AMC theaters and th Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the theaters will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own glueten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.
Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing. Tickets are $4-6, depending on the location.
Upcoming shows:
Harry Potter anhd the Half-Blood Prince
Saturday, July 25 @ 10:00 am
G-Force: August 1 @ 10:00 am
The two AMC theaters in Oklahoma are:
Quail Springs 24 and Crossroads 16
Check out the website: www.autism-society.org (Sensory Friendly Films) for more info.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Grant money to help families with equipment & therapy expenses!
The United Healthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is accepting grant applications for families who need help paying for their child’s healthcare services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy sessions, prescriptions, and medical equipment such as wheel chairs, orthotics, and eyeglasses. Deadline to apply is open.
Teaching Teens to be More Effective in Talking to Doctors
The Massachusetts Disability Employment Initiative has launched a new website, Talking with Your Doctor and Other Healthcare Professionals.
This site is geared towards helping youth feel more comfortable talking to their healthcare provider. It is based on the communication model presented in the “Talking with Your Doctor” video (included on the website).
This site is geared towards helping youth feel more comfortable talking to their healthcare provider. It is based on the communication model presented in the “Talking with Your Doctor” video (included on the website).
Autism Info at your fingertips!
The Maternal & Child Health Library at Georgetown University has released a new Knowledge Path about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This resource offers the latest information about ASD screening and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, as well as resources that address early identification, early intervention, education concerns, and more.
Click here to check it out!
Click here to check it out!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Free book for those with Cerebral Palsy or similar disabilities
Against the Current: My Life with Cerebral Palsy by Dr. Bob Segalman, Full
Court Press, Verona, WI, 2009.
The Attainment Company and Dr. Bob Segalman are pleased to announce that PDF copies of this book are available free to people with Cerebral Palsy and related conditions and their families.
To request a free copy: Email requests to drsts@comcast.net.
This book is a wry and savvy enlightenment about living with significant disabilities. But more significantly, it¹s about surviving it in style through a towering intelligence, a slashing sense of humor, and the filling up of a bushel basket full of accomplishments along the way. Born in 1942, Dr. Bob Segalman¹s parents insisted on mainstreaming him several decades before inclusion was even conceptualized. As a result, Dr. Bob received two doctoral degrees and is the successful-- and for the most part, the sole--advocate for the implementation of Speech-to-Speech phone services for people with speech disabilities, which have since, thanks to his relentless efforts, been adopted across the country. This is his story.
All Dr. Bob¹s profits from this book will go to Speech Communications Assistance by Telephone (501c3) so that more people with speech disabilities can learn to use telephone with Speech-to-Speech.
Please note: You must email drsts@comcast.net to request the free
copy. To learn more or purchase a copy at the regular price visit Dr. Bob's website:
http://drbobsautobiography.org/
Court Press, Verona, WI, 2009.
The Attainment Company and Dr. Bob Segalman are pleased to announce that PDF copies of this book are available free to people with Cerebral Palsy and related conditions and their families.
To request a free copy: Email requests to drsts@comcast.net.
This book is a wry and savvy enlightenment about living with significant disabilities. But more significantly, it¹s about surviving it in style through a towering intelligence, a slashing sense of humor, and the filling up of a bushel basket full of accomplishments along the way. Born in 1942, Dr. Bob Segalman¹s parents insisted on mainstreaming him several decades before inclusion was even conceptualized. As a result, Dr. Bob received two doctoral degrees and is the successful-- and for the most part, the sole--advocate for the implementation of Speech-to-Speech phone services for people with speech disabilities, which have since, thanks to his relentless efforts, been adopted across the country. This is his story.
All Dr. Bob¹s profits from this book will go to Speech Communications Assistance by Telephone (501c3) so that more people with speech disabilities can learn to use telephone with Speech-to-Speech.
Please note: You must email drsts@comcast.net to request the free
copy. To learn more or purchase a copy at the regular price visit Dr. Bob's website:
http://drbobsautobiography.org/
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Creating an Ally Map
Back to school time will soon be here. It can be a really scarey time for students who are moving to a new school or even a new building within their school district.
