Included will be valuable fundraising information and tips, a donation sheet to record your progress and information on how to form your own team. You will continue to receive ongoing support leading up to the event and the fundraising staff is available for information at any time. The Welcome Packet can also be viewed on the walkMS website under Participant Materials.
Q: I AM INTERESTED IN FORMING A TEAM.
A: Any group of FOUR or more people can form a team. At registration on-line, the first person who forms the team is automatically the Captain. Just pick your team name, and other team members will be able to search and register for your team. Teams are eligible for special prizes during our Team Week! We will be able to guide you through the process if you should need any assistance.
Q: CAN I BE ADDED TO A TEAM IF I DIDN'T INDICATE I WAS ON A TEAM WHEN I REGISTERED?
A: Yes, you can be added to a team at any time by contacting Kathy Alt at the Chapter office at 1-888-950-9080 x23 or email: kathy.alt@flc.nmss.org
Q: HOW DO I GET A T-SHIRT?
A: All walkers who raise a minimum of $125 by the day of the walk will receive an official walkMS t-shirt.
Q: WHEN DO I TURN MY PLEDGES IN?
A: Donations can be turned in anytime from now until the day of the walk. However, incentives will be announced for donations turned in prior to the event. Please remember that on-line donations help the Chapter benefit more from your donation due to administrative savings. On-line pledges can be placed through your Participant Center.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
A: All walks are held rain or shine. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your contributions and form, and come enjoy the day!
Q: WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE?
A: Breakfast and Snacks will be served, in addition to water stations along the routes. Plenty of water will be available.
Q: WILL THERE BE ENTERTAINMENT?
A: There will be entertainment for the entire family.
Q: IS ROLLERBLADING ALLOWED?
A: For safety reasons, rollerblading is NOT allowed.
Q: ARE BABY STROLLERS ALLOWED?
A: Yes, baby strollers are allowed, we encourage you to bring the entire family.
Q: ARE PETS ALLOWED?
A: Pets are allowed at the following walks: Cocoa, Lady Lake, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo does NOT allow pets.
Q: WILL THERE BE SCOOTERS OR WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE FOR USE?
A: Not available at this time.
Q: ARE THERE FUNDRAISING PRIZES?
A: Yes. Prizes are awarded after the walk based on your fundraising level. You can visit the walkMS website under Particpant Materials for a link to the prize levels and options. A coupon with prize redemption eligibility will be mailed to you at the beginning of May. T-shirts are awarded to those who raise a minimum of $125. Our VIP walkers will receive a special prize for raising $1000 by the day of the walk. Of course, in order to stretch your donation dollars, and to further help the Mid Florida Chapter, you always have the option of declining any incentive prizes. Please indicate such at registration.
Q: HOW ARE THE FUNDS THAT WE RAISE DISTRIBUTED?
A: Please click here for a chart of how our funds were distributed in 2007
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
1. I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact our IT Services Manager, Kathy Alt at kathy.alt@flc.nmss.org
2. How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
3. How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.
ABOUT MY WALK CENTER
1. What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Walk Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
2. By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
3. How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Walk Center. On the bottom right side of the Walk Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
4. How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her walk center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.
5. How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
6. How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
7. What is a team message?
Simply go to your Walk Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
8. What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.
9. How do I set up a blog on my personal page?
You can access our step-by-step guide by clicking here.
A:
March 15, 2008
ORLANDO TAMPA
Lake Eola at Thornton Park Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
Corner of Lake Eola Dr. and Robinson Av. 1101 W. Sligh Ave.
Check-in 8:00 am Check-in 5:30 pm
Walk begins 9:00 am Walk begins 6:30 pm
March 29, 2008
COCOA LADY LAKE
Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village The Villages Polo Field
430 Delannoy Ave 700 Buena Vista Blvd.
Check-in 8:00 am Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am Walk begins 9:00 am
ST. PETERSBURG
South Straub Park
Beach Drive (next to Museum of Fine Arts)
Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am
April 5, 2008
SARASOTA
JD Hamel Park at Main Street
Gulfstream Ave & US 41
Check-in 8:00 am
Walk begins 9:00 am
Q: HOW LONG IS THE walkMS?
A: Most walks offer both a 3K (1.3 miles) and 5K. All routes are fully accessible. Food & festivities are located at the start/finish areas. Refreshments are provided at rest stops along the routes.
