The Autism Society of Washington
Listserve for April 2008
Click on archived listserve posts here:
ASW Mission Statement
The mission of the Autism Society of Washington is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for `ascribes to the Options Policy established by the Autism Society of America.
*** Introductory Comments from ASW
April 5, 2008
President’s Message, Autism Society of Washington
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
As we learn more about the disability of Autism and Asperger, we become more aware of its complexities, and the growing number of individuals affected by its often hidden characteristics. We now know that 1 in 150 children will be affected by autism, and if a family already has a child with autism, the chance of having another child also affected is now known to be a 1 in 20 chance. Autism is a family disorder and has a wide ripple affect.
During the last legislative session Governor Christine Gregoire proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month: “Whereas, there are many different symptoms shown by people suffering from autism, there is no known cure, and autism can have a devastating impact on the families of those individuals who are affected; and Whereas, through research, legislation, training, programs, support groups, advocacy and increased awareness, we will be empowered and ready to meet the challenges to serve this growing population of individuals with autism.”
Lee Grossman, President of the Autism Society of America writes (April 1, 2008), “There’s no question that early diagnosis and comprehensive intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes for individuals and autism. That’s why ASA and our chapters need to continue to support ASA’s goal to increase funding that will help keep the best professional’s working toward developing practical diagnostic tools and treatment that families confronting autism can UTILIZE TODAY.”
This is ASW’s goal also. Join ASW in our continuing efforts to support families living with Autism. www.autismsocietyofwa.org
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SECTION ONE: How to contact ASW and its Chapters
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AUTISM SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON- STATE OFFICE
Patty Gee - President
1101 Eastside Street SE, Suite B
Olympia, Washington 98501
Office phone: 360-786-1108
Toll free: (888) ASW 4 YOU
Email: info@autismsocietyofwa.org
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ASW CHAPTER CONTACTS
Autism Society of Washington - Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Counties
Meetings held in Longview; every third Thurs. of the month at 7:00 pm
Sue Culbertson 360-423-4012
Autism Society of Washington – Spokane
Meetings held in Spokane; meet the third Wed. of each month
Kathleen Stimple 509-624-3323
Autism Society of Tacoma
Meetings held near the Tacoma Community College; 4th Tues of each month
Christina Boutiette 253-759-7995
Email: astpc@autismsocietyofwa.org
Thurston/Mason Counties - Autism Society of WA
Meetings held in Olympia; meet the second Tues. of each month
Patty Gee 360-754-2584
Email: PattyJGee@comcast.net
Autism Society of WA - Tri-Cities Chapter
Meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month
(The Neurological Resource Center)
712 Swift Blvd, Suite 1, Richland, WA
Terry Buck 509-374-2120
Dana Tolick 509-946-0619
Email: danatolick@hotmail.com
Autism Society of Grant County
Mike Scellick 509-754-4300
Email: asgc@autismsocietyofwa.org
Autism Society of Yakima
Tonya Benner
Email: asy@autismsocietyofwa.org
Autism Society of Washington –
White River Chapter
Tami McGrath 253-826-9112
Email: aswwrc@autismsocietyofwa.org
Autism Society of Washington –
Southwest Chapter
Meetings held in Vancouver, Third Sat. of odd numbered months
Victoria Fitzsimmons at 360-896-6169
Email: aswswc@autismsocietyofwa.org
Autism Society of King County
Meetings as announced
Angela Dawson at 206-372-0465
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ASW EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Cori Valley (Past President)
Spokane, WA 99208
Email: corivalley@comcast.net
Patty Gee (President)
Olympia, WA 98501
Email: PattyJGee@comcast.net
Diana Stadden (Vice President)
Tacoma, WA 98409
Email: advocate4autism@cs.com
Marcy McCarthy (Secretary)
Vashon Island, WA 98070
Email: earait@aol.com
Mitch Freedman (Treasurer)
Bellevue, WA
Email: mitchfree@comcast.net
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SECTION TWO: Upcoming Events, Workshops, Conferences
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Click here to go to the Seattle AS newsletter (updated monthly)
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Thursday April 24th
Shoreline Center - 7PM
18560 First Avenue, Shoreline
Sheridan Room
Language and Literacy:
Development of Young Children
May 29th, Shoreline Center, Sheridan Room
Multi-sensory Structured Math
presented by Stacy Turner
(Registration information coming soon)
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The Autism Society of Washington is hosting an Awareness Day on Saturday April 26th, in Olympia.
