- Visit that website at www.nycfair.org, get on our mailing list
- And look for us on Facebook where we have a page and a group:
- Like the Page: https://www.facebook.com/nycfair/
- Join the Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/826924484013051/
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Pinned Post: Blogging Discontinued, but the conversation continues at our Yahoo Group, sign up in the sidebar.
I'm focusing my advocacy efforts at this point with NYC FAIR, a family advocacy organization for all folks with I/DD and focused on state-level advocacy around services provided by OPWDD, as well as Early Intervention, Special Education in Preschool and beyond.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Early Intervention Reform Redux, Accomplishing by Regulation What Wouldn't Fly as Legislation
Subject: IAC Action Alert!!! Preserve Parent Choice in Early Intervention - Speak out against the "Arms Length" proposed regulations
This 'arms length' requirement is something I spoke about at the March 2012 Manhattan DD Council Legislative Breakfast, because it was embedded in a number of reforms that were part of the Executive Budget being presented to the NYS Legislature. This measure was rejected as part of that process, and it is coming back again in the form of regulation at the agency level.
If your family received EI services, please write and address how a mandated jump from evaluation agency to service agency might have affected your experience.
Dear All:
The State Department of Health has proposed regulations preventing the same agency from providing the evaluation, service coordination, and services in the Early Intervention Program. Parents will no longer be able to have the same agency provide both the evaluation and services to their children except in rare circumstances deemed necessary by the commissioner.
Please ask your families to send a letter to the Governor and the Department of Health speaking out on this unnecessary measure. Click the link below to go to our website where a letter and addresses are available. Email or printed letters are available.
The letters need to be sent prior to Monday, October 22, 2012.
http://capwiz.com/iacny/home
Any questions, please contact me. Thank you!
Winifred S. Schiff
Associate Executive Director for Legislative Affairs
INTERAGENCY COUNCIL of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc.
150 West 30th Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10001
wini@iacny.org
www.iacny.org
This 'arms length' requirement is something I spoke about at the March 2012 Manhattan DD Council Legislative Breakfast, because it was embedded in a number of reforms that were part of the Executive Budget being presented to the NYS Legislature. This measure was rejected as part of that process, and it is coming back again in the form of regulation at the agency level.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Early Intervention and "Embedded Coaching"
October 3, 2012
The NY City Council's Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services held an oversight hearing on Early Intervention. This typically occurs at budget time, plus annually or when a particular service issue comes to the attention of the Committee.
The Committee is interested in family input on the EI Bureau's implementation of Embedded Coaching, a service model that shifts emphasis away from direct service and toward parent training. Some of you who are EI alumni families may remember a program called Families As Partners, which featured some of the same language and emphasis on family caregivers learning and delivering intervention techniques.
If you have input on this subject, the Committee would welcome it via e-mail to the Committee counsel, Jennifer Wilcox, at jwilcox@council.nyc.gov
If you are unfamiliar with Embedded Coaching, this page on the City website contains many resources, including videos for parent training: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/earlyint/interventionist.shtml
Video of the hearing can be found here, if you enjoy the theater of a public hearing:
http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=210395&GUID=3A69E004-59ED-4696-9C79-E2C4226CDB77&Options=&Search=
The meeting led with a presentation and questioning of the NYC EI Bureau Director, Marie Casalino and one of her deputies on fiscal operations. That discussion focused mainly on the transfer of medicaid and private insurance billing to the state office. Councilmembers on the committee were concerned about what this change means for oversight (usually oversight goes with the flow of $), and on matters of a smooth handoff from city to state.
The representatives of Resources for Children with Special Needs and Advocates for Children each gave hard nosed, well informed critiques of the EI Bureau's adoption of Embedded Coaching. Testimony of Nina Lublin of Resources for Children can be found here: http://www.resourcesnyc.org/blog/rcsn-testimony-new-york-city-council
Testimony from Advocates for Children can be found at http://shar.es/G1258
Provider associations aired some concerns about the incompatibility of certain therapies to embedded coaching, and to issues in the training and roll out of this new framework. Several providers spoke about the rate reductions the department has implemented over the last year, and the unlikeliness of success in therapy given the infrequency of certain services in IFSPs -- mandates of 60 x twice monthly were referenced.
Exactly what the City Council can do to redirect the EI Bureau's programming is not clear to me.
Early Intervention does have its own, federally mandated oversight structure, the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC), and that entity can always use informed input from current and recent recipient families. Information on its meetings can be found at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/earlyint/earlyint-leicc.shtml
Next meeting is tentatively November 27, 2012, 10 to Noon, in Long Island City, Queens
My own testimony follows below.
_____________________________________________________
My name is Lynn Decker, and I have two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Evan is now 16 and Justin is 14. One or both of my sons were receiving Early Intervention services from late spring 1998 when Evan was diagnosed through August 2001 when Justin began preschool. They have subsequently had a long journey through NYC special education placements and OPWDD funded programs.
So my Early Intervention experience is in some respects old news, but since around 2000 I have coordinated a parent support group with a focus on Children with Autism Spectrum. In 2005 I created an e-mail ‘listserv’ to complement that group, and today only the listserv is active, but it has more than 300 subscribers. This list is a valued resource for perspective, resource finding, and a chance to know others who are traveling a similar road. Through this list, I’ve been able to stay in touch with the issues families of young children similar to my own are encountering in the EI service system.
Parents and guardians of children with ASD who live in the NY Metro area can become members of the group, which is called SpectrumParentNYC@yahoogroups.com
New York City launched of EI services in 1993, which was mandated by the IDEA amendments of 1986, though I understand there had previously been a city program called Infant Enrichment. By the time my household came on the EI scene, New York City was offering intensive behavioral therapies to children with Autism and related disorders under a consent decree. So I learned early in my career as a special needs parent to appreciate that that access to things my family needed were the result of a fight by families who came before us. So I am here today to advocate that the robust intervention program provided to my children exists for a young child diagnosed today.
I have testified elsewhere on the profound impact EI services had on our family, and though my children were not among those who responded most robustly to this type of therapy who have moved on to less restrictive settings and study at grade level, I believe that early intensive instruction made a huge difference in their ongoing engagement with the world, and in my husband's and my capacity to believe that something effective could be done to help them learn skills and be in the community without stigma.
And around the time Justin was aging out of EI, NY State issued practice guidelines for young children with autism that carried forward some of the key elements of that consent decree and favored some types, specifically ABA, over others such as Floortime, RDI, & play based therapies. Those practice guidelines are scheduled to be revisited and revised next year, and that’s proper, as the evidence base has grown considerably over a decade.
My overarching concern about embedded coaching, the approach that is under discussion today, is one that I’ve had many times in many venues – will it be executed in New York City in a fashion that is faithful to the design, in this case crafted by a national expert, such that any reasonable person would see the connection to evidence based practice. Or, as is so often and so tragically the case, will this new way of conducting business merely be a cover for achieving fiscal targets?
I also am concerned that this sort of approach with a focus on generalization and natural contexts, will be offered essentially as a substitute for, rather than an adjunct to, previous practice. And I’m aware that the extreme fiscal demand resulting from improved screening and awareness of Autism is a key driver of increasing service volumes and costs. But I understand that the state practice guidelines are treated as though they have the force of regulation, so embedded coaching may not yet be reducing service to such families.
I suggest to the committee that in carrying out its oversight they ask the department to present data on total service volumes before and after the introduction of embedded coaching.
In closing, I want the committee to consider that Early Intervention is expensive, and growing in expense, because there is a growing need for such services, and to look to the growing national evidence base that early services reduce intensity of service needs down the road in the school and community as children mature.
The NY City Council's Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services held an oversight hearing on Early Intervention. This typically occurs at budget time, plus annually or when a particular service issue comes to the attention of the Committee.
The Committee is interested in family input on the EI Bureau's implementation of Embedded Coaching, a service model that shifts emphasis away from direct service and toward parent training. Some of you who are EI alumni families may remember a program called Families As Partners, which featured some of the same language and emphasis on family caregivers learning and delivering intervention techniques.
If you have input on this subject, the Committee would welcome it via e-mail to the Committee counsel, Jennifer Wilcox, at jwilcox@council.nyc.gov
If you are unfamiliar with Embedded Coaching, this page on the City website contains many resources, including videos for parent training: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/earlyint/interventionist.shtml
Video of the hearing can be found here, if you enjoy the theater of a public hearing:
http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=210395&GUID=3A69E004-59ED-4696-9C79-E2C4226CDB77&Options=&Search=
The meeting led with a presentation and questioning of the NYC EI Bureau Director, Marie Casalino and one of her deputies on fiscal operations. That discussion focused mainly on the transfer of medicaid and private insurance billing to the state office. Councilmembers on the committee were concerned about what this change means for oversight (usually oversight goes with the flow of $), and on matters of a smooth handoff from city to state.
