Altruism - Find Meetup groups near you - Meetup

TASA is a locally funded organization serving families and professionals in Hampton Roads. All information provided or published is for informational purposes only. We do not promote or endorse any program, treatment, provider or service.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President:

JoAnna Bryant

Co-Vice Presidents:

Laura Fahey

Jeff Fahey

Treasurer:

Angela Sadsad (Interim)

Secretary:

Theresa Zano-McMillan

BOARD MEMBERS:

Jan Solock

Diane Kenney

Patrick Fuller,

Jillian Knorr,

Yvette Yates, Sonya Huie (Librarian), and

Pat Tyson.

Information & Referral Specialist

Angel Barnhill

Willingness to do things which benefit other people, even if it results in disadvantages for yourself.

Next Board Meeting Date: October 22, 2008

Time:7:00 pm

Contact TASA @ 461-4474

if you are interested in attending.

H.R. 6930

Special Education Advisory Committees

TASA New Board Members

Call for Nominations

Medicaid Waiver

House Bill 83

Web Resources

Upcoming Conferences/Workshop

Project ACT:The VB-MAPP Workshop Mark

ASA/AMC Sensory Friendly Films

TASA Calendar

Local Support Groups

Surfers Healing 5K at the Beach Highlights

Memorial Donations/Special Thanks

TASA Classifieds

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

AltruismAltruism

Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL) last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference. “The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insur-ance companies in the private sector, an important step toward getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appro-priate, medically necessary care they need.” As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to needed care. The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option (ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act.

Help Military Retirees Affected by Autism

September/October 2008 Altruism

SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEES serve in an advisory capacity to the local School Board on issues related to the education of students with disabilities. The committee assists in the formulation and development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of students with disabilities. A Special Education Advisory Committee sub-mits periodic reports and recommendations to the School Board regarding the education of students with disabilities.

The SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE is composed of people with disabilities, parents or family mem-bers of students with disabilities, representatives from public agencies concerned with the care of people with disabilities, and local school personnel who serve as consultants to the committee.

Meetings are usually held monthly and are open to public comment. You may check with the local Office of Programs for Exceptional Children (OPEC), for the time and location. Please attend your local SEAC meetings as well as make public comment on issues you believe to be important in the education of students with disabilities in your city.

Norfolk Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council

Contact:Glynis Mason Parent Resource Center Coordinator

757-892-3385 or [email protected]

Portsmouth Public SchoolsContact: Angela Balestino

Secretary to Coordinator of Special Education 757-393-8792

Virginia Beach Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee

Contact: Sandy Hermann Office of Programs for Exceptional Children

757-263-2400

Chesapeake Public Schools Contact: Chuck Bishop

Assistant in Special Education 757-494-7600

Suffolk Public Schools Contact: Parent Resource Center

757-925-5579

Meet our New Board Members...Sonya Huie and her husband Harron are the proud parents of four year old Sky. Sky is diagnosed with autism and other developmental delays. Sonya enjoys learning new things about the world of disabilities and networking with other families. We are pleased to announce that Sonya has graciously volunteered to oversee the newly updated TASA lending library! Harron participates as a runner with Team Hoyt, a foundation that enhances the lives and mobility of people with disabilities.

Yvette Yates and her husband Bert are the proud parents of five year old Bella and three year Matthew. Bella has a rare genetic disorder, Kabuki Make-up Syndrome, autism and other disabilities. Bella attends school full time in a program for students diagnosed with autism and Matthew is a role model student in a special education preschool program through Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

When Bella was first diagnosed with developmental delays at seven months old, Yvette left her career in the medical field to focus on the needs for her daughter. Yvette hopes to help families access resources they may be unaware of or feel they may notqualify for due to their financial status.

Pat Tyson has spent his life working with developmentally disabled individuals and at risk youth. He began 20 plus years ago when he and his wife ran a group home for eight developmentally disabled adults. He is the caretaker for a young boy diagnosed with an intellectual disability and autism who has become apart of his extended family. Pat hopes to bring his experience to TASA and help families affected by autism learn what resources are available in their community.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE Nominations are being accepted for the following 2009-2010 Executive Committee positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Officers will be announced at the March 2009 Annual Meeting. Jeff Fahey, Pat Tyson and Angel Barnhill have been appointed to oversee the nomination process. If you are a TASA member in good standing, you may submit your nomination to the TASA office prior to the January 2009 meeting. Call 461-4474 or [email protected] for further information.