If all you know about Autism is what you learned from Rainman, you don't know enough. Come learn more at the 1st Annual Autism Awareness Day from 10 am to 3pm. We will gather at the Open Door Autism Clinic, (also the home of the ASW Olympia office) located at 1101 Eastside Street SE, Olympia.
There will be information and resources available for parents, educators, therapists and medical professionals. For more information call 360-888-0660.
Patty Gee, President of the Autism Society of Washington, and Pres. of the Olympia Autism Chapter
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Pierce County Self-Determination Forum 2008
“Inclusion-Participation-Cooperation”
Sponsored by: Self-Advocates of Washington, Washington PAVE’s Community Inclusion Program, and Pierce County Human Services
Michael Bortolotto has lived through so much adversity and continues to face daily challenges, yet he has the ability to continue to overcome these challenges with a “positive rebel” frame of mind. Born with Cerebral Palsy, it was recommended to his parent’s to institutionalize Michael. His parents chose to take him home and he was raised to be a no holds barred, man of action, positive attitude, and beliefs that shaped his life and charged his spirit. That energy has given Michael the means to face the many physical, mental, and social obstacles he encounters as a series of personal challenges. He draws on his energy and raw courage too not only overcome these challenges, but to turn them into opportunities. Then in true rebel style reaches out into the community where he teaches, motivates, encourages and inspires others to do the same in their own lives. Michael has built a successful, professional, public speaking career and business. After hearing him speak about his life it becomes very hard for anyone to say, “I can’t do that”. Michael promises to take us on an emotional roller coaster ride with his inspirational stories about his experience of growing up with cerebral palsy. Inspiring, encouraging and educational, Michael causes shifts in perception that move us beyond our fears, insecurities and limitations to reach goals and pursue dreams we didn’t believe possible.
Deadline for registration is May 12th, 2008.
Who Should Attend: Self-Advocates, persons with a disability, parents, teachers, providers, students, professionals and community members.
There will be no childcare available at the Forum. If you need to be reimbursed for childcare expenses, please call Betty Johnston at 253-565-2266 (v/tty).
For more information, please contact Betty Johnston or Sandy Trujillo at 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or email at bjohnston@washingtonpave.com or strujillo@washingtonpave.com.
Program Topics
• Heartsparkle Players
• Moral & Ethical Issues—Disability Rights of WA
• Person Centered Planning
• Teaching Self-Determination
• All Abilities Youth Program
• Self Advocacy
• Pathway to Employment
Every effort will be made to accommodate requests for interpreters.
Limited scholarships are available for persons with a disability/self-advocate, students, and parents. Please call Betty Johnston at (253) 565-2266 (v/tty).
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Free Workshop sponsored by Region 4 DDD—April 10, 2008
PBS Part 1 - Understanding Challenging Behavior:
Strategies for Functional Assessment
Thursday May 15, 2008
12:30 to 4:30 pm
Instructor – Jackie Chotiner, Ph.D.
This is a four-hour training on methods on understanding why challenging behavior occurs as the first step in providing effective behavioral supports. Specific strategies for collecting and analyzing information and data will be detailed. Then, how to summarize your assessment results in written format that follows DDD policy will be described. Participants will receive several worksheets to help them organize their assessment information and prepare for writing the Behavior Support Plan.
Part 2 of this series, Using Functional Assessment to Design Positive Behavior Support Plans, will be held on June 19, 2008. You can attend either or both sessions—those attending Part 1 will have priority in registering for Part 2.
Dr. Chotiner started 18 years ago providing direct support, case management, behavioral planning and counseling to individuals with developmental disabilities. She has since earned a doctorate in Behavior Analysis. While working for Nevada’s “DDD” she trained families and staff on positive behavior support procedures & now provides training & technical assistance to families & programs in the Puget Sound area.
Target Audience: Care providers that work in residential, vocational, or recreational programs, parents, DDD case managers, DD mental health specialists, other interested persons; Priority given to those supporting King County Residents.
Times: 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm (Coffee and tea provided)
TRAINING WILL BE HELD AT:
Region 4 DDD Offices 1700 E. CHERRY ST., 2nd Floor, SEATTLE, WA
On the corner of 18th and E. Cherry St, across from Providence/Swedish Hospital, Capitol Hill; Parking: one block North behind Catholic Church in “DSHS Reserved Parking” – enter off Columbia St.
