EnjoyHi5!Autism: Louisiana State Senate > Senators

EnjoyHi5!Autism: Louisiana State Senate > Senators: "May 30,2011 UPDATE Contact the Louisiana State Senate FINANCE Committee about House Bill 1. -Yes, the LA Senate Finance Committee met on Memori..."

EnjoyHi5!Autism: A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

EnjoyHi5!Autism: A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend: "A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend As we remember those who served in our military across the world, let's not be somber in spirit. But, ra..."

Jindal, Louisiana Legislature Budget

HB1

We only have 1 more day to share 'Autism in My State' for Louisiana.

Here is an opinion by the business leader of LABI.

We hope to present various views on issues, whether we agree, are neutral or oppose them.

We believe that people with Disabilities, individuals with intellectal and developmental disabilities, citizens with exceptionalities and constituents with special needs should be afforded options to reach an opinion on any given legislation.

Check the 'EnjoyHi5!Autism' archive (posted to your left) to search for other post regarding HB1, legislation and related links.

Jindal, Louisiana Legislature Playing Chicken With Budget

A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

As we remember those who served in our military across the world, let's not be somber in spirit. But, rather, let's celebrate their service. Let's thank them for protecting freedom, liberty across the world.

We like to visit the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. Events include: ‘Saving History,Preserving Your Family Story'; a performance by the New Orleans Navy Band; The Victory of the Bells; and the Ringing of the Normandy Victory Bell. 504-528-1944 www.nationalww2museum.org

Also, go online to find out ’10 ways to honor those who have fallen in the service of their country’. mymemorialday.org

What about a virtual trip. As you view America's National Parks, think about the price our military has paid so we can live in a beautiful country. www.nps.gov/findapark

Share a thank you tweet on Twitter at #MemorialDay , #HonorTheFallen , #NeverForget .
Additionally, you may express you appreciation at www.militaryfamiliesunited.org .

You might want to consider a "Family Day Out USA" location.
familydayoutusa.com

Then, share with us on "Have AUTISM...Still Travel!' TravBuddy Map
http://www.travbuddy.com/maps/5618234

Remember, if you are enjoying life with a person on the Autism Spectrum, consider the Sensory STAR for 'Sensory-Friendly' hotels and resorts.

www.sensorystar.com/Sensory-Star-Events
www.sensorystar.com/Sensory-Star-Program
www.youtuve.com/watch?v=GF91Qa68cU


Likewise, if you are enjoying a movie this Memorial Day weekend, check for Sensory-Friendly Movies at AMC Entertainment Theaters.
www.amctheatres.com/SFF

Enjoy Memorial Day Weekend by honoring those who served in our military.
Thank a Veteran and military personnel who are still serving around the world.

http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=476

Road Safety and Awareness

Transportation, Pedestrian. Safety and Awareness --- all key concepts for People with disABILITIES, families with Special Needs and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

A drawback of our 5 year olds AUTISMtraits is WANDERING! For nonverbal people or some with limited communication and developing social skills, walking down the street can be just as dangerous as encountering an unsecured, ravenous pitbull dog. See awaare.org - AUTISM Wandering And Elopement Initiative
BEWARE!
STOP!
LOOK BOTH WAYS.
Green means GO, Yellow..., Red... can be complicated concepts for someone on the Autism Spectrum. We had to train our son to understand the 'literal' methods of street saftey.

Maneuvering unsafe sidewalks can be quite challenging for pedestrians with foreground, depth-percerption issues.

Adjusting, Adapting to various environments is still challenging for our son. But, because he enjoys the outdoors,he faces these obstacles head on (excuse the pundt).

Fortunately, our son has received support and related services since the age of 3. His Occupational Therapist and Adaptive Physical Therapy sessions helped train our son to understand the function and relationship of his body in the pedestrian-motor competitive world.

This summer, let's be more mindful of how dangerous the roads, sidewalks, streets and boardwalks can be for people like our son.

Secretary of Transportation RAY laHood has launched his annual 'Click It or Ticket It' Campaign, as well as, 'The Dangers of Distracted Driving'. Both PSA's, LaHood Statements, downloadable safety tools and awareness videos are presented on dot.gov, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube 'On The Go'.