Candidates Forum October 10, 2008

Endependence Center Norfolk,VA

& October 20, 2008 Hobbs Campus

Suffolk, VA The Endependence Center (ECI) and the following co-sponsors-The Tidewater Autism Society of America (TASA), Brain Injury Association of VA, Chesapeake Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads, Hope House Foundation, Na-tional Multiple Sclerosis Society, Norfolk Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Pro-tecting Individuals with Disabilities Education Rights, Senior Services of Southeastern VA, South Hampton Roads Disability Services Board, and Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities– will host a Candidates Forum on Friday, October 10, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at 6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd, in Norfolk.

The first segment, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, we will have candidates for the Virginia Beach City Council and School Board elections. For the second session from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the Presi-dential and Congressional (House and Senate) candidates and their parties have been invited. The upcoming election will include Congressional House districts #2, #3 and #4.

On Monday, October 20, a second forum will be hosted by Endependence Center and co-sponsors in the local area of Suffolk. Suffolk constituents will have an opportunity to hear from candidates for the Suffolk City Council and School Board elections. The Presidential parties and Congres-sional candidates representing the Suffolk area will also be invited. This forum will take place from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, at the Hobbs Campus Facility, Room 124, at 271 Kenyon Road in Suf-folk.

These forums will be an opportunity for constituents with disabilities from the South Hampton Roads area to address their questions on topics such as employment, health care, long-term support services, housing, transportation, and education.

If you need transportation for either event, have a disability and not eligible for HandiRide service, please call in advance to David Hesson, Senior Services, at 461-9481. Senior Services has a new project to provide accessible transportation services to people with disabilities within Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.

If you would like to attend either Forum, please RSVP with Linda Johnson, at ECI, at 461-8007; 461-7527 TDD, or [email protected]. If you need to request a reasonable accommoda-tion such as Braille, sign language interpreter or an attendant, please contact Linda Johnson by Monday, October 6; or if you would like to attend the Forum in Suffolk, please make your accom-modation request by October 14.

Administrator

Callout

CANCELED

Are you Eligible for Virginia Medicaid Waiver Programs? Theresa McMillan, TASA Parent Partner and Samantha Gregg, Independent Living Coordinator for the Endependence Center, Inc. will conduct Medicaid Waiver Workshops on Saturday, October 25th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 19th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ende-pendence Center 2nd floor conference room. The workshops will provide participants an overview of Medicaid Waiver programs including information on eligibility, services offered for each of the waivers, waiting lists, and how to apply. Workshops and materials are provided free of charge. Please RSVP by calling 757-461-4474.

House Bill 83

The Special Education Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory Committee) conducted its first public hearing on Monday, September, 29, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in House Room D to hear issues relating to House Bill 83 Substitute, Coverage for Autism. Tide-water resident and grandparent Mark Llobellrepresented the Tidewater area. Llobell along with TASA, obtained signatures from family, friends and co-workers and forwarded the peti-tions to the Commission in support of the HB 83 .For more information on the HR Bill 83 please visit http://supportvaautismlegislation.com


On the Web

VIRGINIA Easy Access Program www.easyaccess.virginia.gov website is a technology solution for seniors and adults with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth who need assistance with finding services. The website is easy to use and will assist caregivers as well as people who need care. Information regarding public benefits, programs, and a variety of informative topics of interest to seniors and adults with disabilities can be found through this No Wrong Door initiative. KidsPriorityONE launched a new Community Cal-endar The calendar is for all of Hampton Roads and is designed to help promote those programs, services and events that occur once, or over a limited period of time-such as workshops, family fun and education events, and professional training opportunities. Please visit the website at www.kidspriorityone.orgweareautism.org is a social support network for those living with autism. Share, talk, communicate in a user led social network for individuals, family mem-bers and those members of the community. If you are familiar with myspace and facebook you will love this!

