If you would like to learn more about the swine flu currently in the news, here are some resources that can help:
1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following fact sheet:
Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
2. The Oklahoma State Department of Health has set up a phone bank for persons with questions about swine flu. The toll-free number is 1-866-278-7134. Phones will be answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours may be expanded as necessary.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Update on Immunization Forum
Don't miss this opportunity to hear experts talk about immunization from a variety of perspectives. Will be covering:
=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.
Answers to YOUR Questions
Plus...if you have a burning question about your child & immunizations...THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. Send it in now to immune_questions@yahoo.com and we will include it in the forum!
Dates & Times
Hear everything our panel of experts has to say by tuning in to Channel 11 for one of these Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00 pm
Monday, May 5th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 9th at 12:30 pm
Monday, May 11th at 6:00 pm
Friday, May 15th at 2:30 pmviewing opportunities:
Panel Members will be:
1. Dr. Malhotra – Developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD
2. Susan Mendus - Immunization Educator from the Oklahoma State health dept.
3. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network
4. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Clinic
6. Catherine Rott - Parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network
=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.
Answers to YOUR Questions
Plus...if you have a burning question about your child & immunizations...THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. Send it in now to immune_questions@yahoo.com and we will include it in the forum!
Dates & Times
Hear everything our panel of experts has to say by tuning in to Channel 11 for one of these Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00 pm
Monday, May 5th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 9th at 12:30 pm
Monday, May 11th at 6:00 pm
Friday, May 15th at 2:30 pmviewing opportunities:
Panel Members will be:
1. Dr. Malhotra – Developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD
2. Susan Mendus - Immunization Educator from the Oklahoma State health dept.
3. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network
4. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Clinic
6. Catherine Rott - Parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network
In the News
Epilepsy Drug Linked to Babies' Lower IQA new study says the epilepsy drug valproate may lower the IQ of children born to women who take the drug while pregnant.
Learn more at Web MD
Asperger's Syndrome: Stress Hormone a Clue
Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, may be linked to an unusual pattern in salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol, a new British study shows.
Learn more at Web MD
Autism Study May Lead to Earlier Detection, New Treatments
New autism research may point the way to earlier detection and new treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
Learn more at Web MD
Learn more at Web MD
Asperger's Syndrome: Stress Hormone a Clue
Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, may be linked to an unusual pattern in salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol, a new British study shows.
Learn more at Web MD
Autism Study May Lead to Earlier Detection, New Treatments
New autism research may point the way to earlier detection and new treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
Learn more at Web MD
Ask an Autism Expert
Brookes Publishing features a wide range of books related to special needs topics and they recently started an Autism Resource Center. One of the nicest features of the center is the ability for anyone to ask questions and have them answered by autism experts with extensive clinical, research, and practical expertise working with individuals with autism, their families, and service providers.
Here's just a sampling of their expert panel
-- Christina Whalen, editor of our groundbreaking new book on generalization
-- Paul Wehman, author of Autism and the Transition to Adulthood
-- Pat Mirenda, editor of Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC (augmentative communication)
-- Travis Thompson, author of Freedom from Meltdowns
Click here to check out ALL of the available experts & submit your question.
Here's just a sampling of their expert panel
-- Christina Whalen, editor of our groundbreaking new book on generalization
-- Paul Wehman, author of Autism and the Transition to Adulthood
-- Pat Mirenda, editor of Autism Spectrum Disorders and AAC (augmentative communication)
-- Travis Thompson, author of Freedom from Meltdowns
Click here to check out ALL of the available experts & submit your question.
ADHD Family Summit
Dr. Rory Stern is a husband, father, and a clinical psychologist with tons of experience working with ADHD. He has a down to earth, no fluff and no nonsense approach that I like.
Dr. Stern is hosting an ADHD Family Summit - 'tele-seminar' style - with an incredible line-up of guests that you need to hear. Starting May 4 - every Monday and Wednesday you can "attend" (listen to online) the seminar from your computer. You'll benefit from the experience and wisdom of twelve different guests sharing about topics that are of great interest to you.