Likewise, Transportation for America has released 'Dangerous By Design'. Delivered to Washington DC, Congresswoman Barbara Boxer is a huge legislative supporter. Learn about walking, riding and road stats for your state. Review state-by-state accident and fatality figures for pedestians. T4A is also on major social networking sites and ac be followed by RSS(Real Simple Syndication).


http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=476

Have a afe and ENJOYable Memorial Day weekend. Honor our Military personnel---past and present.

http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/become-a-member/

Autism Society of America

-Join
-Attend Annual Conference
-Learn about Autism Resources in Your Area
-State Chapters of ASA
-Start a Chapter of ASA


http://www.autism-society.org/get-involved/become-a-member/

HB1: Call LA Legislators - House compromises on cuts to $25B budget

'HB1: Call LA Legislators'

Your Legislators want to hear from you. As a Constituent, your Elected Officials value your opinion.
As a Taxpayer, Constituent, Voter, Resident of Louisiana, you need to decide what your opinion is on HB1. Call, write, email, comment on Legislators social networking sites(Facebook, Twitter, etc...).


Here is another letter we are discussing and emailing to our Legislative Leaders regarding House Bill 1.
The Louisiana House has already voted. The Appropriations Committee has already recommended cuts.
Now, HB1 heads to the Louisiana Senate Finance Committee, possibly on Memorial Day.

May 27, 2011

Many People with disabilities and Families with children who have special needs are depending on our Legislators to remember us when they decide on House Bill 1. As Consumer/Clients, we rely daily on the support and services provided by the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Office For Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Aging and Adult Services, Medicaid Administration, the Department of Children and Family Services, Office of Behavioral Health, the LA Developmental Disabilities Council, Families Helping Families, the LA Family to Family Health Information Center and many more state-wide agencies, providers, funders and organizations. Unfortunately, many of these entities are detrimentally affected by multi-level impacts – if certain HB1 proposed cuts are approved.

Also, many of the funds the Department of Health and Hospitals receives may not qualify to receive federal matching dollars – if certain HB1 proposed cuts are approved. As Constituents who utilize special needs and disability services, we are asking our elected officials in Baton Rouge to hear our voices. If our House AND Senate pass HB1 with cuts to these vital resources, many Louisiana Citizens will face the negative repercussions of having crucial support/services diminished or denied.

We appreciate DHH Secretary Bruce Greenstein for providing insightful reports and impact statements about the essential need for our State Legislators to continue to fund these vital resources for Louisianans with disabilities and special needs. LA Department of Health and Hospitals

Likewise, we appreciate the advocacy efforts of LaCAN(Louisiana Citizens for Action Now) in rallying us via Action Alerts, Legislative Committee Meetings, ‘Yellow Shirts’ Days, Testimonies before our Legislators, Legislative Roundtables, and Disability Rights Rallies at the State Capitol. LaCAN

In closing, my husband and I are showing our son that ‘life on the Autism Spectrum can be ENJOYable.” I am sure many Families with special needs and Adults with disabilities embrace a similar mindset. We need our Legislators to contemplate on how drastic cuts to the Department of Health and Hospitals – as proposed through HB 1 – would hinder, if not deny, these Constituents life-sustaining services and life-fulfilling support and resources. Let’s contact our State Legislators to share our views on House Bill 1.

Brenda Lee Cosse’,
Parent Advocate
Mother of a 5 year old with a developmental disability

Many news media outlets are discussing the major budget cuts proposed by House Bill 1 in Louisiana.
As a Taxpayer, Constituent, Voter, Resident of Louisiana, you need to decide what your opinion is on HB1. Call, write, email, comment on Legislators social networking sites(Facebook, Twitter, etc...).

New Orleans City Business

House compromises on cuts to 25B on budget

Posted: 07:10AM Friday, May 27, 2011
By: The Associated Press
TAGS: Bobby Jindal, Department of Health and Hospitals, Jim Fannin, John Bel Edwards, Medicaid, state budget

House compromises on cuts to $25B budget

'EnjoyHi5!Autism' Related Posts

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Louisiana House of Representatives and Committees

Louisiana State Senate and Committees

HB1 - Call Your Louisiana Legislators

'White House Disability Call' - Follow-up

'White House Disability Call' Follow-up

Yesterday, many of us joined federal agency heads on the phone to receive updates and pose questions about transportation, education and civil rights, labor/compliance for people with disabilities:(see post)
'Enjoying The Hi-5's of Autism - A Family Experience': White House Disability Call