Registration: To Register, Contact Carolyn Wilsey by email at: “wilseca1@dshs.wa.gov” or, fax 206-720-3334; or, phone: 206-568-5704; Leave Name, agency, and phone number, Title and Date of Training. Once you’ve registered, assume that you are enrolled unless you receive a message to the contrary. If you register, then cannot attend, please contact to cancel your reserved slot, so others can enroll. 4 persons per agency/group maximum!!!
****Need sign or language interpreters? Must request three weeks prior to event****
In case of Natural Wonders and/or Unnatural Disasters: Call 206-568-5718 the morning of scheduled workshop to check if cancelled
Half-Day Workshop on
Reducing the Risk of Sexual Abuse of People with Developmental Disabilities
Presenters: Shirley Paceley, Clinical Psychologist
Brenda Henson, Self Advocate
Shirley Paceley is the Director of Blue Tower Training Center and Coordinator of the WE CAN Project in Chicago, IL. Shirley has an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and 30 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities. She is an author, clinician, and national trainer on the prevention of sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities.
Thursday May 22, 2008
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Region 4 Division of Developmental Disabilities
1700 E. Cherry St. Seattle, WA 98122, Second Floor
Parking: Parking is located behind Immaculate Conception Church, corner of 18th & E. Columbia
Description: Learn about a successful project in Illinois established to reduce the high incidence of sexual abuse of persons with developmental disabilities. Statistics show that people with developmental disabilities are at high risk for sexual abuse, yet many people don’t know how to reduce that risk. Shirley and Brenda will present specific steps service providers can take to improve prevention and response to sexual abuse.
Target Audience: This workshop is for everyone who provides supports and services to people with developmental disabilities: residential, vocational, case managers, sexual assault and domestic violence advocates, families, APS investigators, and anyone else who wants to reduce the incidence of sexual abuse and assault of people with developmental disabilities.
Registration: To register: Contact Martha Gluck by e-mailgluckmk@dshs.wa.gov. Give the title of the training, your name, affiliation, phone number, and number of people in your party. Once you have registered, assume that you are enrolled unless you receive a message to the contrary.
“Working Together Successfully”
A Workshop on Becoming a Better Negotiator
and Getting What You Need
Sponsored by King County Developmental Disabilities Division
and O’Neill & Associates
• “Working Together Successfully” is a one-day course to help people learn how to get what they need through collaborative negotiation
• The workshop is free - lunch and snacks are provided
• Day care and language interpretation is available on request
• Attendance is limited and first come - first served
• Sign up now!
Presenter: Dave Black has practiced and taught conflict resolution and advocacy in the U.S. and abroad. He has provided collaborative negotiation training to people with disabilities, their families, service providers, and others in King County since 2000.
Contact Susie Schaefer (425) 771-8165 or email: susie.schaefer@comcast.net for more information or to register for one of the workshops.
SEVERAL DATES AND TARGET AUDIENCES BELOW:
WEDNESDAY APRIL 30TH
10:00AM – 4:00PM
GREENWOOD LIBRARY 8016 Greenwood Ave N Seattle 98103
SATURDAY, MAY 10TH 2008 10:00AM – 4:00PM
A Workshop Presented in English and Chinese
REFUGEE WOMENS’ ALLIANCE room 201
4008 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WAY S. SEATTLE WA
The building is located on METRO Buses # 42 and #48 routes,. For more information or to register: Contact Winnie Tat 206 228-1177 or email: winnietat@hotmail.com
Sponsored by Parent to Parent Power
1118 SOUTH 142ND STREET • SUITE B • TACOMA WA 98444
TELEPHONE 253. 531. 2022 / 253. 531. 0246 • FAX 253. 538. 1126
EMAIL yvone_link@yahoo.com • p2ppower@yahoo.com
WEBSITE • http://www.p2ppower.org
SATURDAY May 17th 10:00am – 4:00pm
SHORELINE LIBRARY 345 NE 175TH SHORELINE WA 98158
For Young Adults and Teens with Asperger’s and their family members, teachers and other supporters.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 4TH 10:00AM – 1:00PM
GREENWOOD LIBRARY 8016 Greenwood Ave N Seattle 98103
“Working Together Successfully – Level 2”
A Follow-up Workshop on Becoming a Better Negotiator and Getting What You Need
• “Working Together Successfully – Level 2” is a three-hour seminar for people who have participated in the Level 1 course and want additional practice and feedback.
• The seminar builds on skills learned during Level 1 course and expands on them through discussion and exercises.
