Announcement: (Book) Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth is finally finsihed!
Reno is 12 years old and for the past year has been a public speaker trying to spread autism awareness to his community.
Reno was born legally blind and carries many diagnosis including Asperger's but hopes this book and his story will not only teach you about autism but inspire you to always look at your abilities, NOT your disabilities.
After realizing that he did a few things different than some of his friends he started researching what having Asperger's really did mean. He did not understand the terminology that was used, so after months of research, he wrote a brochure and power point to educate those around him using terminology that everyone including his peers could understand. His book is comprised of all of his writings, focusing on how to be a good friend to kids with autism.
This book is truly an educational tool to all who read it!
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you feel would benefit from this book.
Thank you all so much for the support you have all given to our family and especially the tremendous support and praise that you have given to Reno!
Please take time to notify your local library about Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth, to help continue autism awareness throughout all of our communities. Together we can make a difference!
Information about the book is available at:
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: Reno's World, Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth (9781936051670): Reno Williams, Nikki Nacco: Books
http://www.amazon.com/Renos-Presenting-Autism-Related-Disabilities/dp/1936051672/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259368459&sr=8-13
If you have any questions please contact us at renosworldautism@yahoo.com. Thank you for your continued support, Tuesday Williams
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
What Does It Feel Like To Tie Up A Child?
What Does It Feel Like To Tie Up A Child?
Rich La Belle, Executive Director Family Network on Disabilities
So, I've been wondering. What does it feel like to tie up a child? What does it take for an adult to think it's a good idea or even just ok to tie up a child? It seems to be happening all the time, most recently in Hillsborough County, Florida: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/19/disabled-hillsborough-student-tied-chair-documents/news-breaking/ . All the time, that is, as long as the child in question has a disability.
What goes through the mind of an adult that actually moves them to tie up (or down) a child placed in their care? In this latest case, it appears that a teacher tied a student in his class to a chair with a coaxial cable, like a tv cable.
The story in the Tampa Tribune says that the teacher had been teaching for four years and was certified to work with students in exceptional education. The teacher, however, says he had no formal experience with students with severe disabilities.
Ok, I can understand a lack of experience, but how does that translate in the mind of a trained educator into "it's ok to tie up a kid with a tv cable"? Before anyone asks, the student wasn't being unruly and he wasn't a danger to himself or others (not that that would automatically justify tying him up). He was simply identified as a "runner". For that, he got tied up - by his teacher.
What happened to the teacher? The district investigated, the sheriff's office investigated and - you've got to know the story by now - no charges were filed. Even though the sheriff's office found "signs of child abuse and neglect." The school district closed its investigation in August. It suspended the teacher for five days, which can be spread out by the teacher over the course of the school year. I can feel that slap on the wrist all the way across the bay.
That brings me to another question - why does the law seem to be suspended when it comes to these type of cases? Why are there few prosecutions? Why are the administrative punishments of those who do these things to our kids so weak? I don't have an answer for this. I just think it's outrageous - and it's beginning to give other educators a bad name. That's another real crime.
So, what's happening now? The family is suing the school district. I recently heard that a preliminary estimate of the cost of providing initial Positive Behavioral Supports training for a school is about $2,000.00. That's not even going to cover the cost of the District's lawyers to file an initial response to the family's lawsuit. Can't we spend our money better than this? If I lived in Hillsborough County, I'd be really ticked off that my tax dollars were going to pay lawyers to defend against something like this. This might be an issue to raise with the school board at their next meeting. What do you think?
Help end this - join and build the Cause (over 1,200 members as of this writing): http://apps.facebook.com/causes/341382/48640532?m=6fb2fd15
* Please note my new email address: richlabelle@fndusa.org
Richard La Belle Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main St. Suite K Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 523-1130/(800) 825-5736 Fax: (727) 523-8687
www.fndfl.org
Rich La Belle, Executive Director Family Network on Disabilities
So, I've been wondering. What does it feel like to tie up a child? What does it take for an adult to think it's a good idea or even just ok to tie up a child? It seems to be happening all the time, most recently in Hillsborough County, Florida: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/19/disabled-hillsborough-student-tied-chair-documents/news-breaking/ . All the time, that is, as long as the child in question has a disability.