Transitions to new environments can be especially challenging for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conventional wisdom suggests that “previewing” the new environment and meeting key people is a valuable orientation or transition tool.
Another tool that has proven extremely useful is what I call an “Ally Map.” It is easy to create and is useful for students transitioning to new schools as well as recreational programs, camps and other new situations. It can be applied to job sites as well.
To utilize an Ally Map, simply obtain or create a map of the site on a sheet of paper, at least 8x10”.
For example:
Pre-select adults in key locations throughout the site: As they are introduced, place their names and roles on the map. An alternative is to have the young person taking the tour do the recording himself (don’t forget a clipboard). Be specific about defining each location on the map. It may also be helpful to take a facial photo of each person met.
Subsequently create at least two copies of the map – one compact enough to carry in a backpack or binder (laminated) and one(s) to go on the refrigerator at home, the locker at school or the bulletin board in the dorm room (these can be larger, but also laminated). Print the names and include photos if possible.
“Pilot” the map on a second trip – can the individual find each person? (it can be set up as a kind of treasure hunt for younger students; each person they find might even have a small gift or treat for them). Repeat as many times as appropriate for the young person to feel comfortable and confident that should he become confused, disoriented or upset along the way, he will be able to locate an ally, a helping and receptive adult whom he has already met, in any location on campus or in a particular building.
Reinforce this as a lifelong strategy by having the individual create Ally Maps for new places and situations.
This great tip came from Ellen Korin. Ellen is a special educator with over 35 years of experience. Retired in 2005 from the Lexington, MA, public schools, she maintains an active consulting and coaching practice and speaks frequently at conferences. She is the author of an interactive workbook for adolescents, Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual: What You, Your Parents and Teachers Need to Know
Transitions to new environments can be especially challenging for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Conventional wisdom suggests that “previewing” the new environment and meeting key people is a valuable orientation or transition tool.
Another tool that has proven extremely useful is what I call an “Ally Map.” It is easy to create and is useful for students transitioning to new schools as well as recreational programs, camps and other new situations. It can be applied to job sites as well.
To utilize an Ally Map, simply obtain or create a map of the site on a sheet of paper, at least 8x10”.
For example:
Pre-select adults in key locations throughout the site: As they are introduced, place their names and roles on the map. An alternative is to have the young person taking the tour do the recording himself (don’t forget a clipboard). Be specific about defining each location on the map. It may also be helpful to take a facial photo of each person met.
Subsequently create at least two copies of the map – one compact enough to carry in a backpack or binder (laminated) and one(s) to go on the refrigerator at home, the locker at school or the bulletin board in the dorm room (these can be larger, but also laminated). Print the names and include photos if possible.
“Pilot” the map on a second trip – can the individual find each person? (it can be set up as a kind of treasure hunt for younger students; each person they find might even have a small gift or treat for them). Repeat as many times as appropriate for the young person to feel comfortable and confident that should he become confused, disoriented or upset along the way, he will be able to locate an ally, a helping and receptive adult whom he has already met, in any location on campus or in a particular building.
Reinforce this as a lifelong strategy by having the individual create Ally Maps for new places and situations.
This great tip came from Ellen Korin. Ellen is a special educator with over 35 years of experience. Retired in 2005 from the Lexington, MA, public schools, she maintains an active consulting and coaching practice and speaks frequently at conferences. She is the author of an interactive workbook for adolescents, Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual: What You, Your Parents and Teachers Need to Know
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
“Raising a Child with Autism: The Practical Wit & Wisdom of Parents”
Sooner SUCCESS Invites you to attend a FREE training ......
“Raising a Child with Autism: The Practical Wit & Wisdom of Parents”
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where: Chisholm Trail Technology Center, Seminar Room
Hwy. 33, between Kingfisher and Watonga
Agenda:
Registration: 8:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m.