The King County Parent Coalition for Developmental Disabilities
Margaret Lee Thompson, Coordinator 425-883-6721, phone & fax mlthompson5@verizon.net
Joanne O’Neill, Assistant Coordinator 425-746-2178, phone jponeill45@hotmail.com
425-746-6093, fax
Cathy Murahashi, Assistant Coordinator 425-643-4048, phone & fax cmurahashi@arcofkingcounty.org
Betsy McAlister, Assistant Coordinator 425-882-2010, phone dbmcharger@verizon.net
The Contents of these handouts are for informational purposes only.
Inclusion in these handouts should not be viewed as an endorsement of the King County Parent Coalition
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Planning for the Legal and Financial Future of Your Adult Child with a Disability
Please join us on Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Renton Civic Theater
507 South Third Street
Renton, WA 98057
425-765-3104 (day of training only)
Directions on back
Presenters: Larry Jones, Attorney at Law
Jane Searing, CPA
Carolee Densley, Financial Planner
The presentation will include information about wills, and why you need one, power of attorney, different types of trusts and their tax implications, guardianship, Social Security Income (SSI), and other financial planning questions. There will be time for questions from the audience.
In order to provide an adequate number of handouts please reserve your seat by calling 206-364-4645 Ext. 8006.
Childcare stipends are available
For language interpreters and material in alternate formats please call 206-364-4645 Ext. 8006 by April 24
This FREE training is funded by King County Developmental Disabilities Division, Washington Initiative for Supported Employment, and The Arc of King County.
Questions before April 14 contact Sherry McNary at Sherry@theinitiative.ws
For more information after April 14, please call Joanne O’Neill at 206-364-4645 Ext. 8006
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TACA's 6th Annual Autism & Medical Breakthroughs Conference
May 3, 2008 • Long Beach, CA • 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Light Breakfast Included
Jerry Kartzinel, MD
Dan Rossignol, MD, FAAFP
Jerry Kartzinel, MD
For more information:
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International Conference on Self-Determination
May 27-29, 2008
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Do not miss your opportunity to be a part of this cutting edge, cross-disability event and be part of self-determination history!
Visit http://www.communitydrive.org/Registration.html for information on how you can register, exhibit, sponsor and/or contribute to this groundbreaking event!
Two Important Preconference Sessions
Tuesday May 27, 2008
Income & Asset Development
International Communication & Information Sharing
Tom Nerney, founder of the Center for Self-Determination and convener of the International Conference on Self-Determination says: Join us during the precedent setting preconference sessions to explore capacity building to end mandatory poverty and expand international communication.
Join CMS leaders as they share the future of self-determination in the U.S. Medicaid system and the promise of values based funding.
Join disability leaders from the global community including attendees from countries such as Russia, Australia, Europe and Canada.
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Professional Development Summer Courses at UW EEU: Meeting the needs of students with autism and related disorders. Summer workshop series.
Positive Behavior Support for Elementary and Middle School Students
July 28-31, 2008 9am-4pm
Effective Teaching for Preschool and Elementary Students with ASD & Related Disorders
August 4-7, 2008 9am-4pm
Promoting Independence and Social Skills for Preschool and Elementary Students with ASD and Related Disorders
August 8, 2008 9 am-4pm
Click here to open the webpage: http://depts.washington.edu/pdacent/workshops.html
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AUGUST 8-16- FREE COMPUTER CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Applications are due by 4/18. The application can be found at www.provail.org/compcamp.php.
Or call Gabe Laigo at 206-826-1022
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FOCUS TOPICS/ARTICLES OF INTEREST
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Two men to walk across America for Autism Aid, Awareness, and loving memory of young boy
WORCESTER, MA – Next month, two men from Massachusetts will begin The Elias Tembenis Walk for Autism, a year-long journey across America to raise autism awareness and funds to assist children with the diagnosis.
Click Here for full text and information on the fundraiser: http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/eliaswalk/
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Video for autism awareness month and other videos earlier on Youtube and here is the links:
Inability to Learn Language (1/3/08)
Stereotyping and Autism (12/7/07)
Autism and Stress (4/2/08)
Debbie
www.dithorsos.wordpress.com
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Autism Society of America President and CEO Rings the NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell
Lee Grossman, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, presided over the NASDAQ opening bell to commemorate National Autism Awareness Month on Thursday, April 3. Photos from the market open are available at the NASDAQ Web site.
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National survey about Autism in Army families.
You are invited to participate in this survey and to distribute this information about the survey to members of your group and other individuals or organizations you think might be interested in participating.
The survey is for Soldiers and spouses associated with the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, or Active Duty Army who have a family member on the autism spectrum. There may be military members within your organization that you may not know about. Please consider distributing information about this survey.