The representatives of Resources for Children with Special Needs and Advocates for Children each gave hard nosed, well informed critiques of the EI Bureau's adoption of Embedded Coaching. Testimony of Nina Lublin of Resources for Children can be found here: http://www.resourcesnyc.org/blog/rcsn-testimony-new-york-city-council
Testimony from Advocates for Children can be found at http://shar.es/G1258
Provider associations aired some concerns about the incompatibility of certain therapies to embedded coaching, and to issues in the training and roll out of this new framework. Several providers spoke about the rate reductions the department has implemented over the last year, and the unlikeliness of success in therapy given the infrequency of certain services in IFSPs -- mandates of 60 x twice monthly were referenced.
Exactly what the City Council can do to redirect the EI Bureau's programming is not clear to me.
Early Intervention does have its own, federally mandated oversight structure, the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council (LEICC), and that entity can always use informed input from current and recent recipient families. Information on its meetings can be found at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/earlyint/earlyint-leicc.shtml
Next meeting is tentatively November 27, 2012, 10 to Noon, in Long Island City, Queens
My own testimony follows below.
_____________________________________________________
My name is Lynn Decker, and I have two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Evan is now 16 and Justin is 14. One or both of my sons were receiving Early Intervention services from late spring 1998 when Evan was diagnosed through August 2001 when Justin began preschool. They have subsequently had a long journey through NYC special education placements and OPWDD funded programs.
So my Early Intervention experience is in some respects old news, but since around 2000 I have coordinated a parent support group with a focus on Children with Autism Spectrum. In 2005 I created an e-mail ‘listserv’ to complement that group, and today only the listserv is active, but it has more than 300 subscribers. This list is a valued resource for perspective, resource finding, and a chance to know others who are traveling a similar road. Through this list, I’ve been able to stay in touch with the issues families of young children similar to my own are encountering in the EI service system.
Parents and guardians of children with ASD who live in the NY Metro area can become members of the group, which is called SpectrumParentNYC@yahoogroups.com
New York City launched of EI services in 1993, which was mandated by the IDEA amendments of 1986, though I understand there had previously been a city program called Infant Enrichment. By the time my household came on the EI scene, New York City was offering intensive behavioral therapies to children with Autism and related disorders under a consent decree. So I learned early in my career as a special needs parent to appreciate that that access to things my family needed were the result of a fight by families who came before us. So I am here today to advocate that the robust intervention program provided to my children exists for a young child diagnosed today.
I have testified elsewhere on the profound impact EI services had on our family, and though my children were not among those who responded most robustly to this type of therapy who have moved on to less restrictive settings and study at grade level, I believe that early intensive instruction made a huge difference in their ongoing engagement with the world, and in my husband's and my capacity to believe that something effective could be done to help them learn skills and be in the community without stigma.
And around the time Justin was aging out of EI, NY State issued practice guidelines for young children with autism that carried forward some of the key elements of that consent decree and favored some types, specifically ABA, over others such as Floortime, RDI, & play based therapies. Those practice guidelines are scheduled to be revisited and revised next year, and that’s proper, as the evidence base has grown considerably over a decade.
My overarching concern about embedded coaching, the approach that is under discussion today, is one that I’ve had many times in many venues – will it be executed in New York City in a fashion that is faithful to the design, in this case crafted by a national expert, such that any reasonable person would see the connection to evidence based practice. Or, as is so often and so tragically the case, will this new way of conducting business merely be a cover for achieving fiscal targets?
I also am concerned that this sort of approach with a focus on generalization and natural contexts, will be offered essentially as a substitute for, rather than an adjunct to, previous practice. And I’m aware that the extreme fiscal demand resulting from improved screening and awareness of Autism is a key driver of increasing service volumes and costs. But I understand that the state practice guidelines are treated as though they have the force of regulation, so embedded coaching may not yet be reducing service to such families.
I suggest to the committee that in carrying out its oversight they ask the department to present data on total service volumes before and after the introduction of embedded coaching.
In closing, I want the committee to consider that Early Intervention is expensive, and growing in expense, because there is a growing need for such services, and to look to the growing national evidence base that early services reduce intensity of service needs down the road in the school and community as children mature.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
SafeMinds - Autism Mercury Thimerosal - Research -
SafeMinds - Neurotoxicology Conference Initial Report
From SafeMinds President, Sallie BernardThe annual Neurotoxicology Conference took place in Research Triangle, NC on October 30-November 2. The conference title was “Environmentally Triggered Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Focus on Endocrine Disruption and Sex Differences in Autism, ADHD, and Schizophrenia.” One day of the conference was webcast and archived, courtesy of Susan Daniels of the Office of Autism Research Coordination which supports the Interagency Autism Coordination Commmittee at NIH. View here. The conference proceedings are expected to be published in a future journal issue of Neurotoxicology.
A conference on mercury, the endocrine system and autism was conceived several years ago by SafeMinds after reading a review paper by Shirlee Tan, Jesse Meiller and Kathryn Mahaffey of the EPA, “The endocrine effects of mercury in humans and wildlife” (Crit Rev Toxicol. 2009;39(3):228-69). SafeMinds reached out to Drs. Pessah and Zoeller to move the concept forward. Dr. Cranmer, the chair of the conference, graciously adopted the theme. SafeMinds directors Lyn Redwood and Sallie Bernard attended the sessions, and SafeMinds was a co-sponsor of the event.
Findings presented at the conference on neurotoxicology provided evidence that the endocrine system is dysregulated in people on the autism spectrum and common toxins like mercury might be behind this condition. Invited scientists offered supporting data that these alterations might be reversible or prevented through a variety of interventions.
Findings of low levels of sulphate and sulphur-containing compounds like glutathione in autism may be a marker for a more fundamental alteration in selenium status leading to deficiencies in selenoenzymes, according to Nicholas Ralston of the University of North Dakota and a conference presenter. Low circulating sulphate has been a consistent finding validated in autism studies. Selenoenzymes are essential to thyroid hormone homeostasis, repair from oxidative damage in the brain and endocrine tissues, cell signalling, immune function and basic metabolic processes. Selenium is a target of mercury, which tightly binds the selenium molecule, making it unavailable for biological use and disrupting selenium biochemistry. Conversely, selenium can bind mercury, rendering it inert. Dietary selenium, especially from low-mercury deep ocean fish, can counteract the negative effects of mercury exposure. more
Report on 2011 Neurotoxicology Conference
From SafeMinds President, Sallie BernardA conference on mercury, the endocrine system and autism was conceived several years ago by SafeMinds after reading a review paper by Shirlee Tan, Jesse Meiller and Kathryn Mahaffey of the EPA, “The endocrine effects of mercury in humans and wildlife” (Crit Rev Toxicol. 2009;39(3):228-69). SafeMinds reached out to Drs. Pessah and Zoeller to move the concept forward. Dr. Cranmer, the chair of the conference, graciously adopted the theme. SafeMinds directors Lyn Redwood and Sallie Bernard attended the sessions, and SafeMinds was a co-sponsor of the event.
Findings presented at the conference on neurotoxicology provided evidence that the endocrine system is dysregulated in people on the autism spectrum and common toxins like mercury might be behind this condition. Invited scientists offered supporting data that these alterations might be reversible or prevented through a variety of interventions.
Findings of low levels of sulphate and sulphur-containing compounds like glutathione in autism may be a marker for a more fundamental alteration in selenium status leading to deficiencies in selenoenzymes, according to Nicholas Ralston of the University of North Dakota and a conference presenter. Low circulating sulphate has been a consistent finding validated in autism studies. Selenoenzymes are essential to thyroid hormone homeostasis, repair from oxidative damage in the brain and endocrine tissues, cell signalling, immune function and basic metabolic processes. Selenium is a target of mercury, which tightly binds the selenium molecule, making it unavailable for biological use and disrupting selenium biochemistry. Conversely, selenium can bind mercury, rendering it inert. Dietary selenium, especially from low-mercury deep ocean fish, can counteract the negative effects of mercury exposure. more
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Blog to Continue, End of Face to Face Meetings
“Parents of Individuals with Autism Support Group”
Sponsored by The McCarton Outreach Department
Facilitated by Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D, Nicole Pearson, M.A. & Kristin Foley, M.Ed.
The McCarton Outreach Parent Support Group is open to ALL PARENTS of individuals with autism across the age and ability spectrum. Offered as a free service to the autism community, the McCarton Outreach Parent Support Group is designed to facilitate parent-to-parent discourse and, in so doing, find solutions to some of the day-to-day problems they may face. The support group is an open forum wherein parents are encouraged to introduce topics of concern and interest at each meeting.