What goes through the mind of an adult that actually moves them to tie up (or down) a child placed in their care? In this latest case, it appears that a teacher tied a student in his class to a chair with a coaxial cable, like a tv cable.
The story in the Tampa Tribune says that the teacher had been teaching for four years and was certified to work with students in exceptional education. The teacher, however, says he had no formal experience with students with severe disabilities.
Ok, I can understand a lack of experience, but how does that translate in the mind of a trained educator into "it's ok to tie up a kid with a tv cable"? Before anyone asks, the student wasn't being unruly and he wasn't a danger to himself or others (not that that would automatically justify tying him up). He was simply identified as a "runner". For that, he got tied up - by his teacher.
What happened to the teacher? The district investigated, the sheriff's office investigated and - you've got to know the story by now - no charges were filed. Even though the sheriff's office found "signs of child abuse and neglect." The school district closed its investigation in August. It suspended the teacher for five days, which can be spread out by the teacher over the course of the school year. I can feel that slap on the wrist all the way across the bay.
That brings me to another question - why does the law seem to be suspended when it comes to these type of cases? Why are there few prosecutions? Why are the administrative punishments of those who do these things to our kids so weak? I don't have an answer for this. I just think it's outrageous - and it's beginning to give other educators a bad name. That's another real crime.
So, what's happening now? The family is suing the school district. I recently heard that a preliminary estimate of the cost of providing initial Positive Behavioral Supports training for a school is about $2,000.00. That's not even going to cover the cost of the District's lawyers to file an initial response to the family's lawsuit. Can't we spend our money better than this? If I lived in Hillsborough County, I'd be really ticked off that my tax dollars were going to pay lawyers to defend against something like this. This might be an issue to raise with the school board at their next meeting. What do you think?
Help end this - join and build the Cause (over 1,200 members as of this writing): http://apps.facebook.com/causes/341382/48640532?m=6fb2fd15
* Please note my new email address: richlabelle@fndusa.org
Richard La Belle Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main St. Suite K Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 523-1130/(800) 825-5736 Fax: (727) 523-8687
www.fndfl.org
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
A Day In The Park With Celebrating Abilities Inc
A Day In The Park with Celebrating Abilities Inc.
A gathering for families with children of all abilities
A gathering for families with children of all abilities
Please join us on Saturday, December 19, 2009
at Lakes Regional Park
at Lakes Regional Park
Celebrate the abilities of all of our children
and share the Reason for the Season.
(Shhh.....it's also Kevin James' Bday)
Please bring a potluck dish to share
To RSVP:
Please contact Jacqui Hawkins
at 898-9612 (cell)
or
jacquih1126@gmail.com
Please bring a potluck dish to share
To RSVP:
Please contact Jacqui Hawkins
at 898-9612 (cell)
or
jacquih1126@gmail.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sensory Friendly Films in North Fort Myers
AMC Merchant Crossing 16 Theatres is starting a new Sensory-Friendly program to allow children with autism and their families an enjoyable time at the movies without fear of disrupting others. This is a program we asked our corporate office permission to run. I have attached a PDF flier of the two shows we have approval for so far. All tickets are $5. I fear that if we do not see enough attendance with these first two show AMC may remove the program from our location. The shows are approximately every three weeks starting with Planet 51 this Saturday at 10:00am. I appreciate any assistance you can offer in helping to spread the word so we may keep the Sensory-Friendly Films in our area. Please feel free to call (239) 995-9303 if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Andy
AMC Merchants Crossing 16
Thank you,
Andy
AMC Merchants Crossing 16
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Help NOEWAIT End The Waitlist for Needed Services
Dear Friends,
Did you know: Many people with developmental disabilities and their families
are on "waitlist" for home and community-based services in their state's own
Medicaid program?
Did you know: There are over 300,000 Americans in these queues, which
frequently involve many years of waiting. As families, we struggle to do the
best we can to earn a living while also caring for our loved ones who may
require extensive help with the activities of daily living that most take
for granted. The challenges facing people on waitlists and their families
are significant, and in many cases can be debilitating.