Q: HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR THE walkMS?
* On-line at http://www.midfloridamswalks.org/ (Please encourage those with Internet access to register on-line as they will automatically be registered to receive on-line pledges as well as saving the Chapter administrative time and expenses.)
* Fax @ 407-478-8893
* Phone @ 407-478-8880 or 1-888-950-9080
* Mail: NMSS, 2701 Maitland Center Parkway, #100, Maitland, FL 32751
Q: ARE THERE ANY REGISTRATION FEES?
A: There are no registration fees for walkMS. Nationally, our average walker raises $230.00 and there is no limit to what YOU can accomplish. Top fundraisers have the opportunities to earn great prizes including the opportunity to network with top fundraisers throughout the country. Information regarding incentives and fundraising clubs can be found on the walkMS website under Participant Materials.
Q: WHEN WILL I RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION?
A: Your "Welcome Packet" will be mailed or emailed to you within 72 hours of receipt of your registration. Included will be valuable fundraising information and tips, a donation sheet to record your progress and information on how to form your own team. You will continue to receive ongoing support leading up to the event and the fundraising staff is available for information at any time. The Welcome Packet can also be viewed on the walkMS website under Participant Materials.
Q: I AM INTERESTED IN FORMING A TEAM.
A: Any group of FOUR or more people can form a team. At registration on-line, the first person who forms the team is automatically the Captain. Just pick your team name, and other team members will be able to search and register for your team. Teams are eligible for special prizes during our Team Week! We will be able to guide you through the process if you should need any assistance.
Q: CAN I BE ADDED TO A TEAM IF I DIDN'T INDICATE I WAS ON A TEAM WHEN I REGISTERED?
A: Yes, you can be added to a team at any time by contacting Kathy Alt at the Chapter office at 1-888-950-9080 x23 or email: kathy.alt@flc.nmss.org
Q: HOW DO I GET A T-SHIRT?
A: All walkers who raise a minimum of $125 by the day of the walk will receive an official walkMS t-shirt.
Q: WHEN DO I TURN MY PLEDGES IN?
A: Donations can be turned in anytime from now until the day of the walk. However, incentives will be announced for donations turned in prior to the event. Please remember that on-line donations help the Chapter benefit more from your donation due to administrative savings. On-line pledges can be placed through your Participant Center.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
A: All walks are held rain or shine. Lace up your walking shoes, grab your contributions and form, and come enjoy the day!
Q: WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINKS AVAILABLE?
A: Breakfast and Snacks will be served, in addition to water stations along the routes. Plenty of water will be available.
Q: WILL THERE BE ENTERTAINMENT?
A: There will be entertainment for the entire family.
Q: IS ROLLERBLADING ALLOWED?
A: For safety reasons, rollerblading is NOT allowed.
Q: ARE BABY STROLLERS ALLOWED?
A: Yes, baby strollers are allowed, we encourage you to bring the entire family.
Q: ARE PETS ALLOWED?
A: Pets are allowed at the following walks: Cocoa, Lady Lake, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Sarasota. Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo does NOT allow pets.
Q: WILL THERE BE SCOOTERS OR WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE FOR USE?
A: Not available at this time.
Q: ARE THERE FUNDRAISING PRIZES?
A: Yes. Prizes are awarded after the walk based on your fundraising level. You can visit the walkMS website under Particpant Materials for a link to the prize levels and options. A coupon with prize redemption eligibility will be mailed to you at the beginning of May. T-shirts are awarded to those who raise a minimum of $125. Our VIP walkers will receive a special prize for raising $1000 by the day of the walk. Of course, in order to stretch your donation dollars, and to further help the Mid Florida Chapter, you always have the option of declining any incentive prizes. Please indicate such at registration.
Q: HOW ARE THE FUNDS THAT WE RAISE DISTRIBUTED?
A: Please click here for a chart of how our funds were distributed in 2007
GENERAL QUESTIONS:
1. I forgot my Username and Password.
Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact our IT Services Manager, Kathy Alt at kathy.alt@flc.nmss.org
2. How do I change my Username and/or Password?
First, login to the site using your username and password. Once logged in you will see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you will be able to change your contact information, e-mail address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There is no need to sign in again.
3. How do I unsubscribe from e-mail?
Towards the bottom of each e-mail message there is a link stating, "Click Here to Unsubscribe from this E-mail Message." Click this link and follow the instructions given to unsubscribe.