WHEN: 1st Tuesday of each month, beginning March 1, 2011
Future dates: April 5, 2011
May 3, 2011
June 7, 2011
August 2, 2011
September 6, 2011
October 4, 2011
November 1, 2011
December 6, 2011
TIME: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
LOCATION: The McCarton School Auditorium (1st floor)
331 W 25th Street (bet. 8th and 9th ave)
New York, NY 10001
COST: FREE but RSVP required
Space is limited for support group meetings so please RSVP to Nicole at
npearson@mccartonschool.org and you will receive a confirmation email reply. A monthly reminder will be sent and we ask that you please remember to RSVP each month.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
NYU/Silver School of Social Work Conference
Clinical Approaches for Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum as They Transition
June 4, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm
Kimmel Center for Student Life, 60 Washington Square South
NYU Silver School of Social Work
overview
The conference is a continuation of conference that we have convened related to disability across the life spectrum. This is the first in a seriesthat will focus on specific categories of disability. The autism spectrum has been identified on numerous occasions as a topic that is of great interest and relevance to social workers, mental health and other professionals, educators, and parents.
Less understood, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, individuals on the autism spectrum face significant life challenges that impact them, their family, school, community, social interactions and the work place. Strategies for growth and successful outcomes will be highlighted.
This conference will focus on the spectrum and differential diagnosis, evidence based practices, transition points and how to plan for them and navigate through them, the role of the social worker and other professionals in the transition process, the team and how to build and sustain an effective interdisciplinary team with family and consumer partnerships. Through lectures by professionals, parents, consumers, educators and counselors, participants will be provided with current knowledge, skill building, and resources.
This conference is of value to social workers (agency based, case managers, private practice), rehabilitation counselors, educators, school counselors, advocates, occupational therapists speech therapists, and related professionals.
content summary
Introduction to the Field will address current thinking, an examination of the spectrum and what it means, evidence based practice, transition points, the role of the social worker in transitions, the team and how it works, and family and consumer partnerships. Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD
Consumer Presentation will consist of a personal narrative discussing developmental experiences from a non-speaking child to a college professor, what the journey has been, who has been involved, lessons learned, experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes. Leader: Steve Shore, EdD
Panel Presentation will explore the challenges faced in transitioning from preschool to school, through adolescence and into adulthood, navigating personal, familial, school and work systems. Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW
Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work
Facilitator: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW
Workshops will provide information about the experiences of individuals on the spectrum and the skills and techniques that are effective in maximizing care.
Individual work as well as group work and treatment teams and collaborations will be emphasized..
8:45 - 9:15 am Registration Coffee, light fare
9:15 - 9:20 am Welcome Address Eileen Wolkstein, Ph.D.
9:20 - 10:15 am Introduction to the Field Lynda Geller, PhD
10:15 - 11:00 am Consumer Presentation Steve Shore, EdD
11:15 - 12:30 am Panel Presentation Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW
Parental Perspectives:
C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW and Veronica Acosta
Social Work Perspectives:
Lisa Bell, LMSW; Erica Levy, LMSW; Harry Nussbaum, LMSW
12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:45 - 2:15 pm Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW
2:30 - 4:00 pm WORKSHOPS
From Assessment to Delivering Services: Skills, Techniques, and Resources
Each participant to choose one workshop:
a. Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Leader: Valerie Gaus, PhD
b. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 3-10 Leader: Donna Mizrachi, LMSW and Patricia Mahalko, MS
c. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 10-18 Leader: Ellen McHugh and Lisa Bell, LMSW
d. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 19 and Above Leader: Harry Nussbaum, LMSW; Patricia Schissel, LMSW; Rachel Pollack, JD and Halley Ceglia, LMSW
e. Developing Social Skills: Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD and Rhea Hopper, MS
$90 for the day (incl. breakfast & materials) Silver School of Social Work
25% discount for Silver School of Social Work Alumni, Field Instructors, and agency groups of 3 or more.
7 CEUs will be awarded for the day.
Name:
Email:
Mailing Address:
Phone :
Degree earned:
Title: Agency:
NYU SSSW alumni Year of graduation:
Make check payable to: NYU Social Work
Mail or fax this form to:
New York University
Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Room 205
New York, NY 10003
Attention: Priany Hadiatmodjo, Training Manager
Fax: 212.995.4172
Co-Sponsored by:
Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) and Young Adult
Institute (YAI), Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)
June 4, 2009 9:00am - 4:00pm
Kimmel Center for Student Life, 60 Washington Square South
NYU Silver School of Social Work
overview
The conference is a continuation of conference that we have convened related to disability across the life spectrum. This is the first in a seriesthat will focus on specific categories of disability. The autism spectrum has been identified on numerous occasions as a topic that is of great interest and relevance to social workers, mental health and other professionals, educators, and parents.
Less understood, often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, individuals on the autism spectrum face significant life challenges that impact them, their family, school, community, social interactions and the work place. Strategies for growth and successful outcomes will be highlighted.
This conference will focus on the spectrum and differential diagnosis, evidence based practices, transition points and how to plan for them and navigate through them, the role of the social worker and other professionals in the transition process, the team and how to build and sustain an effective interdisciplinary team with family and consumer partnerships. Through lectures by professionals, parents, consumers, educators and counselors, participants will be provided with current knowledge, skill building, and resources.
This conference is of value to social workers (agency based, case managers, private practice), rehabilitation counselors, educators, school counselors, advocates, occupational therapists speech therapists, and related professionals.
content summary
Introduction to the Field will address current thinking, an examination of the spectrum and what it means, evidence based practice, transition points, the role of the social worker in transitions, the team and how it works, and family and consumer partnerships. Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD
Consumer Presentation will consist of a personal narrative discussing developmental experiences from a non-speaking child to a college professor, what the journey has been, who has been involved, lessons learned, experiences, trials, tribulations, and successes. Leader: Steve Shore, EdD
Panel Presentation will explore the challenges faced in transitioning from preschool to school, through adolescence and into adulthood, navigating personal, familial, school and work systems. Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW
Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work
Facilitator: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW
Workshops will provide information about the experiences of individuals on the spectrum and the skills and techniques that are effective in maximizing care.
Individual work as well as group work and treatment teams and collaborations will be emphasized..
8:45 - 9:15 am Registration Coffee, light fare
9:15 - 9:20 am Welcome Address Eileen Wolkstein, Ph.D.
9:20 - 10:15 am Introduction to the Field Lynda Geller, PhD
10:15 - 11:00 am Consumer Presentation Steve Shore, EdD
11:15 - 12:30 am Panel Presentation Facilitator: Patricia Schissel, LMSW
Parental Perspectives:
C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW and Veronica Acosta
Social Work Perspectives:
Lisa Bell, LMSW; Erica Levy, LMSW; Harry Nussbaum, LMSW
12:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:45 - 2:15 pm Techniques of Practice in the Context of Social Work: C. Faith Kappenberg, PhD, LCSW
2:30 - 4:00 pm WORKSHOPS
From Assessment to Delivering Services: Skills, Techniques, and Resources
Each participant to choose one workshop:
a. Applications of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Leader: Valerie Gaus, PhD
b. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 3-10 Leader: Donna Mizrachi, LMSW and Patricia Mahalko, MS
c. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 10-18 Leader: Ellen McHugh and Lisa Bell, LMSW
d. Service Delivery for Individuals Aged 19 and Above Leader: Harry Nussbaum, LMSW; Patricia Schissel, LMSW; Rachel Pollack, JD and Halley Ceglia, LMSW
e. Developing Social Skills: Leader: Lynda Geller, PhD and Rhea Hopper, MS
$90 for the day (incl. breakfast & materials) Silver School of Social Work
25% discount for Silver School of Social Work Alumni, Field Instructors, and agency groups of 3 or more.
7 CEUs will be awarded for the day.
Name:
Email:
Mailing Address:
Phone :
Degree earned:
Title: Agency:
NYU SSSW alumni Year of graduation:
Make check payable to: NYU Social Work
Mail or fax this form to:
New York University
Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Room 205
New York, NY 10003
Attention: Priany Hadiatmodjo, Training Manager
Fax: 212.995.4172
Co-Sponsored by:
Federation Employment and Guidance Services (FEGS) and Young Adult
Institute (YAI), Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA)
UJA Autism Symposium
UJA-Federation Autism SymposiumPromoting Inclusion: Best Practices for Education, Vocation, and Socialization Across the Age Continuum
Details and registration http://www.ujafedny.org/autismsymposium09
A symposium for agency executives, program directors, school administrators, and parents.
Organized in Collaboration With The Hilibrand Foundation
Program
Breakfast and Registration (8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Welcome and Introductions (9:00 – 9:15 a.m.)