Administrator

Sticky Note

Marked set by Administrator

Administrator

Sticky Note

Marked set by Administrator

Administrator

Highlight

JLARC Study on Autism Services Availability and Delivery The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is the Virginia General Assembly’s nonpartisan oversight agency. JLARC was established in 1973 as an independent research arm of the legislature. The Commission itself is composed of nine members of the House of Delegates, five members of the Senate, and the Auditor of Public Accounts ex officio. A staff of 30 analysts perform objective studies as requested by the legislature, and present their findings to the Commission through briefings and reports.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) of the Virginia General Assembly has been di-rected to assess the current availability and delivery of autism services in Virginia and recommend ways to improve the delivery of these services. As part of the research for this study, JLARC staff will be conducting four public sessions to receive the input of parents, caregivers, advocates, and other stakeholders concern-ing the delivery of autism services in Virginia.

JLARC staff have identified a number of suggested topics for discussion at the public input sessions to in-clude :

• Key services that are needed by Virginians with ASD but are generally difficult to obtain or unavailable. • Alternative means of receiving services that are unavailable or inaccessible through the public delivery

system.• Adequacy of ASD service delivery system in providing the following

Below are the scheduled sessions:

Session Schedule

October 2, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm Nicholas Student Center John Tyler Community College 13101 Jefferson Davis Highway Chester, Virginia 23831

October 15, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm Natural Science Center Virginia Western Community College 3102 Colonial Ave, SW Roanoke, Virginia 24038

October 30, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 pm Frederick W. Beazley Building, Room 222 Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth Campus 7000 College Drive Portsmouth, Virginia 23703

For more information about suggested topics for discussion, session procedures, and general information about JLARC visit http://jlarc.state.va.us/Autism_Input.htm or Ellen Miller at (804) 371-4577 or Hal Greer at (804) 371-4572


Conferences/Workshops

Developing Social Competence and Vocational Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Paul Wehman, Ph.D. & Maureen Conroy, Ph.D.

Presented by Commonwealth Autism Service

Date (s): November 12, 2008

Location: Doubletree Hotel Charlottesville, VA

For more information please visit http://www.autismva.org/statewide_conferences.php


Pivotal Response Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

One Day Workshop Sponsored by the VT Autism Clinic and Autism Speaks

Date (s): November 18, 2008

Location: Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA

For more information please visit www.autismva.org

3rd Annual Wide Open Doors A Conference for the Disability Community Presented by Thought the Roof Ministries of

Woolridge Road Church

Date (s): October 18-19, 2008

Location: Woolridge Road Church Moseley, VA

For more information visit www.woolridgeroad.org

Autism Spectrum Synopsis Working Together to Connect the Pieces

Sponsored by the George Washington University Office of Disability Support Services

Date (s): Friday, October 10, 2008

Location: George Washington University

http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss autismSpectrumSymposiumOctober2008/

University of Mary Washington's Teaching Students with Autism Certificate

and the Virginia Council for Exceptional Childrenhave scheduled a weekend of autism related events

Date (s): October 3-20, 2008

Location: Fredericksburg, VA

For event schedules and more information please visit http://www.autismva.org/statewide_conferences.php

Organization for Autism Research (OAR) 6th Annual Applied Autism

Research and Intervention Conference

Date (s): October 24 -25, 2008

Location: The Westin Arlington Gateway Arlington, VA

For more information please visit www.researchautism.org, contact (703) 243-9710, toll

free (866) 366-9710, or e-mail [email protected] for more information

Insight 2008 Topics in AutismVDOE’s T/TAC at VCU 2nd Annual Autism

Conference

Key Note Presenter: Kim Peek “Rain Man is coming to meet us!”

Date (s): October 21, 2008

Location: Sheraton Park South Richmond, VA

Program & registration available at www.vcu.edu/ttac

Presented by Mark Sundberg, Ph.D, BCBA

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

& Thursday, October 9, 2008

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Virginia Beach Old Dominion University Higher Education Center 1881 University Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453

About The Workshop: This two-day workshop will present the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (The VB-MAPP), and describe how to use it to develop or improve a language and social skills program for a child with autism. At the conclusion of this workshop attendees will be able to: • Participants will be able to define and exemplify the basic elements of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior • Participants will be able to use the VB-MAPP to an individual child’s language skills • Participants will be able to use the VB-MAPP to identify appropriate IEP goals for children with language delays • Participants will be able to use the Placement to set up an intervention program for an individual child • Participants will be able to describe how the VB-MAPP is linked to the verbal behavior intervention procedure

About Dr. Mark Sundberg: Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA received his doctorate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University (1980), under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. Dr. Sundberg is the co-author of the books The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS), Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities and A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior. He has published over 45 professional papers, including a recent book chapter titled “Verbal Behavior” in the new edition of Applied Behavior Analysis by Cooper, Heron & Heward (2007).