Did you know: Medicaid home and community-based services are not portable!
That means that people with developmental disabilities who are fortunate
enough to receive services cannot move to another state for a military
transfer, or to take a promotion in the private sector, or to help care for
an aging family member, without starting over at the bottom of the waitlist
in the new state.
Did you know: We need your help! You are getting this message because you
have supported NOEWAIT by signing a petition to End the Waitlist for
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Do you know: The National Organization to End the Waitlist (NOEWAIT) has
been working on this issue for almost two years, thanks to its volunteer
members. No one is paid a cent to work for NOEWAIT. We have volunteers all
over the country giving of their time in this massive effort to join
together to have our collective voices heard to end the waitlist for
services. We appreciate and encourage your involvement.
You can join by contacting NOEWAIT@NOEWAIT.NET
Do you know: These are the folks across the country on the Steering
Committee who are helping:
Maureen Devaney, Pennsylvania
Lori Fahey, Florida
Denver Fox, Colorado
Pedro Geraldino, Pennsylvania
John Hall, Florida
Did you know: The petition to End the Waitlist, which was signed by 11,000
concerned citizens, has been hand delivered to the President of the United
States, Vice President Biden, influential federal Representatives, Senators,
Special Assistant for Disability Issues Kareem Dale and Cindy Mann, Director
of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Also sent to each was a
personal letter, the list of 11,000 signatures and selected poignant
comments.
Did you know: That we greatly appreciate the efforts of all who signed the
petition, and invite everyone to join us in a further effort to impact
Congress, by sending your own personal letter directed to your federal
Representatives and Senators, including a copy of the petition, a list of
the 11,000 signatories, and selected comments. Think what an impact it would
make if the congress received thousands and thousands of similar letters and
copies of the petition!
Did you know: We need your help, and helping is easy! You will find
everything you need to send a powerful letter on our web page:
http://www.ourwebs.info/indexnoe.htm
There are instructions, a "fill in the address" letter, the actual petition,
and a list of the signatures. There are also links to help you find your
federal representatives and their local addresses. All you need to do is
download the documents and follow the instructions!
Make your voice heard. Silence is the enemy. Please join us in this effort!
We look forward to your help.
Did you know: Many people with developmental disabilities and their families
are on "waitlist" for home and community-based services in their state's own
Medicaid program?
Did you know: There are over 300,000 Americans in these queues, which
frequently involve many years of waiting. As families, we struggle to do the
best we can to earn a living while also caring for our loved ones who may
require extensive help with the activities of daily living that most take
for granted. The challenges facing people on waitlists and their families
are significant, and in many cases can be debilitating.
Did you know: Medicaid home and community-based services are not portable!
That means that people with developmental disabilities who are fortunate
enough to receive services cannot move to another state for a military
transfer, or to take a promotion in the private sector, or to help care for
an aging family member, without starting over at the bottom of the waitlist
in the new state.
Did you know: We need your help! You are getting this message because you
have supported NOEWAIT by signing a petition to End the Waitlist for
individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Do you know: The National Organization to End the Waitlist (NOEWAIT) has
been working on this issue for almost two years, thanks to its volunteer
members. No one is paid a cent to work for NOEWAIT. We have volunteers all
over the country giving of their time in this massive effort to join
together to have our collective voices heard to end the waitlist for
services. We appreciate and encourage your involvement.
You can join by contacting NOEWAIT@NOEWAIT.NET
Do you know: These are the folks across the country on the Steering
Committee who are helping:
Maureen Devaney, Pennsylvania
Lori Fahey, Florida
Denver Fox, Colorado
Pedro Geraldino, Pennsylvania
John Hall, Florida
Did you know: The petition to End the Waitlist, which was signed by 11,000
concerned citizens, has been hand delivered to the President of the United
States, Vice President Biden, influential federal Representatives, Senators,
Special Assistant for Disability Issues Kareem Dale and Cindy Mann, Director
of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations. Also sent to each was a
personal letter, the list of 11,000 signatures and selected poignant
comments.
