New website on Vaccines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled an innovative new website to help parents and other consumers learn about the most effective way to protect themselves and their children from infectious diseases and learn about immunization. Vaccines.gov brings together the best in federal resources on vaccine and immunizations to provide consumers with easy-to-understand health information specifically for their needs.

Let your voice be heard at the National Level

Parents are encouraged to take part in the National IDEA Survey going on now!

The survey will examine whether parents are treated as equal partners in their children’s education. We ask questions about whether the rights of students with disabilities and their parents protected throughout the special education process, including IEP meetings, decisions about special education, evaluations and eligibility, and Due Process and Impartial Hearings. We also ask about inclusion and whether children with disabilities receive the education they need, or whether they are deprived of important services. We will be using your answers to compile a report about the experiences of parents and children with disabilities and these issues.

All types of disabilities are of interest and there are different surveys for groups such as:
**Parents who have a child on an IEP
** Parents whose child was denied services
** Self advocates
** Attorneys & professional advocates

Click here to tell your story -- share your special education experience!

Autism Awareness Book Giveaway

Each April Brookes Publishing gives away a ton of great books as part of their celebation of Autism Awareness month. This year they are featuring 6 mini-libraries of great books and if you win --- you get to pick which selection best meets your needs! 3 mini-libraries will be awarded to lucky winners each week in April. To get your name in the drawing & check out the different books available, visit:
http://www.brookespublishing.com/autism/giveaway/index.htm

TSA medical Notification Cards

TSA has recently announced the use of TSA Medical Notification Cards. This is for use by individuals with medical conditions or disabilities that makes the typical security check a challenge. Think: Wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, pacemakers, etc. Click here for full information on TSA security screening for individuals with special needs.

For a printable Medical Notification Card click here.

Remember, this does not exclude a person from the security check. But it does make the TSA employees aware of the individual's needs and opens the possibility for a more private security screening.