The best part is - the seminar doesn't cost a cent!! I'm registered and you need to be, too!
Click here to get the details on the seminar and all the great speakers!
Dr. Stern is hosting an ADHD Family Summit - 'tele-seminar' style - with an incredible line-up of guests that you need to hear. Starting May 4 - every Monday and Wednesday you can "attend" (listen to online) the seminar from your computer. You'll benefit from the experience and wisdom of twelve different guests sharing about topics that are of great interest to you.
The best part is - the seminar doesn't cost a cent!! I'm registered and you need to be, too!
Click here to get the details on the seminar and all the great speakers!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Free training from Easter Seals Project ACTION
Mark your calendar and register now for free learning events
It's not too early to sign up for several free learning opportunities hosted by Easter Seals Project ACTION in the coming weeks. Visit the linked Web pages below to select and register for these exciting events:
"The Accessible Mobility Experience":
Part 1 is a Webinar May 6 and Part 2 is an audio conference May 13.
Register by April 29.
"Selected Topics in Accessible Transportation: Toolkit for Assessing Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety"
Two-part audio conference May 7 and May 21.
Register by April 30.
"Effectively Changing Policies and Practice”
Audio conference Tuesday, May 12.
Register by May 5.
NEW from Project ACTION: A resource for secondary school educators
"Travel Training for Student Success: The Route to Achieving Post-Secondary Student Outcomes."
An introduction, booklet, slide shows, questionnaire, and linked ESPA Clearinghouse resources provide ideas and information on travel training for those helping young adults meet their needs for public transportation.
It's not too early to sign up for several free learning opportunities hosted by Easter Seals Project ACTION in the coming weeks. Visit the linked Web pages below to select and register for these exciting events:
"The Accessible Mobility Experience":
Part 1 is a Webinar May 6 and Part 2 is an audio conference May 13.
Register by April 29.
"Selected Topics in Accessible Transportation: Toolkit for Assessing Bus Stop Accessibility and Safety"
Two-part audio conference May 7 and May 21.
Register by April 30.
"Effectively Changing Policies and Practice”
Audio conference Tuesday, May 12.
Register by May 5.
NEW from Project ACTION: A resource for secondary school educators
"Travel Training for Student Success: The Route to Achieving Post-Secondary Student Outcomes."
An introduction, booklet, slide shows, questionnaire, and linked ESPA Clearinghouse resources provide ideas and information on travel training for those helping young adults meet their needs for public transportation.
Recent legislative activities affecting students with learning disabilities (LD).
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), frequently referred to as the Recovery Act or stimulus bill.
The ARRA spends $787 billion to revive the nation's economy and make investments in the future. Included in the ARRA is $115 billion to support education initiatives. Of that, local school districts are receiving one-time federal appropriation of $12.2 billion in support of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which includes:
$11.3 billion for IDEA Part B Grants to states for school aged students
$400 million for IDEA Part B Section 619 for preschool children
$500 million for IDEA Part C Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program
According to the U.S. Department of Education (USED), these funds:
"will provide an unprecedented opportunity for states, LEAs, and EIS programs to implement innovative strategies to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities while stimulating the economy."
(Source: USED Guidance, April 2009)
The USED released half of the IDEA ARRA funds on April 1, 2009, sending the following amounts to states for quick distribution to local school districts:
$5.650 billion for IDEA Part B Grants to states for school aged students
$200 million for IDEA Part B Section 619 for preschool children
$250 million for IDEA Part C Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program
The balance of the IDEA ARRA funds will be released in September 2009. Local school districts must spend all IDEA ARRA funds by September 30, 2011. The ARRA funds for education are in addition to the normal annual federal appropriates (discussed below) to support education programs in the nation's school. Use of all ARRA funds must be reported separately through a process outlined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
To access ongoing information and resources regarding all of the education funds in the ARRA, visit the USED website.
Federal Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009
On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed P.L. 111-8, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, which provides fiscal year 2009 (FY09) funding for most federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education.
The FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act includes $12.3 billion to support IDEA programs, an increase of almost 5% over the fiscal year 2008 appropriation of $11.8 billion. These funds are separate from the IDEA ARRA funds discussed above.
2009 Distinguished Advocacy Award
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) will award five Members of Congress with its 2009 Distinguished Advocacy Award: Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chairman George Miller (D-UT) and Ranking Republican Member Howard 'Buck' McKeon (R-CA). Their work on the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (see below) exemplifies the kind of advocacy NCLD likes to honor with this award.
The award was created by NCLD to spotlight leading individuals who have dedicated their work and talents to make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's individuals with learning disabilities — by standing up and speaking out on their behalf.
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008
The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Amendments Act of 2008 became effective on January 1, 2009. The Amendments Act broadens the interpretation of disability, aligning it with the intent of the original 1990 legislation. The Act also makes important changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that affects the meaning of the term "disability" in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These changes are particularly important to students with LD and their families.
To help understand these changes, NCLD conducted "The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008: The Impact on Students with LD and AD/HD," a webinar on the topic on March 18, 2009. Presented in collaboration with Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (CHADD) and the National Resource Center on AD/HD, the webinar drew over 400 participants. For more information, click here to download the webinar handouts.
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education just released an updated version of its Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities, which reflects the changes made by the ADA Amendments Act.
Every Student Counts Act
The Every Student Counts Act (ESCA) was introduced in both the House of Representatives (H-1569) and the Senate (S 618) on March 17, 2009. The ESCA creates a graduation rate calculation that is consistent across states, requires reporting of subgroup graduation rates including the graduation rate of students with disabilities, sets meaningful graduation rate goals and targets, and removes incentives for schools to push out low-performing and at-risk students.
The ESCA strengthens recent federal regulations released in October 2008 by the previous administration. Those regulations impose several new requirements regarding graduation rates. The current Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has released a statement indicating that he will allow these new regulations to remain in effect.
The Alliance for Excellent Education (AEE) has effectively led a broad coalition to help both Congress and the Administration focus on improving federal policies to ensure more students graduate with a regular diploma. NCLD is supporting the bills and has worked closely with AEE to ensure that students with disabilities have been appropriately included in the legislation.
Details of the bills are available on the AEE website, which includes both a summary and FAQs.
First-ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy
On February 12, 2009, Vice President Biden announced the appointment of Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Dale, a Chicago attorney who is partially blind, served as National Disability Director for the Obama campaign.
According to the White House press release, Dale "will coordinate the Administration's efforts to see that people with disabilities are on a level playing field with all Americans."
Reading Rights Coalition
A new coalition of disability rights organizations, the Reading Rights Coalition, has formed to oppose recent actions by Amazon and the Authors Guild regarding the text-to-speech (TTS) capability of Amazon's new ebook reader, the Kindle 2.
NCLD has joined the Reading Rights Coalition in order to support access to TTS for the millions of children and adults with reading disabilities. To date, we have worked alongside other dedicated groups to develop educational materials, press releases, and a website. NCLD is hopeful that the issues in dispute can be quickly and satisfactorily resolved.
Information courtesy of the Naitonal Center for Learning Disabilities.
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), frequently referred to as the Recovery Act or stimulus bill.
The ARRA spends $787 billion to revive the nation's economy and make investments in the future. Included in the ARRA is $115 billion to support education initiatives. Of that, local school districts are receiving one-time federal appropriation of $12.2 billion in support of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which includes:
$11.3 billion for IDEA Part B Grants to states for school aged students
$400 million for IDEA Part B Section 619 for preschool children
$500 million for IDEA Part C Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program
According to the U.S. Department of Education (USED), these funds:
"will provide an unprecedented opportunity for states, LEAs, and EIS programs to implement innovative strategies to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities while stimulating the economy."