Did you know: That we greatly appreciate the efforts of all who signed the
petition, and invite everyone to join us in a further effort to impact
Congress, by sending your own personal letter directed to your federal
Representatives and Senators, including a copy of the petition, a list of
the 11,000 signatories, and selected comments. Think what an impact it would
make if the congress received thousands and thousands of similar letters and
copies of the petition!
Did you know: We need your help, and helping is easy! You will find
everything you need to send a powerful letter on our web page:
http://www.ourwebs.info/indexnoe.htm
There are instructions, a "fill in the address" letter, the actual petition,
and a list of the signatures. There are also links to help you find your
federal representatives and their local addresses. All you need to do is
download the documents and follow the instructions!
Make your voice heard. Silence is the enemy. Please join us in this effort!
We look forward to your help.
For your information
Health care reform: As you know, the House passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act on Nov. 7. The Senate has merged 2committee bills to create its version of hc reform. The bill draft has not been released. Sen. Reid was waiting for the CBO cost analysis of the bills before authorizing debate. The CBO study is not public but “leaks” indicate that the Senate bills would carry a price tag of about $900 billion—considerably less than the cost of the House Bill--$1.3 trillion. Sen. Reid is meeting with the Democratic caucus tonight to review all the elements of the bill and get a better sense of issues requiring more work. At the present time, 3 Dem. Senators have not indicated to Sen. Reid how they will vote: Landrieu, LA; Nelson, NE; Lincoln, AR.
Maintaining 60 votes is critical for this issue to move forward to avoid a filibuster. Some opponents are threatening to move that the bill be read in its entirety in the Senate and numerous other parliamentary obstructions will be tried. It takes a super-majority in the Senate to stop any such measures.
Sen. Reid has promised that the Senate bill will be posted on the Internet 72 hours before debate begins. It is unlikely that will happen before the Thanksgiving recess. Leadership hopes to pass a bill before the Xmas recess. Normally a conference committee would be the next step but some think this bill will go thru a “ping pong” set up where various bills between the House and Senate will be acted until a final bill is written.
CLASS ACT: Some elements of the CLASS Act (allowing voluntary paycheck contributions to fund long term services and support) are in the both bills. However, in the past week, eight Dem. Senators have indicated that they have “problems” with the provisions. The Long Term Care insurance companies are lobbying the Senate with a vengeance in opposition. CMS issued a report on Monday indicating that only about 3 million Americans would participate initially—a much lower number than earlier projections. Go to www.passthecalssact.org for regular updates on this issue.
Community First Choice Act: A statement of support for the Community choice option is in the House bill. The Senate bill includes this option. If a state chooses this option, the FMAP for that state would increase by 6%--nothing to sneeze at. If a state chooses the CFC option, they would have to adhere to its higher standards (no caps on services, no waiting lists, and no geographic restrictions.) Go to www.passthecommunitychoiceact.org for updates.
Mikulski bill to eliminate MR terminology: This bill was dropped yesterday and has several sponsors in both parties. It is based on a new statute passed in MD in 2009—Rosa’s Law. http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/chapters_noln/Ch_119_hb0020T.pdf for a copy of the new Maryland law. Proponents are seeking House sponsorship now.
After Thanksgiving new alerts will go out regarding action on this bill.
Seclusion and Restraint: there may be a House bill on this issue before the end of the calendar year. The goal is to ensure that any federal law include all kids (not just those with disabilities) in public schools or other facilities receiving federal funds. DPC is working with legislative staff on language to establish some kinds of rules on when seclusion and restraint could be used. There’s some push back from general education lobbyists about the cost of monitoring and reporting. There’s speculation that this bill will pass during the current session.
Employment: Lots of discussion in the House about getting something through before the Xmas recess to boost employment. Ideas include tax breaks for hiring new employees, continuation of the FMAP increases related to high unemployment beyond the original expiration date, action on transportation infrastructure grants (the existing highway bill is up for re-authorization but action has been delayed.) House leaders want members to have something to take home regarding employment before the recess.
H1N1 Flu vaccinations: On Monday, CDC issued new guidelines that include direct care providers, para professionals and other “non licensed” personnel who care for people with disabilities as part of the priority groups for vaccinations. See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/disabilities/
For more information. Scroll down to the 9th or 10th item on this page for particulars.