The survey contains 25 questions and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Individual responses will remain anonymous and will be combined with the responses of other families in considering what supports would be useful to Army families with a family member on the autism spectrum.
Both the Soldier and spouse, if applicable, can complete separate surveys. If a family has more than one member on the autism spectrum, a separate survey can be completed for each family member.
The survey has been reviewed by both civilian and military parents of children along the entire autism spectrum; military parents were affiliated with both the Active and Reserve Components.
Barbara Hall
Community Development Director
Citizen Soldier Support Program
Odum Institute for Research in Social Science
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
200 N. Greensboro St., Ste. D3
Carrboro, NC 27510
919.306.9336
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SECTION FOUR: Information for Eastern Washington
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AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA – TRI-CITIES CHAPTER
Meetings the 3rd Wednesday of each month
(The Neurological Resource Center)
712 Swift Blvd, Suite 1, Richland, WA
Dana Tolick-President 509-946-0619 danatolick@hotmail.com
Melissa Brooks-Vice-President mbrooks2b@charter.net
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The SCPC Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1999. The purpose of this fund is to assist parents, foster parents, guardians, siblings, or other family members of children with developmental disabilities in Spokane County to attend workshops, conferences, seminars, or other trainings specific to the disability of their family member. Funding can be used for registration fees, respite care, travel expenses, fuel expenses, and/or lodging involved with attending an approved event.
For more information contact Lance Morehouse at (509) 328-6326. Or mail your applications to: Arc of Spokane, 127 W. Boone, Spokane, WA 99201
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Opportunity for Involvement:
Each year, The Arc of Spokane sends a group of people to a Public Policy Seminar in Washington DC. This is our chance to meet with our Federal Legislators to educate them on the needs of people with
developmental disabilities and their families. The year, the seminar is March 2-4, 2008 and the whole trip would be March 1-5 including travel. We would like to extend an opportunity to a person to attend this Seminar with expenses paid. If you know someone who would be interested in expanding their involvement and advocacy skills, would be a good spokesperson for people with developmental disabilities,
and would benefit from this opportunity please share this information or nominate them yourself. We are asking that interested candidates submit a paragraph about why they would be a good candidate. Please include name, contact information and information about what support is needed for the person to attend.
Nominations should be sent to Lance Morehouse at lmorehouse@arc-spokane.org or 127 W. Boone, Spokane, WA 99201. Deadline for nominations is January 8, 2008!
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SECTION FIVE: Information for Western Washington Families
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Autism Society of Tacoma
A Chapter of the Autism Society of Washington
Informational Support Group Meeting held at TACID
6315 South 19th Street in Tacoma
Tuesday, April 22nd - 6:30-8:00 pm
Join us as we Celebrate:
April is Autism Awareness Month! This month we will learn more about what is happening in our own community. Speakers at our April meeting will be representatives of various organizations who will share exciting information on projects and activities that support families with autism in Pierce County.
Speakers Include:
Dr. Chris Ladish: Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital Autism Task Force
Diana Stadden: Governor Gregoire’s Autism Task Force/Autism Legislation
Jena Lavick: Autism Speaks Autism Walk at Cheney Stadium
Cheryl Beene: Fort Lewis Autism Walk
Dr. Alan Gill: Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT)
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Hello Friends of ASW-Southwest Chapter,
April is Autism Awareness Month! We have some reminders and several event announcements to share (listed by date, please read through the list!):
Friends On The Spectrum Family Fun Day: Heart of Sailing
Provided by Island Sailing Center and the Rose City Yacht Club
in conjunction with Eric Hamblen of PACE Place
Saturday, April 19, 2008 1:00pm or 3:00pm
Sunday, April 20, 2008 1:00pm or 3:00pm
515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive
Portland, OR 97217
Contact SueAnn Murphy 360-907-5084
Let's Celebrate Autism Awareness Month with an Autism Awareness Sail weekend! The Heart of Sailing organization is a non-profit that is making recreational sailing available worldwide for people with disabilities. Please REGISTER at http://www.heartofsailing.org/regional17.asp or see http://www.heartofsailing.org/default.asp and click on Sail With Us, then Portland.
Autism Community Services Golf Tournament (flyer attached)
Sunday, April 20, 2008 Registration begins 7:30am, tee-off 8:30am
Dessert Banquet, Awards and Silent Auction 1:30 pm -3 pm
Skamania Lodge Golf Course
Stevenson, WA
Please see the flyer for the First Annual ACS Golf Tournament. Funds raised will provide additional services for individuals in our community on the autism spectrum. Volunteers needed for contacting sponsors and golfers, and all help welcome to prepare raffle prizes and support event coordination activities. ASW-SW Chapter will have an info table there and also sponsor a golfer! Please contact Honna Sheffield 360-735-8670, hsheff@qwest.net.