Keynote, Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair of Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research (9:15 –10:15 a.m.)
Today, families and learners with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond employment to include such measures of quality of life as personal satisfaction, choice, control, and happiness. This presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting adults with an ASD label to lives of competence and quality. Particular attention will be paid to understanding social challenges that can limit individual opportunities, positive behavior support, and personal independence across multiple environments.
Q&A With Keynote (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)
Break (10:45 – 11:00 a.m.)
Panel: Promoting Independence: Best Practices to Achieve Success in the Workforce, Institutions of higher education, and Independent Living (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
This panel will address multiple strategies to promote a successful transition toward vocation, higher education, and independent living for young adults spanning the autism spectrum. The panelists will discuss the range of skills necessary to obtain employment, higher education, and live independently, as well as the additional roles of job coaches, professional advocates, and parents in assisting with the transition process and offering ongoing support. Panelists will further provide insight as to best supporting host agencies to ensure a mutually successful experience for both the employee and employer.
Panel will feature:
* Michael Storz, M.B.A., Director of Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program and Executive Vice President of Chapel Haven, Inc.
* James Rein, President of B&R Resources, Inc
* New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals With Disabilities (VESID)
o Debbie Gross, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
o Paola Nappo, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
Q&A With Panelists (12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)
Afternoon Lecture: No More Meltdowns: Positive behavioral supports to manage and prevent challenging behaviors.: Jed Baker (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)
Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This presentation will describe how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.
Q&A With Jed Baker (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)
Break (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.)
Afternoon Breakout Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Title: Social Skills across the age continuum
Presenter: Jed Baker, Ph.D., Director of the Social Skills Training Project
Description: This breakout session will address social skills and positive behavioral supports for students with Autism, Aspergers and other Social-Communication Problems. We will review strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.
Title: Social Groups with LST – Language/Sensory/Technology
Presenter: Phoebe Tucker, Speech/Language Pathologist, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist, and Director of the Montano Assistive Technology Center — A Division of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern Connecticut
Description: Learn the role of the three senses and how they effect communication outcomes. Preview software and voice-output devices that solidify concepts. Discover a pioneer intervention — virtual reality — as it relates to social interaction. Learn strategies for intervention that include the nuances of communication, critical for an older person’s success with peers and prospective employers. Win Point for Technology prizes based on your interaction during presentation
Title: Best Practices for Inclusion in the School Environment: A Case Study of an Elementary School
Presenters: Julie Cohen, Ph.D., Private Practice With Children and Families in Stamford, Connecticut, and Former School Psychologist at Parkway School Greenwich, Connecticut; and Sandra Mond, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Description: This presentation will offer the discussion of an effective inclusion model in a school community, including techniques to support classroom and special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, special needs and typical students, as well as other members of the school community, such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers. Some of these practices are modifications in programming and curriculum, parent support groups and workshops, sibling groups, a "circle of friends," and inclusive social-skills groups. Both positive and negative experiences will be explored, and presenters will welcome input and questions.
Title: Social-Skills Instruction for Transition-Age Youth With ASDs
Presenter: Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Pediatrics in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Description: Social-skills problems are a significant barrier for many people with ASDs. This interactive breakout session will lead attendees through a process for understanding why social-skills problems are likely and then provide a “menu” of common-sense, easy ways to improve social skills. This presentation will focus on transition-age youth.
Conclusion and Evaluations (3:45 – 4:00 p.m.)
Details and registration http://www.ujafedny.org/autismsymposium09
A symposium for agency executives, program directors, school administrators, and parents.
Organized in Collaboration With The Hilibrand Foundation
Program
Breakfast and Registration (8:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Welcome and Introductions (9:00 – 9:15 a.m.)
Keynote, Peter F. Gerhardt, Ed.D., President and Chair of Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research (9:15 –10:15 a.m.)
Today, families and learners with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond employment to include such measures of quality of life as personal satisfaction, choice, control, and happiness. This presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting adults with an ASD label to lives of competence and quality. Particular attention will be paid to understanding social challenges that can limit individual opportunities, positive behavior support, and personal independence across multiple environments.
Q&A With Keynote (10:15 – 10:45 a.m.)
Break (10:45 – 11:00 a.m.)
Panel: Promoting Independence: Best Practices to Achieve Success in the Workforce, Institutions of higher education, and Independent Living (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon)
This panel will address multiple strategies to promote a successful transition toward vocation, higher education, and independent living for young adults spanning the autism spectrum. The panelists will discuss the range of skills necessary to obtain employment, higher education, and live independently, as well as the additional roles of job coaches, professional advocates, and parents in assisting with the transition process and offering ongoing support. Panelists will further provide insight as to best supporting host agencies to ensure a mutually successful experience for both the employee and employer.
Panel will feature:
* Michael Storz, M.B.A., Director of Asperger’s Syndrome Adult Transition Program and Executive Vice President of Chapel Haven, Inc.
* James Rein, President of B&R Resources, Inc
* New York State Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals With Disabilities (VESID)
o Debbie Gross, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
o Paola Nappo, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at VESID
Q&A With Panelists (12:00 noon – 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch (12:30 – 1:15 p.m.)
Afternoon Lecture: No More Meltdowns: Positive behavioral supports to manage and prevent challenging behaviors.: Jed Baker (1:15 – 2:00 p.m.)
Students on the autism spectrum often present with difficulty regulating their feelings and interacting socially. This presentation will describe how to handle meltdowns and design effective behavior plans to prevent these moments and reduce frustration and anxiety.
Q&A With Jed Baker (2:00 – 2:30 p.m.)
Break (2:30 – 2:45 p.m.)
Afternoon Breakout Session (2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
Title: Social Skills across the age continuum
Presenter: Jed Baker, Ph.D., Director of the Social Skills Training Project
Description: This breakout session will address social skills and positive behavioral supports for students with Autism, Aspergers and other Social-Communication Problems. We will review strategies to motivate students to learn, ways to teach social skills, how to generalize skills into the natural setting and increase acceptance and tolerance from peers.
Title: Social Groups with LST – Language/Sensory/Technology
Presenter: Phoebe Tucker, Speech/Language Pathologist, Augmentative/Alternative Communication Specialist, and Director of the Montano Assistive Technology Center — A Division of United Cerebral Palsy Association of Southern Connecticut
Description: Learn the role of the three senses and how they effect communication outcomes. Preview software and voice-output devices that solidify concepts. Discover a pioneer intervention — virtual reality — as it relates to social interaction. Learn strategies for intervention that include the nuances of communication, critical for an older person’s success with peers and prospective employers. Win Point for Technology prizes based on your interaction during presentation
Title: Best Practices for Inclusion in the School Environment: A Case Study of an Elementary School
Presenters: Julie Cohen, Ph.D., Private Practice With Children and Families in Stamford, Connecticut, and Former School Psychologist at Parkway School Greenwich, Connecticut; and Sandra Mond, Ph.D., Educational Consultant
Description: This presentation will offer the discussion of an effective inclusion model in a school community, including techniques to support classroom and special-education teachers, paraprofessionals, parents, special needs and typical students, as well as other members of the school community, such as cafeteria workers, custodians, and bus drivers. Some of these practices are modifications in programming and curriculum, parent support groups and workshops, sibling groups, a "circle of friends," and inclusive social-skills groups. Both positive and negative experiences will be explored, and presenters will welcome input and questions.
Title: Social-Skills Instruction for Transition-Age Youth With ASDs
Presenter: Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Pediatrics in New Brunswick, New Jersey
Description: Social-skills problems are a significant barrier for many people with ASDs. This interactive breakout session will lead attendees through a process for understanding why social-skills problems are likely and then provide a “menu” of common-sense, easy ways to improve social skills. This presentation will focus on transition-age youth.
Conclusion and Evaluations (3:45 – 4:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
March 22: Adaptive Technology Fair at the JCC, 76th & Amsterdam
Adaptive Technology Fair: Pre K-5
Innovative ‘assistive technologies’ (AT) can dramatically change the way challenged students of all abilities become successful learners during the critical years from preschool to elementary school. Experts in the field will address educators, therapists and parents on current research in the use of AT for literacy, communication, improving attention, cognitive development and physical access to educational materials. On exhibit will be a range of effective technologies available with opportunities for ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. Co-sponsored with CogniTech Café and Pace University Thinkfinity Initiative.
Sun, Mar 22, 3:30-6:30pm
Free HSRATT00W9
To register call 646.505.5708 or visit jccmanhattan.org
Please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460, for additional information.
Innovative ‘assistive technologies’ (AT) can dramatically change the way challenged students of all abilities become successful learners during the critical years from preschool to elementary school. Experts in the field will address educators, therapists and parents on current research in the use of AT for literacy, communication, improving attention, cognitive development and physical access to educational materials. On exhibit will be a range of effective technologies available with opportunities for ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. Co-sponsored with CogniTech Café and Pace University Thinkfinity Initiative.