“The Department of Education enforces Section 504 with respect to public and private colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance from the Depart of Education. Under title III(Americans with Disabilities Act), individuals with disabilities, including students with visual impairments, may not be discriminated against in the full and equal enjoyment of all of the goods and services of private colleges and universities;…” U.S. Department of Justice-Civil Rights Division [statement posted on the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education]

Reference links for WHD Call Q & A information:

Dial in for Listeners: (800) 230-1085

Press Release: Office of Civil Rights: 'Guidance on Technology & Rights of Students with Disabilities' - US Dept. of Education

Department of Education Issues Guidance on Rights of Students With Disabilities when Educational Ins

Electronic Book Readers & Accessibility for Students (with Blind or Low Vision)- Letter to College & University Presidents

Joint - Dear Colleague Letter: Electronic Book Readers

Joint Department of Justice and Department of Education "Dear /College or University President Letter on Electronic Book Readers & Accessibility for Students with Blind or Low Vision


Joint-Dear Colleague Letter: Electronic Book Readers

AskArne@ed.gov - Send your Questions, Comments to US Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan

National Center on AIM

Developmental Disabilities Council

We are in the final week of 'Autism in My State' Louisiana series.

Join us in congratulating Mr. Mark Martin as a newly-appointed Member of the LA Developmental Disabilities Council.
We support Governor Jindal's appointment. Also, Mr. Martin was recently selected as the head of the LA Rehabilitation Services.
LRS serves a vital role for individuals with disabilities. LRS provides community support, funding, agency partnerships and resource development:
-Work Pays
-Supported Employment
-Workforce Development
- DHH, LATAN, Red Cross, CACHAN,DCFS,CT

To view LA Rehabilitation Services Reports to the DDC, go to http://www.laddc.org and click on 'Meeting Documents'.

Developmental Disabilities Council

White House Disability Call

White House Disability Call
May 26, 2011 at 3:00PM/Eastern

This White House Disability Group Call is off the record and not for press purposes.

The White House Disability Group Call utilizes FEDERAL RELAY CAPTIONED TEXT with a online support, email contact and a toll free call in number to order the service. PLEASE ONLY USE THIS FEATURE IF YOU ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING.

Conference Call Info.: [U.S. area] Dial in for Listeners:(800) 230-1085

This month's call will include updates on civil rights, health care, and fiscal/budget issues and will feature:

* Secretary of Transportation - Ray LaHood
* Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education - Russlynn Ali
* Director of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Department of Labor - Patricia Shiu

Thus far, our favorite section is the Q&A and favorite topic is about Autism, considered a developmental disability.

Again,this call is off the record and not for press purposes.

White House Disability Group Email Distribution List:

Sensory Play for all Children

'Sensor Play' webinar June 1st!

The spaces are limited! A Free webinar for caregivers and parents on sensory play!
Parents MUST Contact: domahen@lekotek.org

June 1 from 3-4.
General Registration- https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/596658550

"Sensory Play for all Children"
Join Occupational Therapist and Inclusion Advocate Ingrid M. Kanics, OTR/L for this enlightening webinar.
Participants will learn about the seven senses as well as how the brain integrates and uses this sensory information in everyday activities.
The webinar will provide participants with activities in each sensory area that can be used to help children explore and integrate sensory information in their daily lives.

Lekotek Services - Services to Educators - Training
www.lekotek.org
The National Lekotek Center helps families raising a child or children with special needs learn fun, creative, and healthy ways to play together. Lekotek makes toy play and computer play accessible to children with all types of disabilities.


Sensory Play for all Children

'Enjoy Reading in Elegance!'

'Enjoy Reading in Elegance!'

We are sharing excerpts of our Travel.Yahoo.com TravelGuide Review by EnjoyHi5Autism – The Cosse’ Family. Our review, for the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, is entitled,
'Reading in Elegance!'

'Reading in Elegance' is how I felt as a little girl walking up the steps to this huge library. Our Parents encouraged us to enjoy reading. Reading at Milton H. Latter Memorial Library was a regular part of our family schedule.

I was fortunate to attend a birthday celebration.. I took some time to play on the steps, as I had done as a little girl growing up in Uptown New Orleans.

Thinking about bringing our son to enjoy reading at the Milton H. Latter Library. He will be 6 on July 6th ... There is so much for him to see..., experience..., enjoy! A library ---that is in a house...
Although my son is diagnosed with Autism, he enjoys reading. To aide in his acclimation, we will show him photos of Milton H. Latter Memorial Library, let him listen to sounds of the St. Charles Streetcar passing by and a few other transition techniques. Nope! not another hospital visit this time, sweetie..., we are going to the library! We will make sure we take a lot of pictures ... A wonderful world of Reading in Elegance!
Just joined Milton H. Latter Memorial Library on Facebook!