Autism Awareness Month Proclamation: City of Vancouver
Monday, April 21, 2008 7:00pm (suggested we arrive a few minutes early)
City Hall Council Chambers (First Floor)
210 E. 13th St.
Vancouver, Washington
ASW-SW board members Le Ann Larson and Rob Larson will accept the Proclamation from Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard. Please come out and show your support!
ASW’s First Annual Autism Awareness Day in Olympia
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 10:00am-3:00pm
Open Door Autism Clinic (ASW State office site)
1101 Eastside Street SE
Olympia, WA
April was proclaimed by Governor Gregoire as Autism Awareness Month. Come to Olympia and join ASW members from all over the state. There will be information and resources available for parents, educators, therapists and medical professionals. For more information please call 360-888-0660.
Autism Awareness Mural update
FYI, the Clark County Murals organization has agreed to sponsor the creation of our mural. We have an artist, lots of great artwork submitted by our community, and some of the donated resources identified for production (paint, scaffolding, wall site). Stay tuned for more information, and please contact Theresa Rankin 360-607-4988 if you are interested in helping out with painting and logistics.
Thanks for your support!
Autism Society of Washington – Southwest Chapter (Clark/Skamania Counties)
www.autismsocietyofwa.org/aswswc.html
ASW-SW Chapter serves families and individuals living with autism. General meetings are held the third Saturday, every other month (during odd-numbered months), from 3:00 – 5:00pm.
ARC Family Center Bldg A Conference Room
6511 NE 18th Street, Vancouver, WA
For more information, please contact:
Vicki Fitzsimmons, Chapter Secretary 360-980-4019 aswswc@autismsocietyofwa.org
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For Washington residents or those visiting us, please join us for our April support groups if you are in the area! The meeetings are free and open to the public!
The Tacoma ADHD Support Group for Adults meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. at Jackson Hall located at 314 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma WA 98405-4250.
The presenter of the April 9th meeting is Cynthia Hammer. Do You Need ADHD Coaching? Cynthia Hammer, past director of ADD Resources and now an ADHD coach, will discuss when and why you might want to hire an ADHD coach. In addition to answering any questions you may have, she will demonstrate a coaching session with a volunteer from the audience and afterwards lead a discussion on the dynamics involved in coaching and how it is helpful in moving the client forward into action.
Our Seattle ADHD Support Group for Adults meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. at the University of Washington Medical Center located at 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, Washington 98195-0001, Plaza Cafeteria Room B.
The speaker on April 16th will be Karen Roehl, a Professional Organizer. Karen Roehl is passionate about teaching others how to organize their lives and move forward with clarity. She has taught hundreds of individuals the processes offered by her company, Clear Living. She brings a unique and compassionate approach to those wanting to clear their clutter who are often fearful of or overwhelmed by the process. Her sensitivity to others comes from her personal experiences and victory in learning to live with AD/HD. Karen has walked the path of disorganization and discovered her own means of creating a life transformation toward peace and joy with her environment.
Our Olympia ADHD Support Group for Adults meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. at St Peter Hospital Professional Building, located at 525 Lilly Road NE, Olympia WA 98506.
The meeting on April 16th will be the usual format with an open discussion among those present on the various challenges of living with ADHD. These discussions will be led by ADHD therapist, Linda Van Hook Briganti, MS, LMHC.
Our Tacoma ADHD Support Group for Parents with AD/HD children is the 3rd Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Jackson Hall located at 314 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma WA 98405-4250(across the street from Tacoma General Hospital).
The meeting on April 21st will have a speaker for the first hour, followed by questions and answers for 30 minutes, followed by time for visiting with each other, purchasing books or memberships in Attention Deficit Disorder Resources (ADD Resources) or borrowing items from the lending library.
Our Eastside ADHD Support Group for Parents with AD/HD children is the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m-9:00 p.m. at the Mercer Island Fire Station located at 3030 78th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.
The meeting on April 14th is with Dr. Ted Mandelkorn, Puget Sound Behavioral Medicine, and the topic is "Answers to ADHD for Children and Teens. Why do I have it? How does Medication Help Me? How do I explain ADHD others?"
Thank you for your interest and support!