Sun, Mar 22, 3:30-6:30pm
Free HSRATT00W9
To register call 646.505.5708 or visit jccmanhattan.org
Please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460, for additional information.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Protect Services for People With Developmental Disabilities
The Governor’s budget proposals will greatly damage critical services for people with developmental disabilities:
No trend (cost of living increase) for OMRDD services. For the first time in 15 years, there is no trend for OMRDD services! The trend provides a salary increase for the hardworking and underpaid direct support staff who keep our children safe and help them gain new skills. The trend is critical in helping to stem the turnover of our valued direct support staff! It’s downright heartless to deprive direct support staff in voluntary agencies of a trend, while staff who do exactly the same work for the state will get a trend as part of their contract!
Cuts to day habilitation services. Day habilitation services provide education and life skills experiences to 10,000 adults every day, through small-group community activities. The Governor is proposing a huge cut to these services, amounting to a total annual loss of $28 million—a huge 4%! In addition, he is asking for a regional flat fee for all day habilitation programs, so that, for example, a program serving people with complex medical needs who require intensive staffing would receive the same fee as a program serving people who require a much lower staffing ratio. Day habilitation programs cannot absorb these two cuts without (a) rejecting individuals with more severe disabilities; (b) cutting staff, thereby endangering individuals’ safety; or (c) shortening program hours, thus jeopardizing the jobs of the many parents who will have to stay home to care for their children!
Moratorium on residential development. Residential projects currently in progress have been delayed, cancelled, or put on indefinite hold because the proposed budget provides only minimal funding for residential development. The Governor’s budget breaks New York State’s commitment, guaranteed in law, to provide residential services for families who are too old or infirm to continue caring for their adult disabled children at home. Parents are frightened about their children’s future!
Federal stimulus money should be used to preserve essential services for people with developmental disabilities:
The federal stimulus bill will send billions of dollars in federal money to New York State, including $11 billion for Medicaid funding for human services. This money can help to restore the cuts and provide vital increases. But only if we speak up! We face tremendous competition from other groups for the available federal funds. We must make our voices heard!
Call or e-mail the Governor and key legislators today. Visit your own local legislators in their home offices. Keep calling and writing. E-mail and calls should be continuous. Get family and friends to call, too. Volume is critical.
Use the following message, use the website below, or use your own message:
We urge you to use federal stimulus money to support services for people with developmental disabilities:
Don’t penalize our dedicated and underpaid direct support staff. Restore the trend for OMRDD services!
Don’t devastate day habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. Restore the 4% cut and reject the regional fees for day habilitation services!
Uphold New York’s commitment to families unable to continue caring for their adult children at home. Provide sufficient resources for residential development for families in need!
Contact 5 State Legislators:
You can easily contact all 5 at this website: Go to www.nysacra.org , click on Resources, click on Action Center, scroll down to Action Alert – Protect Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, click on Take Action, and follow the simple instructions.
To call or send your own e-mail:
Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390 or http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: 518-455-3791 or 212-312-1420 or Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith: 518-455-2701 or 718-528-4290 or Masmith@senate.state.ny.us
To find your own state Assemblymember: 518-455-4100 or www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem
To find your own state Senator: 518-455-2800 or www.senate.state.ny.us; click on Senators
No trend (cost of living increase) for OMRDD services. For the first time in 15 years, there is no trend for OMRDD services! The trend provides a salary increase for the hardworking and underpaid direct support staff who keep our children safe and help them gain new skills. The trend is critical in helping to stem the turnover of our valued direct support staff! It’s downright heartless to deprive direct support staff in voluntary agencies of a trend, while staff who do exactly the same work for the state will get a trend as part of their contract!
Cuts to day habilitation services. Day habilitation services provide education and life skills experiences to 10,000 adults every day, through small-group community activities. The Governor is proposing a huge cut to these services, amounting to a total annual loss of $28 million—a huge 4%! In addition, he is asking for a regional flat fee for all day habilitation programs, so that, for example, a program serving people with complex medical needs who require intensive staffing would receive the same fee as a program serving people who require a much lower staffing ratio. Day habilitation programs cannot absorb these two cuts without (a) rejecting individuals with more severe disabilities; (b) cutting staff, thereby endangering individuals’ safety; or (c) shortening program hours, thus jeopardizing the jobs of the many parents who will have to stay home to care for their children!
Moratorium on residential development. Residential projects currently in progress have been delayed, cancelled, or put on indefinite hold because the proposed budget provides only minimal funding for residential development. The Governor’s budget breaks New York State’s commitment, guaranteed in law, to provide residential services for families who are too old or infirm to continue caring for their adult disabled children at home. Parents are frightened about their children’s future!
Federal stimulus money should be used to preserve essential services for people with developmental disabilities:
The federal stimulus bill will send billions of dollars in federal money to New York State, including $11 billion for Medicaid funding for human services. This money can help to restore the cuts and provide vital increases. But only if we speak up! We face tremendous competition from other groups for the available federal funds. We must make our voices heard!
Call or e-mail the Governor and key legislators today. Visit your own local legislators in their home offices. Keep calling and writing. E-mail and calls should be continuous. Get family and friends to call, too. Volume is critical.
Use the following message, use the website below, or use your own message:
We urge you to use federal stimulus money to support services for people with developmental disabilities:
Don’t penalize our dedicated and underpaid direct support staff. Restore the trend for OMRDD services!
Don’t devastate day habilitation services for adults with developmental disabilities. Restore the 4% cut and reject the regional fees for day habilitation services!
Uphold New York’s commitment to families unable to continue caring for their adult children at home. Provide sufficient resources for residential development for families in need!
Contact 5 State Legislators:
You can easily contact all 5 at this website: Go to www.nysacra.org , click on Resources, click on Action Center, scroll down to Action Alert – Protect Services for People with Developmental Disabilities, click on Take Action, and follow the simple instructions.
To call or send your own e-mail:
Governor David Paterson: 518-474-8390 or http://161.11.121.121/govemail
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver: 518-455-3791 or 212-312-1420 or Speaker@assembly.state.ny.us
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith: 518-455-2701 or 718-528-4290 or Masmith@senate.state.ny.us
To find your own state Assemblymember: 518-455-4100 or www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem
To find your own state Senator: 518-455-2800 or www.senate.state.ny.us; click on Senators
Friday, February 06, 2009
Reach for the Stars Benefit
Laughing
Matters
A Cocktails, Dinner* and Comedy Revue
To Benefit
THE REACH FOR THE STARS LEARNING CENTER
FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
April 1st 2009- 6:30 PM
MANHATTANPENTHOUSE
80 5th AveNew York, NY10011
Featuring
Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central)
Mark Anthony Ramirez (Comic Remix)
Bill & Betty Holland (Punch 59)
Susannah Perlman (Last Comic Standing)
Dave Konig (HBO/Showtime)
To Purchase Tickets Go To
Or call 347 284-6087
*Kosher Catering and Supervision by
Zami Catering 707 Avenue U Brooklyn, NY 11223
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Rethink Autism: FREE ABA for Tri-State Children
At this point, this organization is recruiting families to test their service model and develop training and demonstration materials for the program. Hence, they are offering ABA services free of charge to area families with children aged 4 - 12. This is an intriguing model and possibly worth trying out if you have lost ABA services in the transition to preschool or kindergarden. -- LD
Our Mission
The mission of Rethink Autism is empowering parents, caregivers and schools with access to effective and affordable treatment delivery options for the growing population affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Our Focus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 150 new born children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as the leading intervention methodology and has been endorsed by a number of federal and state agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New York State Department of Health, and the U.S. Surgeon General.
Our Services
While the effectiveness of ABA is widely recognized, the controlled availability of credentialed providers and high cost of this intervention, as much as $70,000 to $100,000 per year for the prescribed 25-40 hours/week of therapy, limit its potential benefit for the growing population affected by ASD. The absence of insurance coverage and limited public support services amplify this challenge for typical families caring for an affected child.
Rethink Autism is creating a unique online service providing caregivers with training for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based interventions, tools for evaluating an individual child’s needs, a comprehensive video-based curriculum with hundreds of exercises, tracking systems for measuring a child’s progress, information on ASD and a 24-hour support system wherever the caregiver is located. Using structured video training segments featuring ABA principles and techniques, parents and caregivers will be instructed on how to teach their children academic, social, emotional, language and play skills. Online support for subscribers will be provided through a combination of curriculum planning tools, reporting functions and 24/7 online customer service and the Company plans to develop its services in both English and Spanish.