ABOUT MY WALK CENTER
1. What is a Personal Page?
A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Walk Center. You will be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.
2. By default I have a personal page, do I have to change it?
Once you sign up for an event online, by default, you will have a personal page created for you. A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized e-mail solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.
3. How do I change my personal fundraising goal?
First, you will need to login to your Walk Center. On the bottom right side of the Walk Center home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.
4. How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?
Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her walk center and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.
5. How can I see who has donated to me?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "My Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.
6. How can I see who is on my team?
Login to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Walk Center and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.
7. What is a team message?
Simply go to your Walk Center and click the "Update Message to Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.
8. What is the difference between making my personal page private or public?
By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.
9. How do I set up a blog on my personal page?
You can access our step-by-step guide by clicking here.
Florida Residents Deal - Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida
Limited Time Offer - 2nd Day, 2nd Park FREE!
Florida residents receive a 2nd day AND 2nd park FREE, when you purchase a 1-day/1-park ticket† online and save almost 40% off the price of a 2-Day/2-Park ticket purchased at the Front Gate.
Includes:
bullet (2) two days of unlimited park-to-park access to BOTH Universal Studios Florida® AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
bullet All-club access to the live entertainment at Universal CityWalk®
This special offer is only available online and not at the front gate of either theme park.
Limited Time Offer - 2nd Day, 2nd Park FREE!
Florida residents receive a 2nd day AND 2nd park FREE, when you purchase a 1-day/1-park ticket† online and save almost 40% off the price of a 2-Day/2-Park ticket purchased at the Front Gate.
Includes:
bullet (2) two days of unlimited park-to-park access to BOTH Universal Studios Florida® AND Universal’s Islands of Adventure®
bullet All-club access to the live entertainment at Universal CityWalk®
This special offer is only available online and not at the front gate of either theme park.
Busch Gardens - Florida Resident Deals
FLORIDA RESIDENT DEALS AT BUSCH GARDENS, SEA WORLD and ADVENTURE ISLAND:
2008 Busch Gardens Fun Card
Florida’s best entertainment value is back! Pay for a day and come back all year to enjoy the wildlife and wild rides of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a 2008 Busch Gardens Fun Card. Enjoy unlimited general admission through December 31, 2008 for only $64.95 for adults and $54.95 for children ages 3-9. How much fun can you have for the price of one day? Find out! Add SeaWorld or Adventure Island to your Busch Gardens Fun Card and double your fun.
Price is per person, plus tax and subject to change without notice. Fun Cards expire 12/31/08 and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Offer not valid with other discounts or special offers. Fun Cards do not include admission to select special events, parking or discounts on food or merchandise. Other restrictions may apply
Visit www.4adventure.com for more information
2008 Busch Gardens Fun Card
Florida’s best entertainment value is back! Pay for a day and come back all year to enjoy the wildlife and wild rides of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with a 2008 Busch Gardens Fun Card. Enjoy unlimited general admission through December 31, 2008 for only $64.95 for adults and $54.95 for children ages 3-9. How much fun can you have for the price of one day? Find out! Add SeaWorld or Adventure Island to your Busch Gardens Fun Card and double your fun.
Price is per person, plus tax and subject to change without notice. Fun Cards expire 12/31/08 and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Offer not valid with other discounts or special offers. Fun Cards do not include admission to select special events, parking or discounts on food or merchandise. Other restrictions may apply
Visit www.4adventure.com for more information
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Brain Gym
Below is some information taken from the ‘Brain Gym’ website to give you some idea what it’s about.
What is Brain Gym®
Brain Gym® is an educational, movement based programme which uses simple movements to integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to learn effectively. It can be used to improve a wide range of learning, attention and behaviour skills. Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym® are the result of many years of research into learning and brain function by an educationalist, Dr Paul Dennison PhD, from the United States. It is now used in over 45 countries and is recognised as a safe, effective and innovative educational and self-development tool.
‘Children with Down’s syndrome master gross motor skills -- everything from rolling over to running but need additional help and encouragement to maximise development. Typical children walk at around 12 months of age, but the average child with Down syndrome walks at about 24 months of age. The mastery of gross motor development is the first arena in which children with Down’s syndrome will take on the challenges of life. Fine motor development, speech and education are all challenges that lie ahead, but gross motor development: rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking are the first challenges s/he will meet in life.