(Source: USED Guidance, April 2009)
The USED released half of the IDEA ARRA funds on April 1, 2009, sending the following amounts to states for quick distribution to local school districts:
$5.650 billion for IDEA Part B Grants to states for school aged students
$200 million for IDEA Part B Section 619 for preschool children
$250 million for IDEA Part C Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program
The balance of the IDEA ARRA funds will be released in September 2009. Local school districts must spend all IDEA ARRA funds by September 30, 2011. The ARRA funds for education are in addition to the normal annual federal appropriates (discussed below) to support education programs in the nation's school. Use of all ARRA funds must be reported separately through a process outlined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
To access ongoing information and resources regarding all of the education funds in the ARRA, visit the USED website.
Federal Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2009
On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed P.L. 111-8, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, which provides fiscal year 2009 (FY09) funding for most federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Education.
The FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act includes $12.3 billion to support IDEA programs, an increase of almost 5% over the fiscal year 2008 appropriation of $11.8 billion. These funds are separate from the IDEA ARRA funds discussed above.
2009 Distinguished Advocacy Award
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) will award five Members of Congress with its 2009 Distinguished Advocacy Award: Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Chairman George Miller (D-UT) and Ranking Republican Member Howard 'Buck' McKeon (R-CA). Their work on the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (see below) exemplifies the kind of advocacy NCLD likes to honor with this award.
The award was created by NCLD to spotlight leading individuals who have dedicated their work and talents to make a profound difference in the lives of our nation's individuals with learning disabilities — by standing up and speaking out on their behalf.
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008
The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Amendments Act of 2008 became effective on January 1, 2009. The Amendments Act broadens the interpretation of disability, aligning it with the intent of the original 1990 legislation. The Act also makes important changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that affects the meaning of the term "disability" in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These changes are particularly important to students with LD and their families.
To help understand these changes, NCLD conducted "The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008: The Impact on Students with LD and AD/HD," a webinar on the topic on March 18, 2009. Presented in collaboration with Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (CHADD) and the National Resource Center on AD/HD, the webinar drew over 400 participants. For more information, click here to download the webinar handouts.
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education just released an updated version of its Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities, which reflects the changes made by the ADA Amendments Act.
Every Student Counts Act
The Every Student Counts Act (ESCA) was introduced in both the House of Representatives (H-1569) and the Senate (S 618) on March 17, 2009. The ESCA creates a graduation rate calculation that is consistent across states, requires reporting of subgroup graduation rates including the graduation rate of students with disabilities, sets meaningful graduation rate goals and targets, and removes incentives for schools to push out low-performing and at-risk students.
The ESCA strengthens recent federal regulations released in October 2008 by the previous administration. Those regulations impose several new requirements regarding graduation rates. The current Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, has released a statement indicating that he will allow these new regulations to remain in effect.
The Alliance for Excellent Education (AEE) has effectively led a broad coalition to help both Congress and the Administration focus on improving federal policies to ensure more students graduate with a regular diploma. NCLD is supporting the bills and has worked closely with AEE to ensure that students with disabilities have been appropriately included in the legislation.
Details of the bills are available on the AEE website, which includes both a summary and FAQs.
First-ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy
On February 12, 2009, Vice President Biden announced the appointment of Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. Dale, a Chicago attorney who is partially blind, served as National Disability Director for the Obama campaign.
According to the White House press release, Dale "will coordinate the Administration's efforts to see that people with disabilities are on a level playing field with all Americans."
Reading Rights Coalition
A new coalition of disability rights organizations, the Reading Rights Coalition, has formed to oppose recent actions by Amazon and the Authors Guild regarding the text-to-speech (TTS) capability of Amazon's new ebook reader, the Kindle 2.
NCLD has joined the Reading Rights Coalition in order to support access to TTS for the millions of children and adults with reading disabilities. To date, we have worked alongside other dedicated groups to develop educational materials, press releases, and a website. NCLD is hopeful that the issues in dispute can be quickly and satisfactorily resolved.
Information courtesy of the Naitonal Center for Learning Disabilities.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Safe Schools Summit 2009
Free training for youth & adults on substance abuse and violence prevention in our homes, schools & communities.