Rethink Autism will donate a share of the Company’s profits to support autism awareness and research. In addition, the company will develop a subscription assistance program for qualified low-income families. Rethink Autism also believes over time that its real-time collection of user data can be appropriately shared with the autism research community to significantly aid in the understanding of ASD at the grassroots level.
For more information, contact:
info@rethinkautism.com or (646) 257-2919, x202
Rethink Autism Inc.
19 W. 21st St., Ste. 403
New York, NY 10010
Our Mission
The mission of Rethink Autism is empowering parents, caregivers and schools with access to effective and affordable treatment delivery options for the growing population affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Our Focus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 150 new born children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is widely recognized as the leading intervention methodology and has been endorsed by a number of federal and state agencies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the New York State Department of Health, and the U.S. Surgeon General.
Our Services
While the effectiveness of ABA is widely recognized, the controlled availability of credentialed providers and high cost of this intervention, as much as $70,000 to $100,000 per year for the prescribed 25-40 hours/week of therapy, limit its potential benefit for the growing population affected by ASD. The absence of insurance coverage and limited public support services amplify this challenge for typical families caring for an affected child.
Rethink Autism is creating a unique online service providing caregivers with training for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based interventions, tools for evaluating an individual child’s needs, a comprehensive video-based curriculum with hundreds of exercises, tracking systems for measuring a child’s progress, information on ASD and a 24-hour support system wherever the caregiver is located. Using structured video training segments featuring ABA principles and techniques, parents and caregivers will be instructed on how to teach their children academic, social, emotional, language and play skills. Online support for subscribers will be provided through a combination of curriculum planning tools, reporting functions and 24/7 online customer service and the Company plans to develop its services in both English and Spanish.
Rethink Autism will donate a share of the Company’s profits to support autism awareness and research. In addition, the company will develop a subscription assistance program for qualified low-income families. Rethink Autism also believes over time that its real-time collection of user data can be appropriately shared with the autism research community to significantly aid in the understanding of ASD at the grassroots level.
For more information, contact:
info@rethinkautism.com or (646) 257-2919, x202
Rethink Autism Inc.
19 W. 21st St., Ste. 403
New York, NY 10010
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Brooklyn DD Council Annual Legislative Brunch
The Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council cordially invites you to its Annual Legislative Brunch to discuss with local representatives
The Future of Services, Supports and Funding for Brooklyn Residents with Developmental Disabilities and their Caregivers
Friday, March 6, 2009, 9:30 to Noon
at Gargiulo's Restaurant
2911 West 15th Street, Coney Island, NY 11224
Cost: $25 per person (Families and consumers can contact their service provider regarding fee subsidies)
For registration information, please contact:
Ms. Joyce Levin
HeartShare Human Services
12 MetroTech Center 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-3268
Joyce.levin at heartshare.org
Please RSVP by February 20, 2009
The Future of Services, Supports and Funding for Brooklyn Residents with Developmental Disabilities and their Caregivers
Friday, March 6, 2009, 9:30 to Noon
at Gargiulo's Restaurant
2911 West 15th Street, Coney Island, NY 11224
Cost: $25 per person (Families and consumers can contact their service provider regarding fee subsidies)
For registration information, please contact:
Ms. Joyce Levin
HeartShare Human Services
12 MetroTech Center 29th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 422-3268
Joyce.levin at heartshare.org
Please RSVP by February 20, 2009
Support at the JCC: Parents of Adults, Adult Siblings, Grandparents, Parents, and Parents of Teens, Whew!
Support Group for Parents of Adult Children with Learning Disabilities and Other Developmental Delays
This group will provide an opportunity for parents of adult children to come together, in a small group format, to share resources, problem solve, gain support and build community. Parents of young adults face issues and concerns related to the independent activities of daily life and the future goals of their children. These concerns, as well as others, will be addressed with experienced support group facilitators, Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.
For additional information & intake please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
11 Mondays: Feb 2 & 16, Mar 2,16 & 30, Apr 27, May 11, Jun 8 & 22, July 6 & 20
5:45-7:15pm FSASPT01W9
7:30-9:00pm FSASPT02W9
$330/$350
Adult Sibling Support Group
This group provides support for adult siblings who grew up in families where a brother or sister had special needs. In a small group format, the personal experiences of the participants will be shared as a way to better understand and cope with some of the life-long issues they face as siblings. Emotional support, insight, strategies and community will be facilitated.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
6 Wednesdays: Feb 11, Mar 18, Apr 22, May 13, Jun 17, Jul 15
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRSIB00W9
Pre-registration is required
Please call Hannah Cohen for information at 646-505-4460
Grandparent Support Group
A support group is designed to help grandparents deal constructively with the challenges that face their families when a grandchild has special needs. Share with other grandparents the range of feelings and stressors that make up this unexpected journey.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
6 Wednesdays: Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, May 20, Jun 24, Jul 22
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRGSG00W9
To register call 646.505.5708, or visit www.jccmanhattan.org/specialneeds
Pre-registration is required.
For additional information, please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
Groups for Parents of Children with Developmental Challenges
This group provides support for parents of children who have been identified with developmental challenges. The combined expertise of the facilitators and the parents’ personal experience provides resources, networking, strategies, therapy options, emotional support and community. Facilitated by Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
13 Mondays: Feb 9 & 23, Mar 9 & 23, Apr 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, Jun 1, 15 & 29, Jul 13 & 27
Section 1: noon-1:30pm $325/$390 HSRDEV01W9
Section 2: 5:45-7:15pm $325/$390 HSRDEV02W9
Section 3: 7:30-9pm $325/$390 HSRDEV03W9
11 Tuesdays: Feb 10 &24, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 28, May 12 & 26, Jun 9 &23, Jul 7 & 21
Section 4: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV04W9
Section 5: 7:30-9pm $275/$330 HSRDEV05W9
11 Tuesdays: Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 7, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
Section 6: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV06W9
Prior to registration, please call Hannah Cohen at 646-505-4460
Registration for groups is ongoing and a prorated fee will be offered to those who begin anytime after the scheduled start date.
Limited scholarships available.
Grandparent, Father and Sibling Support Groups are also offered.
Support Group for Parents of Teens with Developmental Disabilities & LD
New challenges arise for parents whose children have reached their teen (12-18) years. This group will provide an opportunity to address these challenges, hear from other parents, exchange resources, network and build community with the help of experienced support group facilitators. Facilitators: Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.
For additional information please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
Limited scholarships are available.
11 Tuesdays: : Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 21, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
7:30-9pm
$275/$330 HSRTEE00W9
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
The Samuel Priest Rose Building
334 Amsterdam Ave. @ 76th St.
New York, NY 10023
A beneficiary of UJA-Federation.
This group will provide an opportunity for parents of adult children to come together, in a small group format, to share resources, problem solve, gain support and build community. Parents of young adults face issues and concerns related to the independent activities of daily life and the future goals of their children. These concerns, as well as others, will be addressed with experienced support group facilitators, Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.
For additional information & intake please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
11 Mondays: Feb 2 & 16, Mar 2,16 & 30, Apr 27, May 11, Jun 8 & 22, July 6 & 20
5:45-7:15pm FSASPT01W9
7:30-9:00pm FSASPT02W9
$330/$350
Adult Sibling Support Group
This group provides support for adult siblings who grew up in families where a brother or sister had special needs. In a small group format, the personal experiences of the participants will be shared as a way to better understand and cope with some of the life-long issues they face as siblings. Emotional support, insight, strategies and community will be facilitated.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
6 Wednesdays: Feb 11, Mar 18, Apr 22, May 13, Jun 17, Jul 15
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRSIB00W9
Pre-registration is required
Please call Hannah Cohen for information at 646-505-4460
Grandparent Support Group
A support group is designed to help grandparents deal constructively with the challenges that face their families when a grandchild has special needs. Share with other grandparents the range of feelings and stressors that make up this unexpected journey.
Facilitated by Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
6 Wednesdays: Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, May 20, Jun 24, Jul 22
7:30-9pm
$15/$20 (per meeting) HSRGSG00W9
To register call 646.505.5708, or visit www.jccmanhattan.org/specialneeds
Pre-registration is required.
For additional information, please call Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
Groups for Parents of Children with Developmental Challenges
This group provides support for parents of children who have been identified with developmental challenges. The combined expertise of the facilitators and the parents’ personal experience provides resources, networking, strategies, therapy options, emotional support and community. Facilitated by Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life skills coach working with young adults and families.