Here is an excerpt of what we shared about Milton H. Latter Memorial Library on our family blog, entitled, 'Enjoying The Hi5s of Autism-A Family Experience'. 'Summer Reading' is the abridged title of this post.
"Are you concerned about your child loosing interest in reading during the summer break?

I grew up about 3 blocks from a library that was housed in a mansion on St. Charles Ave. Reading at Milton H. Latter Memorial Library ... The grounds take up an entire city block! When we moved, ... I wanted to instill this same love of reading in my son that my Parents had bestowed upon me."
[excerpt from 'Summer Reading!:
Home - SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com]

[You see, it wasn't the hugeness of the mansion---for there are many beautiful, historically- significant mansions up and down St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans' The Garden District. But, this one is a huge house for books!}

*The Milton H. Latter Memorial Library mansion has survived The Great Depression, The Civil Rights Movement, Hurricanes Camille, Betsy and Katrina! This huge home for books is still open for you to 'Enjoy Reading in Elegance!'

Save the Date! LANO's 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE]

The Louisiana Association for NonProfit Organizations offers Legislative updates via its Public Policy sector.

Plan to attend LANO's Leadership Conference this August for leaders, funders, key advisers, and volunteers.
LANO is 'a powerful force for good'. LANO is open for Membership: nonProfits, foundations and individuals.

LANO provides a variety of essential NonProfit supports: starting a nonprofit, capacity building plan support seminars, networking, standards for excellence, online Calendar and events promotion, an online store, and much more!

Save the Date! LANO's 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE]

The Louisiana Association of NonProfit Organizations Leadership Conference is open to non-Members.

Registration for the LANO Conference begins online this Friday, May 27th!

LANO was founded by the Council for A Better Louisiana(CABL).
Do you have a state-wide nonprofit or similar entity in your state/country?
LANO supports the LA Budget Project and principles of 'Better Choices for A Better Louisiana'. Check out the BCBL Rally at the LA Capitol in Baton Rouge on May 4th!
Join LANO: Leadership Conference, supportive Membership, 2011 Public Policy Institute

Picture Cards help Communication

Department of Health & Hospitals | State of Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

READ: Secretary Bruce Greenstein's Comments on HB1 proposed cuts affect services for Individuals and Families who depend on special needs service.

Then, RESPOND: to LaCAN and LaTEACH Action Alerts that monitor Louisiana Legislation pertaining to people with disabilities.

LaCAN- Louisiana Citizens for Action Now - http://www.lacanadvocates.org

LaTEACH - Louisiana Together Eduating All CHildren - http://www.lateach.org

LaCAN and LaTEACH are progressive advocates with social networking sites.

Department of Health & Hospitals | State of Louisiana

Additional LA statewide Advocacy:

The Louisiana Advocacy Center u http://www.advocacyla.org

The Office of Governmental Affairs - Louisiana Department of Education - http://www.doe.state.la.us/divisions/legis/all_bills_2011.html

Your Legislator wants to hear from you. Contact your elected legilative leaders during each Legislative Session.

One in six children have a developmental disability - USATODAY.com

Developmental Disabilities

One in six children have a developmental disability - USATODAY.com

Social Thinking: Teaching the Unthinkable? | Autism Support Network

Our son's elementary school created an after-school school-based program to enhance the social skills of Students on the Autism Spectrum.
P.A.L.S. (Play And Learn SocialSkills) is based on the 'Model Me Kids' videos, as well as, the 'Committee For Children' safety curriculum.
Our soon-to-be 6 year old started P.A.L.S. during the 2009-2010 Spring term. He attends once a month.
Or son enjoys his female 'buddy' and they are friends outside of the P.A.L.S. environment.
Our son's communication, peer engagement and personality has blossomed since we enrolled him in P.A.L.S.
The acquired, positive socialization enhancement skills are evident at home and in his community.
Additionally, our P.A.L.S. Teacher/Coordinator advocated for a 'Parents Resource Center'. Ours is housed in the school's Counselor suite. In P.R.C., Parents, connect, advise, watch MMK videos, research ASD and review Autism publications. We are encouraged to sign up for private, one-on-one sessions wth our Child-Student.