This workshop provides parents and with essential information about motor development including the impact of retained infant reflexes associated with Down syndrome.
In the two sessions we will run a two part workshop first working with parents on the theory and experiencing the movement for themselves and then getting the children involved with the exercises to improve balance and coordination. ‘
Who does it help?
Originally created to help children and adults with learning challenges, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, Brain Gym® is now used to improve functioning and life quality by people from all walks of life from education to the arts, business, healthcare, sport and personal development. The movements can be safely used by people of almost any age and mobility, from babies upwards.
What does it help?
The improvement in whole brain function that can result from use of the Brain Gym® movements has benefits such as:
academic skills – for example, reading, writing, spelling and maths
memory, concentration and focus
physical co-ordination and balance
communication skills and language development
self-development and personal stress management
Can BRAIN GYM® help with special needs, such as Attention Deficit Disorder, hyperactivity, brain damage, or similar challenges?
Children with special needs and severe learning challenges benefit positively from BRAIN GYM®, as is attested to by thousands of families using the activities. Licensed instructors specializing in this area of work may recommend a more intensive program and a simplified or assisted application of the movements.
Can the use of BRAIN GYM® activities or balances affect health, or alleviate stress?
Research over 30 years shows the correlation between brain organization (dominance patterns), attention deficit, allergies, and auto immune deficiency. Balance of the left and right cortical hemispheres depends on cross lateral patterning, including binocular vision, binaural hearing, and contralateral movement. Common sense tells us what research has validated: chronic one-sided behaviours (monocular vision or excessive left- or right-handedness), especially without the context of whole body movement, polarize the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, adversely affecting learning, behaviour, and immune response. Both as a result and a possible cause of these one-sided behaviours, chronic anger, frustration, and depression become part of a cycle of habituated adrenal response and the related high levels of cortisol in the blood.
Does the use of BRAIN GYM® promote permanent, positive changes?
BRAIN GYM® promotes the ability to learn and to retain learning at a deep, whole-brained level. New learning occurs when a person is relaxed and easily able to access their sensory system for seeing and listening, and to comfortably feel and express their feelings. Learning tends to be more permanent, accessible, and applicable when a person is not tense, stressed, or frightened. As self-confidence and self-esteem increase, motivation and behaviour generally improve as well.
How does movement affect the brain? Do actual physical changes in the brain occur through the use of BRAIN GYM®?
Yes. Briefly, BRAIN GYM® works by facilitating optimal achievement of mental potential through specific movement experiences. All acts of speech, hearing, vision, and coordination are learned through a complex repertoire of movements. BRAIN GYM® promotes efficient communication among the many nerve cells and functional centres located throughout the brain and sensory motor system. Blocks in learning occur when the body is tense and information cannot flow freely among these centres. The BRAIN GYM® movements stimulate this flow of information within the brain and sensory system, freeing the innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency.
Is BRAIN GYM® the same as movement therapy, yoga, or other exercises?
BRAIN GYM® is similar to, yet different from, other movement programs. BRAIN GYM® helps to increase flexibility and coordination, as other programs do, yet it also provides specific activities to facilitate brain function for the physical skills required for such activities as reading, writing, and spelling. BRAIN GYM® is fun, easy, and requires no special talents or coordination skills. BRAIN GYM® is a good warm-up for all exercise programs.
For anyone interested, there is someone locally in the SWFL area that does something similar........her contact information is:
Below is some information taken from the ‘Brain Gym’ website to give you some idea what it’s about.
TheBrainTrainers@comcast.net
What is Brain Gym®
Brain Gym® is an educational, movement based programme which uses simple movements to integrate the whole brain, senses and body, preparing the person with the physical skills they need to learn effectively. It can be used to improve a wide range of learning, attention and behaviour skills. Educational Kinesiology and Brain Gym® are the result of many years of research into learning and brain function by an educationalist, Dr Paul Dennison PhD, from the United States. It is now used in over 45 countries and is recognised as a safe, effective and innovative educational and self-development tool.
‘Children with Down’s syndrome master gross motor skills -- everything from rolling over to running but need additional help and encouragement to maximise development. Typical children walk at around 12 months of age, but the average child with Down syndrome walks at about 24 months of age. The mastery of gross motor development is the first arena in which children with Down’s syndrome will take on the challenges of life. Fine motor development, speech and education are all challenges that lie ahead, but gross motor development: rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking are the first challenges s/he will meet in life.