Workshop: 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Lunch On Site: Provided by The Health Occupations Students of America, benefiting Autism Speaks. Cost $7.00. Exact change requested.
Session 1: Dreams: How A Family Shaped Their Future. Dee Blose will share her real life story of inclusion, ideas on critical learning areas for children with ASD, how she approached the service system to support her son's needs and what she sees as the keys to her son's future success.
Session 2: He Who Laughs.... Lasts!" Jan Moss will establish the connection between humor and wellness, identify the benefits of humor for caregivers and demonstrate her own humor-expansion techniques.
Session 3: "Zack the Prairie Dog". Father & Oklahoma Storm Chaser Steve Decker will do a book reading of his children's book featuring Zack, the Prairie Dog with Autism with illustrations & true Oklahoma sound effects. Steve is the father of two young boys with autism and will share his personal insights and motivational story as to why he became an author and an illustrator. After the reading, copies of his book will available for purchase and a book signing with the author.
REGISTER EARLY! SEATING IS LIMITED. Registration deadline: September 22, 2009.
In Blaine County:
Contact Jona Arthur at 580-614-1043 or jona-arthur@ouhsc.edu
In Canadian County:
Contact June Teters at 405-517-5246 or soonersuccesscanco@gmail.com
In Garfield County:
Contact Lisa Simmons at 580-603-1580 or lisa.simmons@suddenlink.net
In Kingfisher County:
Contact Lisa Copeland at 405-368-7348 or allison@pldi.net
In Logan County:
Contact Amanda Fortney at 405-990-1491 or amanda-fortney@ouhsc.edu
In Major County:
Contact Denice Haworth at 580-227-0199 or deehaworth@yahoo.com
Outside of these counties:
Contact: Becky Reuter, 405-271, 6824 ext. 45144 or becky-reuter@ouhsc.edu
Certificates of Participation available to all attendees.
“Raising a Child with Autism: The Practical Wit & Wisdom of Parents”
When: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where: Chisholm Trail Technology Center, Seminar Room
Hwy. 33, between Kingfisher and Watonga
Agenda:
Registration: 8:30 a.m.—9:00 a.m.
Workshop: 9:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m.
Lunch On Site: Provided by The Health Occupations Students of America, benefiting Autism Speaks. Cost $7.00. Exact change requested.
Session 1: Dreams: How A Family Shaped Their Future. Dee Blose will share her real life story of inclusion, ideas on critical learning areas for children with ASD, how she approached the service system to support her son's needs and what she sees as the keys to her son's future success.
Session 2: He Who Laughs.... Lasts!" Jan Moss will establish the connection between humor and wellness, identify the benefits of humor for caregivers and demonstrate her own humor-expansion techniques.
Session 3: "Zack the Prairie Dog". Father & Oklahoma Storm Chaser Steve Decker will do a book reading of his children's book featuring Zack, the Prairie Dog with Autism with illustrations & true Oklahoma sound effects. Steve is the father of two young boys with autism and will share his personal insights and motivational story as to why he became an author and an illustrator. After the reading, copies of his book will available for purchase and a book signing with the author.
REGISTER EARLY! SEATING IS LIMITED. Registration deadline: September 22, 2009.
In Blaine County:
Contact Jona Arthur at 580-614-1043 or jona-arthur@ouhsc.edu
In Canadian County:
Contact June Teters at 405-517-5246 or soonersuccesscanco@gmail.com
In Garfield County:
Contact Lisa Simmons at 580-603-1580 or lisa.simmons@suddenlink.net
In Kingfisher County:
Contact Lisa Copeland at 405-368-7348 or allison@pldi.net
In Logan County:
Contact Amanda Fortney at 405-990-1491 or amanda-fortney@ouhsc.edu
In Major County:
Contact Denice Haworth at 580-227-0199 or deehaworth@yahoo.com
Outside of these counties:
Contact: Becky Reuter, 405-271, 6824 ext. 45144 or becky-reuter@ouhsc.edu
Certificates of Participation available to all attendees.
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