For further information contact:
Attention Deficit Disorder Resources
Phone: 253-759-5085
Email: office@addresources.org
http://www.addresources.org/
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THURSTON/MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA
THURSTON and MASON COUNTY ASPERGER AND AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
This group meets the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm at the
Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside Street SE, Olympia.
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington, Olympia Chapter
The family support group continues each month the second Tuesday of each month. We continue to meet at the Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside St SE, Suite B (take exit 105B and go right on Plum to Eastside St)
For your information, the Tuesday Night Support Group for family members living with autism and/or Asperger’s (no cost to participants) will meet monthly, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
2nd Tuesday of the month: Parents and family members living with ASD
If you have any questions feel free to email Patty Gee at pattyjgee@comcast.net or call 360-754-2584
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Steve Becker and Associates is offering four exciting new groups for families living with persons with Asperger's Syndrome!
Partner Therapy Groups give clueless significant others ways to live more happily with their spouses with Asperger’s: self-care, setting realistic expectations, anger and avoidance, and sexuality.
DDD funding available
For more information or to register, please call us at 206.824.1525 or e-mail the attached Registration Form to us at lisa_beckerandassociates@comcast.net
NEW!
"Families Living with Asperger's Syndrome" with Steve Becker, Ph.D.
Families Living with Asperger's Syndrome offers clueless family members strategies to live more happily with loved ones who have A. S. Topics will include:
Self-Care, Coping with the Diagnosis, Organizing and Structuring your Home, Communication Strategies, Setting Realistic Expectations, Teaching Social Skills, Living with Siblings, School Programs, Getting Your Needs Met with Adult Aspies, and Working with Problem Behaviors
Runs: April 3-May 8, 2008
Day: Thursday mornings
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $150 per Family Unit (any two people)
Location: Becker and Associates, 22815 Pacific Hwy. So., Suite 5, Des Moines, WA 98198
Dr. Becker has years of experience with persons with Asperger's and other developmental disabilities, and with their families, and he has a wealth of knowledge, as
well as practical problem-solving experience to share.
For more information or to register, please call us at:
206-824-1525
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AUTISM SOCIETY OF WA – SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Autism Society of WA Southwest Chapter General Meeting
Please join us for our next Autism Society of Washington SW Chapter general meeting. We meet
the 3rd Saturday of the odd-numbered months, at 3:00pm.
ARC Family Center Bldg A Conference Room
6511 NE 18th Street, Vancouver
Please join us for our next Autism Society of Washington SW Chapter general meeting. We meet the 3rd Saturday of the odd-numbered months, at 3:00pm.
Our November meeting will be an informal gathering. Please bring a potluck item and recipe to share (or any snack of your choice-- we understand!). GF/CF appreciated but not required for the potluck items.
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Autism Society of Tacoma
A Chapter of the Autism Society of Washington
Informational Support Group Meeting held at TACID
6315 South 19th Street in Tacoma
Tuesday, 6:30-8:00 pm
AST meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month
For further information call (253) 759-7995 or (253) 576-6351.
AST abides by the Options Policy as established by ASA/ASW.
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Adult Caregiver Support Group
The Arc of Snohomish County
2500 Hewitt Ave Suite 300
Everett, WA 98201
This group would be great for you to attend if:
•
You have an adult son or daughter that has a developmental disability and they are living with you.
You have an adult son or daughter that has a developmental disability and they are living with you.•You have an adult son or daughter that is living in a residential program and you are not sure what your rights and responsibilities are.
You have an adult son or daughter that is living in a residential program and you are not sure what your rights and responsibilities are.•Your son or daughter with a developmental disability has reached the teenage years and you need start thinking about the future.
Your son or daughter with a developmental disability has reached the teenage years and you need start thinking about the future.•You are a sibling of an adult with a developmental disability and take part in care giving or may become a primary caregiver in the future.
You are a sibling of an adult with a developmental disability and take part in care giving or may become a primary caregiver in the future.If you have any questions please contact Jamie Coonts at
Jamie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459
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Snohomish County Family Interagency coordinating council County Interagency Coordinating Councils are made up of local community members, including family members, service providers, and local agencies. ITEIP ensures an operational local council through contracting with the early intervention services lead agency. The FICC is the advisory body to the local ITEIP contracted early intervention lead agency. The FICCs focus on making services easier for families to access locally and on building community capacity for early intervention services.