Social Thinking: Teaching the Unthinkable? | Autism Support Network

Socialization is possible for people living on the Autism Spectrum.

Video: Advice for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism | Autism Support Network

We're always looking for good, reliable, relevant and applicable info. on Autism for newly-diagnosed families.
Our family became a part of the Autism Spectrum world in 2009. WOW! There is so much more info. available via research, periodicals and professional resources.
Likewise, a plethora of self-help blogs and social networking sites like 'EnjoyHi5Autism' offer personal experiences and advice!

Video: Advice for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism | Autism Support Network

Get help. Share your experiences.

Life can be enjoyable on the Autsim Spectrum.

Meeting the challenge of social pragmatics with students on the autism spectrum | Autism Support Network

Great!
WITH THE recent Aspergers diagnosis, came a specific name for our son's speech/language function: 'Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder'.
This 'Social Pragmatics' article has similar concepts that his Child Development doctor cited.
Knowing 'HOW' to communicate with our child makes living on the Autism Spectrum more enjoyable for him, family, friends, teachers, service providers and doctors.
It's like learning a new language with familiar terms.
This past school year, I noticed that our son's Principal-a former Teacher-primarily talked with our son via a 'Question-Response' format. She was always mindful of eliciting a 2-way CONVERSATION with him. She would pause to give him the time to process the question and organize his answer.
She maintained eye contact, while positioning her body in an non-overbearing distance, as well as, modulate her voice ion a pleasing tone/volume.
Also, his Principal encouraged us to ask the 'reading' questions that reporters/writers use all the time:
WHO?
WHAT?
WHEN?
WHERE?
WHY?
HOW?

Additionally, his Principal always keeps the conversation simple, short and sincere! AND...this is why our son looked forward to talking with hios Principal!


Meeting the challenge of social pragmatics with students on the autism spectrum | Autism Support Network

ENJOY!

Ten steps towards supporting appropriate behavior | Autism Support Network

Hi5!

We are sharing more info. on specific types of Autism, instaed of just general concepts of ASD. Our soon-to-be 6 year old son was recently classified with Asperger Syndrome. Aspergers is considered a 'high-functioning' form of Autism with mild to moderate characteristics of AS.

Ten steps towards supporting appropriate behavior | Autism Support Network

ENJOY!

The Farm of Karen Blixen in Africa

Studying architecture is quite relaxing...
'Out of Africa' Baroness Karen Blixen - pen name Isak Dinesen - Academy Award Motion picture winning movie adapted from her autobiography about life and love in Kenya, Africa
Top 100 favorite screen-adapted autobio- movies!

The Farm of Karen Blixen in Africa: "

3D model by RonJon

'I had a farm in Africa...'. From 1914 to 1931 this was the coffee farm of Karen Blixen (1885-1962), a Danish writer who was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is most...

"

Summer Blockbusters: Movies, Disabilities and more

'AbilityPath summer movie list'

'EnjoyHi5Autism' is interested in the movie 'Fly Away': a Mom whose daughter wants Independence as she grows- living on the Autsim Spectrum


Summer Blockbusters: Movies, Disabilities and more

Advocacy Non-Profits Fiscal Responsibilities

   


'Advocacy Non-Profits  Fiscal Responsibilities'

"Thank you for sharing this National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy study about accountability of NonProfits for Southern States. It is so important that advocacy organizations wisely use monetary resources for the greatest impact. Thank you LANO!" EnjoyHi5!Autism

May 19, 2011 2:47 PM

The above is our Comments to a 'friend' blog, entitled, 'Nonprofit VOTE Blog:  

Yesterday, NPVB shared 'Nonprofit-Advocacy-Impacts-Southern-States'.

Congratulations to our state and national partners working in those areas--like the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations (LANO) and the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits--as well as all the local nonprofits for their contributions to the region!

A new study by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy found that advocacy by nonprofit organizations in four Southern states brought more than $4.7 billion in benefits to low-wage workers, families, and other under-served populations. The study analyzed the impact of 20 advocacy and community organizing groups in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi between 2005 and 2009.

The study found that for every dollar invested in the policy and civic engagement of the organizations, there was a return of $114 in benefits to local communities. Yes, you read that correctly--$114 for every $1. So in case you were wondering if your hard work on advocacy campaigns and voter engagement outreach was paying off, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

Read the full study  "  Strengthening Democracy, Increasing Opportunities: Impacts of Advocacy, Organizing and Civic Engagement in the Gulf/Midsouth Region."