13 Mondays: Feb 9 & 23, Mar 9 & 23, Apr 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, Jun 1, 15 & 29, Jul 13 & 27
Section 1: noon-1:30pm $325/$390 HSRDEV01W9
Section 2: 5:45-7:15pm $325/$390 HSRDEV02W9
Section 3: 7:30-9pm $325/$390 HSRDEV03W9
11 Tuesdays: Feb 10 &24, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 28, May 12 & 26, Jun 9 &23, Jul 7 & 21
Section 4: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV04W9
Section 5: 7:30-9pm $275/$330 HSRDEV05W9
11 Tuesdays: Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 7, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
Section 6: 5:45-7:15pm $275/$330 HSRDEV06W9
Prior to registration, please call Hannah Cohen at 646-505-4460
Registration for groups is ongoing and a prorated fee will be offered to those who begin anytime after the scheduled start date.
Limited scholarships available.
Grandparent, Father and Sibling Support Groups are also offered.
Support Group for Parents of Teens with Developmental Disabilities & LD
New challenges arise for parents whose children have reached their teen (12-18) years. This group will provide an opportunity to address these challenges, hear from other parents, exchange resources, network and build community with the help of experienced support group facilitators. Facilitators: Dr. Wendy Kamaiko-Solano, a psychotherapist with a private practice on the UWS and Hannah Cohen, life coach working with young adults and families.
For additional information please contact Hannah Cohen, 646-505-4460
Limited scholarships are available.
11 Tuesdays: : Feb 3, Mar 3, 17 &31, Apr 21, May 19, Jun 2, 16 & 30, Jul 14 & 28
7:30-9pm
$275/$330 HSRTEE00W9
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan
The Samuel Priest Rose Building
334 Amsterdam Ave. @ 76th St.
New York, NY 10023
A beneficiary of UJA-Federation.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Manhattan DD Council Legislative Breakfast: SAVE the DATE
THE MANHATTAN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL INVITES YOU TO ITS 20TH ANNUAL
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
on
FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH, 2008
at
BARNES & NOBLE UNION SQUARE
33 EAST 17TH STREET
8:00-10:00 a.m.
For information, please call 212-677-4650
This annual event is a great place to get up to date on the legislative business affecting individuals with disabilities and the agencies that provide services for them throughout New York City. City and state legislators attend, and the OMRDD Commissioner often provides a summary of the budget outlook for that agency, along with a counterpart from NYC Department of Health on Early Intervention. Some issues that concern the segregated special education programs are also covered.
This is a time efficient and affordable way to put some faces with the names of people you see in advocacy e-mails you might get from our listserv.
With modest city and severe state budget cuts projected, this is a really good way to get informed, and see if you may want to put a trip to Albany on your spring calendar.
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
on
FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH, 2008
at
BARNES & NOBLE UNION SQUARE
33 EAST 17TH STREET
8:00-10:00 a.m.
For information, please call 212-677-4650
This annual event is a great place to get up to date on the legislative business affecting individuals with disabilities and the agencies that provide services for them throughout New York City. City and state legislators attend, and the OMRDD Commissioner often provides a summary of the budget outlook for that agency, along with a counterpart from NYC Department of Health on Early Intervention. Some issues that concern the segregated special education programs are also covered.
This is a time efficient and affordable way to put some faces with the names of people you see in advocacy e-mails you might get from our listserv.
With modest city and severe state budget cuts projected, this is a really good way to get informed, and see if you may want to put a trip to Albany on your spring calendar.
Story Pirates in Brooklyn Heights in Formation
Mom of developmentally delayed 8-year-old son in Brooklyn Heights is forming an inclusion Story Pirates class.
For more info about Story Pirates www.storypirates.org and or
http://www.youtube.com/user/StoryPirates
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE CLASS: MLEVINE@PACKER.EDU
CLASS WILL MEET SATURDAYS AT GRACE CHURCH
12 WEEK SESSION $420
For more info about Story Pirates www.storypirates.org and or
http://www.youtube.com/user/StoryPirates
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE CLASS: MLEVINE@PACKER.EDU
CLASS WILL MEET SATURDAYS AT GRACE CHURCH
12 WEEK SESSION $420
ASA and AMC Movies bring us Sensory-Friendly Movies
Sensory-Friendly Showing of:
Hotel for Dogs
Saturday, January 31st
10:00a.m.
AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.
With Sensory-Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down.
WHERE:
AMC 34th Street 14
312 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-244-8846
AMC Kips Bay 15
570 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-447-0638
AMC Bay Plaza 13
2210 Bartow Avenue
Bronx, NY 10475
718-320-1659
Tickets are $6, and available at the theater box office the day of the event.
Sign up for ASA Manhattan chapter news by mailing rosslovell@gmail.com
Hotel for Dogs
Saturday, January 31st
10:00a.m.
AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society of America have teamed up to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.
With Sensory-Friendly Films, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down.
WHERE:
AMC 34th Street 14
312 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-244-8846
AMC Kips Bay 15
570 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-447-0638
AMC Bay Plaza 13
2210 Bartow Avenue
Bronx, NY 10475
718-320-1659
Tickets are $6, and available at the theater box office the day of the event.
Sign up for ASA Manhattan chapter news by mailing rosslovell@gmail.com
Friday, January 09, 2009
Study Recruitment for "Simplex" Families
At my house, we are enrolled in the AGRE Genetic Study, which uses samples from multiply affected families to focus the population sample. The Simons Foundation has now funded a genetic study that is enrolling "simplex" families, where there is one spectrum and one or more typical children.
Dear Parents,
The Simons Simplex Collection is following in the tradition set by AGRE in setting up a biobank of phenotype and biological samples of families with exactly one child with ASD and at least one child with typical development to be available to interested scientists around the world.
We are looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Columbia University is one of 11 clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada that are recruiting families to participate. The Simons Foundation provides support to researchers studying ASD. For additional information about the Simons Foundation, see: www.simonsfoundation.org and http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05349/622925.stm
For this study, we are recruiting families who have:
- One child aged four or older with an ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis,
- (Preferably) one or more child(ren) age three or older without ASD, and
- Both biological parents also willing to participate.
Family participation in this study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. Families are also asked for permission to donate a portion of their blood samples to the Simons Simplex Collection. The Simons Simplex Collection obtains, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD. Through performing genetic analyses, we hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.
Each family member will receive $50 upon completion of the protocol. We will also provide each family with a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. We look forward to working with you in the near future.
Regards,
Cassandra D’Accordo
Recruitment Coordinator
________________________________________
Name of Study: “Genetics of Developmental Differences” and “Molecular and Family Genetics of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (Simons Simplex Collection)”
Location: New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032
Eligibility Criteria: One child age 4 or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis, and both biological parents willing to participate
Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, MD
Contact Information:
Research Coordination (phone: 212-543-6705, e-mail: autismresearch@childpsych.columbia.edu)
Cassandra D’Accordo, Recruitment Coordinator (212-543-0153, daccordc@childpsych.columbia.edu)
While I can't say that AGRE has provided us with work product that changed my boys' lives, they've been accommodating at every turn (even sending the phlebotomist to our house once!), and provided reports on what they measured.
I know we all have overburdened family lives, and many have at best mixed views of the utility of genetic study, but I that, like AGRE, this is a smart study design and worth encouraging your participation. Their recruitment letter follows. --LD
Dear Parents,
The Simons Simplex Collection is following in the tradition set by AGRE in setting up a biobank of phenotype and biological samples of families with exactly one child with ASD and at least one child with typical development to be available to interested scientists around the world.
We are looking for families interested in helping researchers understand the genetic causes of ASD. Sponsored by the Simons Foundation, Columbia University is one of 11 clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada that are recruiting families to participate. The Simons Foundation provides support to researchers studying ASD. For additional information about the Simons Foundation, see: www.simonsfoundation.org and http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05349/622925.stm
For this study, we are recruiting families who have:
- One child aged four or older with an ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis,
- (Preferably) one or more child(ren) age three or older without ASD, and
- Both biological parents also willing to participate.
Family participation in this study involves the completion of interviews, questionnaires, and a blood draw. Families are also asked for permission to donate a portion of their blood samples to the Simons Simplex Collection. The Simons Simplex Collection obtains, stores, and distributes DNA to researchers who are studying the genetics of ASD. Through performing genetic analyses, we hope to discover information that will help us better understand and treat this disorder.
Each family member will receive $50 upon completion of the protocol. We will also provide each family with a brief written report describing the results of the assessment.
Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. We look forward to working with you in the near future.