The Snohomish County FICC meetings this year will be quarterly on the third Thursday in November, March and May. They will meet at 9:30am at Children's Village, 14 E. Casino Road- Bldg A (closest to Casino Road). The Children’s Village is behind Fred Meyer just west of Evergreen Way. The parking entrance is at the farthest end of the building from Evergreen Way. Plenty of free, easy parking is available. Parent participation in the FICC is encouraged. The FICC can reimburse parents up to $25.00 for childcare and travel. Interpreter or translation services are available. Mary Jean Mitchell (425-513-1663) will handle parent stipends and meeting accommodations. Please request accommodations at least a week in advance. The parent co-chair position is currently vacant.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Pattie Urie, the Agency chairperson at (425) 334-4071 or purie@sherwoodcs.org. Or you can contact Meg Voedisch, voedima@dshs.wa.gov or 425-339-4851.
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EXCEPTIONAL FAMILIES NETWORK - OLYMPIA
Parent network for kids with special needs (not just autism or Aspergers) This groups meets the third Saturday of the month, 1-4pm, Olympia Community Center. Free child care. Call (360) 507-0944 or info@wyattshouse.org or visit http://spclneedsparents.meetup.com/3/calendar/5218758/ for
information on speakers and activities.
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PARENT ALLIANCE FOR INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH
The Parent Alliance has several upcoming program activities and meetings that we are excited to share with you. Please let us know what you are interested in! We want to be sure to connect you to resources that you need.
Community Conversations are monthly community meetings in your community to discuss topics of interest to you and your family. These meetings will focus on increasing inclusive opportunities and programs in your community and help direct the Parent Alliance in planning informational specialty trainings and activities.
Special Education Roundtable Discussions are topic driven, monthly support meetings for parents regarding issues in special education. These roundtables are an opportunity for parents to build their knowledge through parent peer mentors and develop natural supports for navigating the school system.
Students Advocating for Valuable Education—SAVE—empowers students before the age of transition to be active participants in their IEP’s, career choice, and other issues related to transition services for individuals in special education.
The Parent Transition Advisory Committee will focus on what families need to be informed, feel valued and be prepared for the next steps with their son or daughter who reaches the age of 21. Where are the gaps? What is or is not working?
We have several email resources to meet your needs:
Our Monthly Newsletter is packed full of information from state, regional and local resources. It also includes upcoming trainings, resources and websites that you might find useful.
The CORE email list group, (Community Opportunities, Resources, & Education) gives you information on upcoming events, including leisure and recreational opportunities, resources for your family member, and education and training opportunities.
The DDD Information & Advocacy email list group will keep you updated on the changes happening in the Division of Developmental Disabilities. We’ll keep you informed about any changes, deadlines and trainings available.
If you would like more information about any of our programs, email groups, or activities, or would like to be added to an email list, please contact Lori or Karin. If you do not see what you need, feel free to send any suggestions to us. We want to meet your needs.
Scroll down to find several fun summer opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy! Summer is upon us, but there are still plenty of meetings and opportunities for information and training.
Karin Coppernoll
Email: ddadvocate@comcast.net
425.345.8171
Lori Flood
Email: loriaflood@verizon.net
425.273.5066
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THE KENT AUTISM EDUCATIONAL/SUPPORT MEETINGS (Formerly the Des Moines)
Meetings will be at Children’s Therapy Center of Kent
10811 SE Kent Kangley Rd.
Kent, WA 98030
Just like before the meetings will be the third Thursday, except for Sept. 7-9PM
New Coordinators
Elaine Ford
Elaine@skipkids.org or
Jennifer O’Neal
JenniferO@dfs.org
253-854-5660
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SOUTH SNOHOMISH COUNTY CHILDREN WITH ASPERGERS PARENT GROUP
This group meets twice monthly on the first and third Monday
evenings from 7-9pm, at Family Support Center, 6330 - 195th St SW,
LYNNWOOD. Guest speakers featured at the third Monday meetings.
Call Pam Graham at (425) 670-8984 Ext 4# or email pgraham@lcsnw.org
for more information. Visit www.familysupportcenter.net .
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KINDERING CENTER AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT MEETINGS
This support group is for parents of children up to age six who are
on the autism spectrum (not just Asperger's). Morning meetings are
the first Thursday at 9AM; Evening meetings are the 3rd Thursday at
6:30PM. Childcare is provided at evening meetings for $5-10/child
donation. Meeting are facilitated by Laurie Slater, family
counselor at Kindering. Call (425) 747-4004, email
laurie.slater@kindering.org, or visit
http://kindering.org/623.html . Kindering Center, 16120 NE 8th
Street, BELLEVUE.