Keynote Speaker: Kirk Weisler
When: Monday, April 20, 2009
Where: Enid, OK
The Autry Technology Ctr.
1201 W. Willow Road
The Summit will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm including Adult and Youth break-out sessions. Light dinner and giveaways provided.
For Further Information Contact: Preventionworkz at (580) 234-1046
Keynote Speaker: Kirk Weisler
When: Monday, April 20, 2009
Where: Enid, OK
The Autry Technology Ctr.
1201 W. Willow Road
The Summit will be held from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm including Adult and Youth break-out sessions. Light dinner and giveaways provided.
For Further Information Contact: Preventionworkz at (580) 234-1046
Family members: Request the training you need!
STARS has developed a needs survey specifically for family members. Your completion of the survey will help the STARS program continue to offer courses relevant to the needs of families. Please take a moment to fill out the survey and submit it by May 22, 2009.
Click here to go directly to the STARS Family Training Needs Survey 2010
Or go to the STARS Home page at http://www.ah.ouhsc.edu/tolbert/STARS.asp
If you need a paper copy of the survey, contact Judith Grove at STARS@ouhsc.edu or by calling (405) 271-1836.
Click here to go directly to the STARS Family Training Needs Survey 2010
Or go to the STARS Home page at http://www.ah.ouhsc.edu/tolbert/STARS.asp
If you need a paper copy of the survey, contact Judith Grove at STARS@ouhsc.edu or by calling (405) 271-1836.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Expert panel to talk about Immunization - risks & benefits
As a parent, do you worry about taking your child for routine immunization shots?
Many parents do. They are concerned about infectious diseases and how to protect their children and yet they are bombarded by media reports citing links between vaccines and chronic conditions such as autism.
It's enought to leave any parent confused about how best to protect their child.
So let's get right to the point!
Listen in as we host a panel of experts and learn the real risk & benefits of immunization. We'll talk about things like....
=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.
Send us your questions
Do you have a question on immunization you’d like the panel to answer? Just send your question to immune_questions@yahoo.com by April 22, 2009
Tune In & Hear the Answers
Be sure to tune and watch our experts as they respond to your questions. The panel presentation will be broadcast by Pegasys on public access television during the first week of May and DVDs of the program will also be available for purchase from Pegasys following the broadcast. For more details, check your TV listings or stayed tuned to this blog!
Panel members will include:
1. Dr. Malhotra – local developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD
2. Emily Burton – local immunization field specialist
3. Susan Mendes - Immunization educator from State health dept.
4. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network
5. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Team
6. Catherine Rott - local parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network
Many parents do. They are concerned about infectious diseases and how to protect their children and yet they are bombarded by media reports citing links between vaccines and chronic conditions such as autism.
It's enought to leave any parent confused about how best to protect their child.
So let's get right to the point!
Listen in as we host a panel of experts and learn the real risk & benefits of immunization. We'll talk about things like....
=> What immunizations are required by the state of Oklahoma and our local school districts.
=> What options are available to parents who are concerned about immunization.
=> What are the risks and benefits of each option.
=> What does current research says about the connection between autism and immunization.
Send us your questions
Do you have a question on immunization you’d like the panel to answer? Just send your question to immune_questions@yahoo.com by April 22, 2009
Tune In & Hear the Answers
Be sure to tune and watch our experts as they respond to your questions. The panel presentation will be broadcast by Pegasys on public access television during the first week of May and DVDs of the program will also be available for purchase from Pegasys following the broadcast. For more details, check your TV listings or stayed tuned to this blog!
Panel members will include:
1. Dr. Malhotra – local developmental pediatrician - specializes in children with Autism & ADHD
2. Emily Burton – local immunization field specialist
3. Susan Mendes - Immunization educator from State health dept.
4. Rene Daman from the Oklahoma Autism Network
5. Dr. Laura McGuinn - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician from OUHSC Autism Team
6. Catherine Rott - local parent & founder of the Oklahoma Vaccine Information Network
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