This workshop provides parents and with essential information about motor development including the impact of retained infant reflexes associated with Down syndrome.
In the two sessions we will run a two part workshop first working with parents on the theory and experiencing the movement for themselves and then getting the children involved with the exercises to improve balance and coordination. ‘
Who does it help?
Originally created to help children and adults with learning challenges, for example dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, Brain Gym® is now used to improve functioning and life quality by people from all walks of life from education to the arts, business, healthcare, sport and personal development. The movements can be safely used by people of almost any age and mobility, from babies upwards.
What does it help?
The improvement in whole brain function that can result from use of the Brain Gym® movements has benefits such as:
academic skills – for example, reading, writing, spelling and maths
memory, concentration and focus
physical co-ordination and balance
communication skills and language development
self-development and personal stress management
Can BRAIN GYM® help with special needs, such as Attention Deficit Disorder, hyperactivity, brain damage, or similar challenges?
Children with special needs and severe learning challenges benefit positively from BRAIN GYM®, as is attested to by thousands of families using the activities. Licensed instructors specializing in this area of work may recommend a more intensive program and a simplified or assisted application of the movements.
Can the use of BRAIN GYM® activities or balances affect health, or alleviate stress?
Research over 30 years shows the correlation between brain organization (dominance patterns), attention deficit, allergies, and auto immune deficiency. Balance of the left and right cortical hemispheres depends on cross lateral patterning, including binocular vision, binaural hearing, and contralateral movement. Common sense tells us what research has validated: chronic one-sided behaviours (monocular vision or excessive left- or right-handedness), especially without the context of whole body movement, polarize the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, adversely affecting learning, behaviour, and immune response. Both as a result and a possible cause of these one-sided behaviours, chronic anger, frustration, and depression become part of a cycle of habituated adrenal response and the related high levels of cortisol in the blood.
Does the use of BRAIN GYM® promote permanent, positive changes?
BRAIN GYM® promotes the ability to learn and to retain learning at a deep, whole-brained level. New learning occurs when a person is relaxed and easily able to access their sensory system for seeing and listening, and to comfortably feel and express their feelings. Learning tends to be more permanent, accessible, and applicable when a person is not tense, stressed, or frightened. As self-confidence and self-esteem increase, motivation and behaviour generally improve as well.
How does movement affect the brain? Do actual physical changes in the brain occur through the use of BRAIN GYM®?
Yes. Briefly, BRAIN GYM® works by facilitating optimal achievement of mental potential through specific movement experiences. All acts of speech, hearing, vision, and coordination are learned through a complex repertoire of movements. BRAIN GYM® promotes efficient communication among the many nerve cells and functional centres located throughout the brain and sensory motor system. Blocks in learning occur when the body is tense and information cannot flow freely among these centres. The BRAIN GYM® movements stimulate this flow of information within the brain and sensory system, freeing the innate ability to learn and function at top efficiency.
Is BRAIN GYM® the same as movement therapy, yoga, or other exercises?
BRAIN GYM® is similar to, yet different from, other movement programs. BRAIN GYM® helps to increase flexibility and coordination, as other programs do, yet it also provides specific activities to facilitate brain function for the physical skills required for such activities as reading, writing, and spelling. BRAIN GYM® is fun, easy, and requires no special talents or coordination skills. BRAIN GYM® is a good warm-up for all exercise programs.
For anyone interested, there is someone locally in the SWFL area that does something similar........her contact information is:
Below is some information taken from the ‘Brain Gym’ website to give you some idea what it’s about.
TheBrainTrainers@comcast.net
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The Language of Autism
February 28, 2008, 11:04 am
The Language of Autism
Are people with autism trapped in their own world? Or are the rest of us just trapped in ours?
After seeing 27-year-old Amanda Baggs, featured in this month's Wired magazine, you may rethink your views of the so-called "normal" world. Ms. Baggs, who lives in Burlington, Vt., is autistic and doesn't speak. But she has become an Internet sensation as a result of an unusual video she created called "In My Language.''
For the first three minutes of the video, she rocks, flaps her hands, waves a piece of paper, buries her face in a book and runs her fingers repeatedly across a computer keyboard, all while humming a haunting two-note tune.