A new study by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

A new study by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

FAMILYdaysOUTusa.COM | Fun things to do for kids | Places to visit with children in America

FAMILYdaysOUTusa.COM | Fun things to do for kids | Places to visit with children in America

Louisiana House of Representatives - Internet Portal

Louisiana House of Representatives - Internet Portal

Direct emails to contact your Legislators about bills that you want to share your views on how they affect you and impact organizations that you support.

Louisiana State Senate > Senators

May 30,2011

Contact the Louisiana State Senate FINANCE Committee about House Bill 1.
-Yes, the LA Senate Finance Committee met on Memorial Day.
-Yes, LaCitizens for Action Now presented 171 email testimonies, as over 40 Members provided a uinified presence, as Volunteer Statewide Coordinator Kay Marcel provided an impact statement at the request of the Finance Committee.
-Yes, there are more HB1 Impact Statements from 9 State entities at the LA Dept. of Health and Hospitals site: http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov and at http://new.dhh.louisiana.gov.

-Yes, the Finance Committee can be reached to accept your views.

225-342-2040
senate.legis.state.la.us/Finance/Default.asp

sfnce@legis.state.la.us


Louisiana State Senate > Senators
Direct emails to contact your Legislators about bills that you want to share your views on how they affect you and impact organizations that you support.

Louisiana State Senate

Louisiana State Senate

Louisiana House of Representatives - Internet Portal

Louisiana House of Representatives - Internet Portal

Parents Guide about School Restraints and Seclusion

'Parents Guide about School Restraints and Seclusion'

• Your child's school may use a 'Functional Behavior Assessment' (FBA).
• Your child's school may use a 'Behavior Intervention Plan' (BIP).
• Your child's school may use 'Positive Behavior Supports' (PBS).

But, do you know if your child's school uses 'Restraints and Seclusion'?

Do you know if your child's school uses 'Restraints and Seclusion' appropriately?

Take this poll about the TASH Restraints and Seclusion Parent Guide ‘Shouldn’t School Be Safe?’
Restraints and Seclusion Poll



TASH- 'Keeping Students Safe Advocacy Alert'

The process of finding help when a child is abused is not always clear, and many parents are discouraged or overwhelmed by the patchwork of laws and regulations handling restraint and seclusion in schools. ‘Shouldn’t School Be Safe?’ is a free resource developed for parents and by parents that offers insight and advice to respond to and prevent restraint and seclusion.

TASH -"Offers Free Parent Guide on Restraint and Seclusion

TASH- Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities

TASH | Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities - since 1975 - We Want You to SHARE TASH! Help us SHARE TASH with those who can benefit from and contribute to our vision for equity, opportunity and inclusion.

 Support TASH through the Combined Federal Campaign
Simply choose number 97580 on your form to advance the right to a choice-driven, community-based life for all people, regardless of their barriers or support needs.


APRAIS - the Alliance to Prevent Restraints, Aversive Intentions and Seclusion

Subscribe to TASH on YouTube!
TASH - Americans With Disabilities Act:Judy
TASH - Congressional Briefing Q&A(2.23.11)

*Does your state have laws pertaining to guidlines for the appropriate use of Retraints and Seclusion in schools? The US Congress is considering H.B. 1381; Oregon HB2939, and LA SB59.

Disability Scoop.com - Group Offers Advice To Parents On Restraint, Seclusion

Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)

(Second edition)Linda M. Bambara and Timothy P. Knoster

Two Bestsellers on Positive Behavior Support from AAIDD

It is well documented that positive behavior support works! Two popular titles below from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) help you implement the progressive principles of PBS in classroom and provider settings. By implementing these empirical strategies, you not only manage to reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors, but enhance the quality of life of a person with a developmental disability.


Designing Positive Behavior Support Plans (Second edition)
Linda M. Bambara and Timothy P. Knoster

Read this step–by–step and concise reference for school teams, providers, students, and parents to understand, design, and evaluate positive behavior support plans for students with developmental disabilities.