He is the founder and past editor of the journal The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, a twice past-president of The Northern California Association for Behavior Analysis, a past-chair of the Publication Board of ABA, International and was a member of the BACB Committee that developed the BCBA and BCABA Task Lists. Dr. Sundberg has given over 450 national and international conference presentations and workshops, and taught 80 college courses on behavior analysis, verbal behavior, sign language and child development. He is a licensed psychologist in private practice who consults for programs and classrooms that serve children with autism in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Sundberg received a number of awards, including the 2001 “Distinguished Psychology Department Alumnus Award” from Western Michigan University.

Early Bird Registration: $125 per participant (postmarked by September 30, 2008) After September 30th and Walk-in: $135 (space permitting). Walk-ins are not guaranteed a boxed lunch Pre-workshop sign-in: 8:15 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. (Continental Breakfast, Lunch, NEW VB-MAPP Assessment & Procedures, and Conference Handouts Included) *BCBA CEU’s available For more information call 757-461-4474 or visit www.tidewaterasa.org to download a registration flyer.

Tidewater Autism Society of America Project ACT (Autism Community Training)

Presents

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (The VB-MAPP)

2 Day Workshop



Future Films:

Saturday, November 8th - Madagascar 2 Saturday, December 6th - Bolt

*Show time 10:00 a.m.

Tidewater Autism Society America (TASA) in conjunction with UNO Chicago Grill will host a Meet & Greet and

Dough Rai$er™ on

Thursday November 13th & Friday November 14th at

UNO Chicago Grill Janaf & Lynnhaven

Help TASA Raise Dough!

When you dine at the above locations on Thursday, November 13th and Fri-day, November 14th at UNO Chicago Grill and present a Dough Rai$er™ do-nation ticket, up to 20% of your check total (excluding tax and tip) will be do-nated back to TASA. Please come out to support TASA, enjoy good food and network with other families affected by autism.

*A Gluten Free Menu is available for those who have diet restrictions.

Meet & Great Time/Location

For additional information or Dough Rai$er™ donation tickets contact the TASA office at 757-461-4474 .

Thursday, November 13th 6:30pm-8:00pm UNO Chicago Grill Lynnhaven 1005 Mall Loop Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Friday, November 14th 6:30pm-8:00pm Uno Chicago Grill Janaf 5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk , VA 23502



TASA CALENDAR OF EVENTS 09/30/08: 7:00 p.m. Resource Center Open House 10/02/08: 6:00 p.m. Coffee & Chat: Panera Bread, Pembroke (VB) location 10/05/08: Family Portraits Fundraiser 10//08/08 & 10/09/08: Project ACT: Mark Sundberg presents the VB-MAPP Virginia Beach Higher Education Center/ODU 10/11/08: 10:00 a.m. AMC/ASA showing of Beverly Hills Chihuahua: Lynnhaven 18 10/25/08: 9:00 a.m. VA Medicaid Workshop: Endependence Center 10/28/08: 7:00 p.m. General Meeting: TBA

Childcare is available upon request at general meetings and must be requested at least 3 days prior

For more information on TASA upcoming events please join our online meet-up groups at aspergers.meetup.com/326 and http://autism.meetup.com/378/

LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS

Peninsula Autism Society is a local chapter of the Autism Society of America. Their goal is to provide information to individuals with autism, their families, friends, educators and professionals in the Virginia Peninsula area. For more information about the chapter please visit http://www.peninsulautism.org/ Parents of Children with Special Needs Support Group Care Connections for Children CHKD is facilitated by JoAnna Bryant, Parent Coordinator. This group meets monthly to discuss concerns and share infor-mation. The group meets the 4th Wednesday of each month 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. For more information on up-coming meetings or to RSVP please call 461-4474.