Regards,
Cassandra D’Accordo
Recruitment Coordinator
________________________________________
Name of Study: “Genetics of Developmental Differences” and “Molecular and Family Genetics of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (Simons Simplex Collection)”
Location: New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032
Eligibility Criteria: One child age 4 or older with ASD or a suspected ASD diagnosis, and both biological parents willing to participate
Principal Investigator: Bradley Peterson, MD
Contact Information:
Research Coordination (phone: 212-543-6705, e-mail: autismresearch@childpsych.columbia.edu)
Cassandra D’Accordo, Recruitment Coordinator (212-543-0153, daccordc@childpsych.columbia.edu)
Monday, January 05, 2009
AHRC New York City's Family Education Series
How to Access Appropriate Educational Services for Your Child with Autism
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
6pm-8pm
AHRC Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212/780-2713 Fax: 212/780-2353
Upcoming 2009 Sessions
The following is a list of Family Education Sessions for 2009. Please contact Donna Gifford at 212/780-2713 or Jennifer Amendola at 212/895-3446 if you are interested in attending.
January 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC Middle/High School
1201 66th Street, Brooklyn NY 11219
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
February 2009
Topic: Advocacy 101, Ask the Advocate
Location: Institute for Basic Research (IBR), Seminar Room, 1st Floor, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
February 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
March 2009
Topic: Turning 5: Transitioning from Preschool
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
March 2009
Topic: Your Child’s IEP:
What Every Parent Needs to Know
Location: AHRC’s Bronx Day Hab
1500 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
April 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
April 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
May 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Dean O’Hare
113 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
June 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Weinberg Adult Day Center
32-03 39th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
June 2009
Topic: Respite Services: Do You Need A Break?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, June 24 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
6pm-8pm
AHRC Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Phone: 212/780-2713 Fax: 212/780-2353
Upcoming 2009 Sessions
The following is a list of Family Education Sessions for 2009. Please contact Donna Gifford at 212/780-2713 or Jennifer Amendola at 212/895-3446 if you are interested in attending.
January 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC Middle/High School
1201 66th Street, Brooklyn NY 11219
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
February 2009
Topic: Advocacy 101, Ask the Advocate
Location: Institute for Basic Research (IBR), Seminar Room, 1st Floor, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
February 2009
Topic: Overview OMRDD/Waiver Services:
How do I know what services I am entitled to?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
March 2009
Topic: Turning 5: Transitioning from Preschool
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
March 2009
Topic: Your Child’s IEP:
What Every Parent Needs to Know
Location: AHRC’s Bronx Day Hab
1500 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
April 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 10am-12pm
April 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
May 2009
Topic: Guardianship and Future Care Planning:
Providing for your child’s future today
Location: AHRC’s Dean O’Hare
113 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
June 2009
Topic: Overview of Medicaid and Social Security Benefits: Do you understand your benefit options?
Location: AHRC’s Weinberg Adult Day Center
32-03 39th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
June 2009
Topic: Respite Services: Do You Need A Break?
Location: AHRC’s Main Office - Penthouse
83 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
Date: Wednesday, June 24 2009
Time: 6pm-8pm
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Stand Ups Give BAC; a Benefit for the Brooklyn Autism Center- Tuesday, February 3rd
Carolines on Broadway, 1626 Broadway between 49th and 50th Sts. (212)757-4100. Subway N,R ,W to 49th St. 1 to 50th St. Doors open at 7 pm. Show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets- $150 premium seats or $100 general admission per person tax deductible donation includes 2 drinks! You won't want to miss the finest standup comics in New York City when they come together for one night only to support the Brooklyn Autism Center. Scheduled to appear*- David Cross (Mr. Show, Arrested Development), Zach Galifianakis (as seen on Letterman, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel, Comedy Central) , Janeane Garafalo (24, The Larry Sanders Show), Demetri Martin (The Daily Show), John Oliver (The Daily Show), Paul F. Tompkins (Best Week Ever), Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (Late Night with Conan O'Brien) and other surprise guests. Advance tickets can be reserved at www.BrooklynAutismCenter.org via paypal or in cash or check at the door. Hurry! This show will definitely sell out fast.
* final lineup is subject to change
* final lineup is subject to change
Friday, October 31, 2008
College for Students with Disabilities
Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
Invites Educators, Advocates and Parents to a Panel Discussion
College for Students with Disabilities:
Perspectives for Parents and Students on Preparing for College, the Selection and Application Process, and Maximizing the College Experience
Thursday, December 11, 2008 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
5:00 Coffee Reception with Panelists • 5:30 Panel
Credit Suisse, 11 Madison Avenue at 24th Street,
Auditorium Level 2B
Advance Registration $35 ● At the Door $40 (Space Permitting)
Dr. Jack Gentul, Dean of Students at New Jersey Institute of Technology, was the first Coordinator for Students with Disabilities at Rutgers University from 1976-1979. Dr. Gentul was the Director of the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities at NYU from 1983-1999, which served the largest population of students with disabilities in private higher education. He has also served on the Mountain Lakes, NJ K-12 Board of Education and was the Dean of Students at Pace University in Pleasantville.
Owen Parker, recent graduate of Goucher College, currently employed at Rockefeller University.
Jim Rein, nationally recognized lecturer on post-secondary options for learning disabled students, was the Dean of the Vocational Independence Program at the New York Institute of Technology for 20 years. Prior to that he was the Executive Director of the Little Red School House/Elizabeth Irwin High School and Assistant Director of the Churchill School. For the past 2 years he was the head of guidance for the Churchill School, coordinating their college placements.
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Sharpless, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, is currently the Director of the Saul and Gladys Gwirtzman Learning Center of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. She is a member of the faculty of the Derner Institute at Adelphi University and also at the Institute of Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy. Dr. Sharpless is the chair of the Board of Advisors of Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
To register: Mail or fax the form below with your registration fee to:
Panel, Resources for Children with Special Needs
116 East 16th Street, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10003
(212) 677-4650 ● FAX (212) 254-4070
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 11th Panel Registration Form
Name_____________________________________________________________________________________
Company_____________________________________ ____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime phone_____________________email_________________________________________________
Number of people attending_____
□ Check made out to Resources for Children enclosed $_____________
□ Credit Card
□ Visa □ MasterCard □ American Express □ Diners Club
Card account number____________________________________________________________________
Expiration date_________________________ Card Code________________
Signature_________________________________________________________________________________
Charge amount $_________________
Resources for Children with Special Needs is a citywide information, referral, advocacy and training center serving children birth-26, their parents, and the professionals who work on their behalf. Visit us at www.resourcesnyc.org Visit our searchable Database on the Web™ at www.resourcesnycdatabase.org
Invites Educators, Advocates and Parents to a Panel Discussion
College for Students with Disabilities:
Perspectives for Parents and Students on Preparing for College, the Selection and Application Process, and Maximizing the College Experience
Thursday, December 11, 2008 from 5 - 7:30 p.m.
5:00 Coffee Reception with Panelists • 5:30 Panel
Credit Suisse, 11 Madison Avenue at 24th Street,
Auditorium Level 2B
Advance Registration $35 ● At the Door $40 (Space Permitting)
Dr. Jack Gentul, Dean of Students at New Jersey Institute of Technology, was the first Coordinator for Students with Disabilities at Rutgers University from 1976-1979. Dr. Gentul was the Director of the Moses Center for Students with Disabilities at NYU from 1983-1999, which served the largest population of students with disabilities in private higher education. He has also served on the Mountain Lakes, NJ K-12 Board of Education and was the Dean of Students at Pace University in Pleasantville.
Owen Parker, recent graduate of Goucher College, currently employed at Rockefeller University.
Jim Rein, nationally recognized lecturer on post-secondary options for learning disabled students, was the Dean of the Vocational Independence Program at the New York Institute of Technology for 20 years. Prior to that he was the Executive Director of the Little Red School House/Elizabeth Irwin High School and Assistant Director of the Churchill School. For the past 2 years he was the head of guidance for the Churchill School, coordinating their college placements.
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Sharpless, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, is currently the Director of the Saul and Gladys Gwirtzman Learning Center of the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services. She is a member of the faculty of the Derner Institute at Adelphi University and also at the Institute of Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy. Dr. Sharpless is the chair of the Board of Advisors of Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
To register: Mail or fax the form below with your registration fee to:
Panel, Resources for Children with Special Needs
116 East 16th Street, 5th Floor, NY, NY 10003
(212) 677-4650 ● FAX (212) 254-4070
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 11th Panel Registration Form
Name_____________________________________________________________________________________
Company_____________________________________ ____________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime phone_____________________email_________________________________________________
Number of people attending_____
□ Check made out to Resources for Children enclosed $_____________
□ Credit Card
□ Visa □ MasterCard □ American Express □ Diners Club
Card account number____________________________________________________________________
Expiration date_________________________ Card Code________________
Signature_________________________________________________________________________________
Charge amount $_________________
Resources for Children with Special Needs is a citywide information, referral, advocacy and training center serving children birth-26, their parents, and the professionals who work on their behalf. Visit us at www.resourcesnyc.org Visit our searchable Database on the Web™ at www.resourcesnycdatabase.org
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