"The updated and expanded second edition of Designing Positive Behavior Support Plans can be used as an excellent resource for classroom and workshop instruction of positive behavior support plan development for parents, teachers, and undergraduates students." Duke Schell, Director of Psychology, J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center

What sets the book apart:
-Unique user-friendly format, with examples, tips, forms, and checklists that make it a handy reference for school teams, students, providers, and parents.
-A best seller! Proven history of working well for professionals in developmental disability
-Information and strategies laid out in the book facilitate the work of school personnel and contribute to a more respectful and caring environment
-Published by AAIDD, a leader in developmental disability information since 1876

Click here to view AAIDD Bookstore: Positive Behavior Support  a Table of Contents and a chapter excerpt for

Designing Positive Behavior Support Plans (Second edition)
Linda M. Bambara and Timothy P. Knoster

2009 | Price: $ 24.95 | Paper | 115 pages | 7 X 10 | ISBN 978–1–935304–03–6 | Item no: 270
[AAIDD Members receive discounts. Purchase online or call (301)-604-1340 to order. Sign up for email from AAIDD and the bookstore.]

Next week, 'EnjoyHi5Autism' will share the # 2 Positive Behavior Support resource sold by AAIDD.

{We are sharing this email from Anu Prabhala of AAIDD.}
AAIDD,
501 3rd Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001-2760
Telephone: 202/387-1968 or 800/424-3688
Fax: 202/387-2193

 ,

VIDEO: HS Student Serenades Desired Prom Date - ABC News

VIDEO: HS Student Serenades Desired Prom Date - ABC News

"Have AUTISM...Still Travel!'


TravBuddy Maps lets you: 'Meet travelers. Share advice.'

See how many states 'EnjoyHi5!Autism' has traveled!

See how many countries 'EnjoyHi5!Autism' has visited!

  Create your TravBuddy maps.

Share your TravBuddy Meets videos!

Blog about your trips.
 Take the Geo Quiz Challenge.

Name That Place TravBuddy Game

Royal Guestbook:Will & Kate

Share your words of advice for newlyweds Prince William & Catherine
(married April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey in England).

"Smile every day.

Don't go to sleep angry.

Kiss every day.

Support each other.

Dedication.

Trust.

Love.

God Bless.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful day."

Bl Cosse, United States

Cosse' Royal Guestbook Advice for Newlyweds Prince William and Catherine

http://royalwedding.yahoo.com/

2011 Legislative Session- Bills that Will Impact You! - Advocacy Center

'Autism in My State'  is a new series that will highlight Autism advocacy, info., legislation, viewpoints, services, events and stories from each state.  In May, we are focusing on the state of Louisiana.  Next month, we will select another state.  If you have interesting info. you want to share, send us a link or email.
2011 Legislative Session- Bills that Will Impact You! - Advocacy Center
LOUISIANA

Here are 2 that should interest Self-Advocates and Parents of Students with Special Needs living in any state:

SB 59 - STUDENTS: Provides relative to the use of seclusion and physical restraint to address student behavior.

AC supports this bill which provides additional rules and guidelines to govern the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.



SB 67 - STUDENTS: Provides relative to school discipline policies.

AC supports this bill which promotes the use of restorative justice practices, loss of privileges, peer mediation, referral to school counselor or social worker, etc. prior to the use of suspensions or harsher discipline measures. In addition, the bill directs the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop guidelines for the use of in-school and out-of-school suspensions.



How do I get a copy of these bills? Click on the bill number above! To view all the bills under consideration, visit http://www.legis.state.la.us/.

Who are your state Senators and Representatives? Find Out!

How do I contact my state Senators and Representatives? Here's How!

CHECK WITH YOUR STATE FOR BILLS THAT IMPACT YOUR LIFE.

Here is the link to the Louisiana Advocacy Center.

2011 Legislative Session- Bills that Will Impact You! - Advocacy Center

Happy Mother's Day!

EnjoyHi5!Autism: AI10 Prediction-James Durbin to Win!

EnjoyHi5!Autism: AI10 Prediction-James Durbin to Win!: "Hi5! AI10 Prediction-James Durbin to WIN! Share your views about James Durbin on several Facebook pages: Here is what 'EnjoyHi5Autism..."

Children's Mental Health Day

May 3rd is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
This year's theme is 'Building Resilence in Young Children Dealing with Trauma'.
Log onto http://www.nctsn.org for the following:
~awareness resource kit
~webinars awareness (playback)
~online courses
~e-bulletins (monthly)
~research info.

Our children's well-being is essential. Support National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.
Be mentally in-tune with your children. Seek advise, counseling and/or therapy if you think your children need mental health support.
Love, laugh with, talk with, listen to and enjoy your children, everyday.

PRAY