Then, the words "A Translation" appear on the screen.
Although Ms. Baggs doesn't speak, she types 120 words a minute. Using a synthesized voice generated by a software application, Ms. Baggs types out what is going on inside her head. The movement, the noise, the repetitive behaviors are all part of Ms. Baggs' own "native" language, she says via her computerized voice. It's a language that allows her to have a "constant conversation" with her surroundings.
My language is not about designing words or even visual symbols for people to interpret. It is about being in a constant conversation with every aspect of my environment, reacting physically to all parts of my surroundings.
Far from being purposeless, the way that I move is an ongoing response to what is around me….The way I naturally think and respond to things looks and feels so different from standard concepts or even visualization that some people do not consider it thought at all. But it is a way of thinking in its own right.
Ms. Baggs does far more than give us a vivid glimpse into her mind. Her video is a clarion call on behalf of people with cognitive disabilities whose way of communicating isn't understood by the rest of the world. As the story in Wired points out, Ms. Baggs is at the forefront of a nascent civil rights movement on behalf of people with autism.
"I remember in '99, seeing a number of gay pride Web sites,'' she tells the magazine. "I envied how many there were and wished there was something like that for autism. Now there is."
Watching Ms. Baggs rock and flap is to see a person most of us would define as disabled. And that's why the impact of the computerized voice and her cogent argument on behalf of people with autism is so powerful.
In the end I want you to know that this has not been intended as a voyeuristic freak show where you get to look at the bizarre workings of the autistic mind. It is meant as a strong statement on the existence and value of many different kinds of thinking and interaction in the world….Only when the many shapes of personhood are recognized will justice and human rights be possible.
Update: To read more about the autism activism movement, see "How About Not 'Curing' Us, Some Autistics Are Pleading," which appeared in the Times in 2004.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/the-language-of-autism/index.html?hp
The Language of Autism
Are people with autism trapped in their own world? Or are the rest of us just trapped in ours?
After seeing 27-year-old Amanda Baggs, featured in this month's Wired magazine, you may rethink your views of the so-called "normal" world. Ms. Baggs, who lives in Burlington, Vt., is autistic and doesn't speak. But she has become an Internet sensation as a result of an unusual video she created called "In My Language.''
For the first three minutes of the video, she rocks, flaps her hands, waves a piece of paper, buries her face in a book and runs her fingers repeatedly across a computer keyboard, all while humming a haunting two-note tune.
Then, the words "A Translation" appear on the screen.
Although Ms. Baggs doesn't speak, she types 120 words a minute. Using a synthesized voice generated by a software application, Ms. Baggs types out what is going on inside her head. The movement, the noise, the repetitive behaviors are all part of Ms. Baggs' own "native" language, she says via her computerized voice. It's a language that allows her to have a "constant conversation" with her surroundings.
My language is not about designing words or even visual symbols for people to interpret. It is about being in a constant conversation with every aspect of my environment, reacting physically to all parts of my surroundings.
Far from being purposeless, the way that I move is an ongoing response to what is around me….The way I naturally think and respond to things looks and feels so different from standard concepts or even visualization that some people do not consider it thought at all. But it is a way of thinking in its own right.
Ms. Baggs does far more than give us a vivid glimpse into her mind. Her video is a clarion call on behalf of people with cognitive disabilities whose way of communicating isn't understood by the rest of the world. As the story in Wired points out, Ms. Baggs is at the forefront of a nascent civil rights movement on behalf of people with autism.
"I remember in '99, seeing a number of gay pride Web sites,'' she tells the magazine. "I envied how many there were and wished there was something like that for autism. Now there is."
Watching Ms. Baggs rock and flap is to see a person most of us would define as disabled. And that's why the impact of the computerized voice and her cogent argument on behalf of people with autism is so powerful.
In the end I want you to know that this has not been intended as a voyeuristic freak show where you get to look at the bizarre workings of the autistic mind. It is meant as a strong statement on the existence and value of many different kinds of thinking and interaction in the world….Only when the many shapes of personhood are recognized will justice and human rights be possible.
Update: To read more about the autism activism movement, see "How About Not 'Curing' Us, Some Autistics Are Pleading," which appeared in the Times in 2004.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/the-language-of-autism/index.html?hp
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