Appointments:
Tomorrow the Senate will begin confirmation hearings on EEOC Commissioners. Chai Feldblum has been nominated for the Commission. She is a strong advocate for persons with disabilities but is controversial for her activism in the gay-lesbian community.
Alexa Pitley (sp?)has been appointed as undersecretary in the Dept. of Education for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services—also a strong advocate for people with disabilities. (I’ll check on the correct spelling of her name and send it later.)
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thank you
Marijo Rymer
Executive Director
The Arc of Colorado
1580 Logan--Suite 730
Denver, CO 80203
303-864-9334 ext 11
303-229-9499 (cell)
Maintaining 60 votes is critical for this issue to move forward to avoid a filibuster. Some opponents are threatening to move that the bill be read in its entirety in the Senate and numerous other parliamentary obstructions will be tried. It takes a super-majority in the Senate to stop any such measures.
Sen. Reid has promised that the Senate bill will be posted on the Internet 72 hours before debate begins. It is unlikely that will happen before the Thanksgiving recess. Leadership hopes to pass a bill before the Xmas recess. Normally a conference committee would be the next step but some think this bill will go thru a “ping pong” set up where various bills between the House and Senate will be acted until a final bill is written.
CLASS ACT: Some elements of the CLASS Act (allowing voluntary paycheck contributions to fund long term services and support) are in the both bills. However, in the past week, eight Dem. Senators have indicated that they have “problems” with the provisions. The Long Term Care insurance companies are lobbying the Senate with a vengeance in opposition. CMS issued a report on Monday indicating that only about 3 million Americans would participate initially—a much lower number than earlier projections. Go to www.passthecalssact.org for regular updates on this issue.
Community First Choice Act: A statement of support for the Community choice option is in the House bill. The Senate bill includes this option. If a state chooses this option, the FMAP for that state would increase by 6%--nothing to sneeze at. If a state chooses the CFC option, they would have to adhere to its higher standards (no caps on services, no waiting lists, and no geographic restrictions.) Go to www.passthecommunitychoiceact.org for updates.
Mikulski bill to eliminate MR terminology: This bill was dropped yesterday and has several sponsors in both parties. It is based on a new statute passed in MD in 2009—Rosa’s Law. http://mlis.state.md.us/2009rs/chapters_noln/Ch_119_hb0020T.pdf for a copy of the new Maryland law. Proponents are seeking House sponsorship now.
After Thanksgiving new alerts will go out regarding action on this bill.
Seclusion and Restraint: there may be a House bill on this issue before the end of the calendar year. The goal is to ensure that any federal law include all kids (not just those with disabilities) in public schools or other facilities receiving federal funds. DPC is working with legislative staff on language to establish some kinds of rules on when seclusion and restraint could be used. There’s some push back from general education lobbyists about the cost of monitoring and reporting. There’s speculation that this bill will pass during the current session.
Employment: Lots of discussion in the House about getting something through before the Xmas recess to boost employment. Ideas include tax breaks for hiring new employees, continuation of the FMAP increases related to high unemployment beyond the original expiration date, action on transportation infrastructure grants (the existing highway bill is up for re-authorization but action has been delayed.) House leaders want members to have something to take home regarding employment before the recess.
H1N1 Flu vaccinations: On Monday, CDC issued new guidelines that include direct care providers, para professionals and other “non licensed” personnel who care for people with disabilities as part of the priority groups for vaccinations. See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/disabilities/
For more information. Scroll down to the 9th or 10th item on this page for particulars.
Appointments:
Tomorrow the Senate will begin confirmation hearings on EEOC Commissioners. Chai Feldblum has been nominated for the Commission. She is a strong advocate for persons with disabilities but is controversial for her activism in the gay-lesbian community.
Alexa Pitley (sp?)has been appointed as undersecretary in the Dept. of Education for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services—also a strong advocate for people with disabilities. (I’ll check on the correct spelling of her name and send it later.)
Please let me know if you have questions.
Thank you
Marijo Rymer
Executive Director
The Arc of Colorado
1580 Logan--Suite 730
Denver, CO 80203
303-864-9334 ext 11
303-229-9499 (cell)
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