Friday Night Friends/Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater (F.A.C.T.) Teens with high functioning ASD group meets the third Friday of every month from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Contact FACT Director Pam Clendenen at 757-422-2040 Or email [email protected] Web-site: www.camp4autism.org. Autism Fellowship is a support group that promotes social programs, education, and health for those with autism. Au-tism Fellowship also charters a Cub Scott Pack geared for boys on the autistic spectrum. For more information please visit http://www.autismfellowship.com/

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides informa-tion, resources, and support to families affected by autism. TACA holds monthly meetings throughout the United States. For more information about the local Virginia chap-ter please visit http://groups.talkaboutcuringautism.org/virginia/ Living in Holland is a faith-based support group for par-ents raising children with special needs All meetings are on the second Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Norfolk, (6400 Newport Ave). For more information please contact Karen at [email protected]. Adults with HFA/Aspergers Peer Support Group and Social Outings Meet with other adults affected by As-pergers Syndrome for support and discussions. This group is run by those with Aspergers Syndrome, Dr. Rick Ellis, Ed.D. provides some administrative support. Every-one is welcome, even if you only suspect that you have As-pergers. No diagnosis is necessary. For more information please visit http.://aspergers.meetup.com/337/


Surfers Healing 5K at the Beach & Surf Camp

On August 16, 2008, TASA held its 2nd Annual Surfers Healing 5K at the Beach. The proceeds from the camp benefited TASA and Surfers Healing Virginia Beach, a free surf camp for children and adults with autism. Families enjoyed a day of fellowship and fun in the sun, sand, and surf!

TASA would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their support :

Kohl's Cares for Kids Atlantic Speech Therapy Eden Counseling Services Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Yorgo’s Bakery Norfolk Banana Distributors

Zevon Blair, 8 year old from Norfolk, making surfing look

Photo courtesy of Alan McMillan

In Memory of John Taylor

The Tidewater Chapter of the Autism Society of America would like to acknowledge the generous

donations that were made in remembrance of Mr. Taylor. The generosity of these individuals and organizations will assist TASA in furthering its quest to reach out to families who have loved ones diagnosed with autism, offering hope, encouragement and support. TASA would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Taylor.

WANTED Childcare/Attendants

Do you know of someone who may be interested in becoming an attendant or providing respite for children on the Autism Spectrum? If so, please contact the TASA office at 757-461-4474.

Do you have something you would like to share?

TASA accepts for consideration any comments, information, or announcements for publication in our chapter newsletter. You may send your contributions to the

chapter at our office address or email contributions to [email protected]..

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

TASA is currently seeking interested members to serve on the Board. Board Member duties include attending and actively participating in monthly Board meetings as well as serving on a sub-committee (i.e. fundraiser, newsletter, resource center, etc.)

If you are interested in becoming a Board Member please contact our office.

Less time to devote? Please see our Volunteer Squad ad below.

TASA Volunteer Squad

TASA is always looking for committee volunteers to help with various projects. Consider sharing your time and talents helping with data entry, mailings, newsletters, etc.If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please contact the TASA office at 461-4474.

Special Thanks!

TASA would like to thank the Lucas William Foundation for hosting a fundraiser benefiting TASA and Surfers Healing VB. The beach themed event was held at the Granby Theatre in Norfolk on September 12, 2008. Guest enjoyed a wonderful evening of delicious refreshments, great music, and the humor of outbidding each other on some pretty hot silent auction items!

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit

Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Norfolk, VA

Permit No. 2045

6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502 Phone 757-461-4474 www.tidewaterasa.org

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Renewal New

Membership Categories: Family-$40 Individual-$30 Life-$1,500 An annual subscription to the ADVOCATE is also included.

Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State ___________ Zip_________ Phone: (H)___________________ (W)_______________________ E-mail _________________________________________________

Please return this form to the above address with your check or money order payable to ASA. Joining through Chapter #261 Tidewater, VA

AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA—MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Detach & Mail Directly to: 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 650, Bethesda, MD 20814

Kempsville Newtown Next meeting:

October 28, 2008 7 p.m. –9 p.m.

TBA

Childcare is available upon request and must

be requested at least 3 business days prior

Altruism - Find Meetup groups near you - Meetup

Documents

Transcript of Altruism - Find Meetup groups near you - Meetup