Altruism - Find Meetup groups near you - Meetup

12 Pages·2008·2.21 MB·English

EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
President:
JoAnna Bryant
Co-Vice Presidents:
Laura Fahey
Jeff Fahey
AAllttrruuiissmm
Treasurer:
Angela Sadsad (Interim)
Secretary:
Willingness to do things which benefit other people, even if it results in disadvantages for yourself.
Theresa Zano-McMillan
BOARD MEMBERS:
Help Military Retirees Affected by Autism Jan Solock
Diane Kenney
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Autism Society of America President and CEO Lee Grossman Patrick Fuller,
joined Congressmen Jim Moran (D-VA) and Jeff Miller (R-FL)
Jillian Knorr,
last week as they announced new bipartisan legislation that
Yvette Yates, Sonya
would help military retirees get health care coverage for autism
Huie (Librarian), and
therapy at a Capitol Hill press conference.
H.R. 6930
Pat Tyson.
“The Autism Society of America strongly supports H.R. 6930,
Special Education
the Military Family Autism Equality Act, which would provide Information & Referral
Advisory Committees
quality care to families that have made tremendous sacrifices for Specialist
TASA New Board our country,” said Grossman. “It also sets an example for insur- Angel Barnhill
Members
ance companies in the private sector, an important step toward
Call for Nominations getting all families and individuals affected by autism the appro-
priate, medically necessary care they need.” Next Board Meeting
Medicaid Waiver
As you know, ABA therapy has been shown to be effective in Date: October 22, 2008
House Bill 83 Time:7:00 pm
treating individuals with autism, and reducing overall lifetime
Web Resources costs. Unfortunately, the military retiree health program does not Contact TASA @
provide coverage for ABA. This policy leaves approximately 461-4474
Upcoming
if you are interested in
Conferences/Workshop 8,800 children with autism of military retirees without access to
attending.
needed care.
Project ACT:The VB-
MAPP Workshop Mark The Military Family Autism Equality Act would correct this
problem by allowing military retirees to receive coverage under
ASA/AMC Sensory
the Department of Defense’s Extended Care health Option
Friendly Films
(ECHO). The ECHO benefit provides up to $2,500 per month
TASA Calendar with a maximum of $30,000 per year for this important therapy.
We need your help to get this important legislation passed. Send
Local Support Groups
TASA is a locally funded
a letter to your representative asking him or her to cosponsor
organization serving
Surfers Healing 5K at H.R. 6930, the Military Family Autism Equality Act. families and professionals
the Beach Highlights
in Hampton Roads. All
information provided or
Memorial Donations/
published is for
Special Thanks
informational purposes
only. We do not promote or
TASA Classifieds
endorse any program,
treatment, provider or
service.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEES serve in an advisory capacity to the local School Board on issues
related to the education of students with disabilities. The committee assists in the formulation and development of priorities
and strategies for meeting the identified needs of students with disabilities. A Special Education Advisory Committee sub-
mits periodic reports and recommendations to the School Board regarding the education of students with disabilities.
The SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE is composed of people with disabilities, parents or family mem-
bers of students with disabilities, representatives from public agencies concerned with the care of people with disabilities,
and local school personnel who serve as consultants to the committee.
Meetings are usually held monthly and are open to public comment. You may check with the local Office of Programs for
Exceptional Children (OPEC), for the time and location. Please attend your local SEAC meetings as well as make public
comment on issues you believe to be important in the education of students with disabilities in your city.
Virginia Beach Public Schools Norfolk Public Schools
Special Education Advisory Committee Special Education Advisory Council
Contact: Sandy Hermann Contact:Glynis Mason
Office of Programs for Exceptional Children Parent Resource Center Coordinator
757-263-2400 757-892-3385 or [email protected]
Chesapeake Public Schools
Portsmouth Public Schools Contact: Chuck Bishop Suffolk Public Schools
Contact: Angela Balestino Assistant in Special Education Contact: Parent Resource Center
Secretary to Coordinator of Special Education 757-494-7600 757-925-5579
757-393-8792
Meet our New Board Members...
Sonya Huie and her husband Harron are the proud parents of four year old Sky. Sky is diagnosed with autism
and other developmental delays. Sonya enjoys learning new things about the world of disabilities and networking
with other families. We are pleased to announce that Sonya has graciously volunteered to oversee the newly
updated TASA lending library! Harron participates as a runner with Team Hoyt, a foundation that enhances the
lives and mobility of people with disabilities.
Yvette Yates and her husband Bert are the proud parents of five year old Bella and three year Matthew. Bella has a rare genetic
disorder, Kabuki Make-up Syndrome, autism and other disabilities. Bella attends school full time in a program for students
diagnosed with autism and Matthew is a role model student in a special education preschool program through Virginia Beach
City Public Schools.
When Bella was first diagnosed with developmental delays at seven months old, Yvette left her career in the medical field to
focus on the needs for her daughter. Yvette hopes to help families access resources they may be unaware of or feel they may not
qualify for due to their financial status.
Pat Tyson has spent his life working with developmentally disabled individuals and at risk youth. He began 20 plus years ago
when he and his wife ran a group home for eight developmentally disabled adults. He is the caretaker for a young boy
diagnosed with an intellectual disability and autism who has become apart of his extended family. Pat hopes to bring his
experience to TASA and help families affected by autism learn what resources are available in their community.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Nominations are being accepted for the following 2009-2010 Executive Committee positions: President, Vice President,
Treasurer, and Secretary. Officers will be announced at the March 2009 Annual Meeting. Jeff Fahey, Pat Tyson and Angel
Barnhill have been appointed to oversee the nomination process. If you are a TASA member in good standing, you may submit
your nomination to the TASA office prior to the January 2009 meeting. Call 461-4474 or [email protected] for further
information.
September/O ctober 2008 Page 2 Altruism
Candidates Forum
October 10, 2008
Endependence Center
Norfolk,VA
&
October 20, 2008
Hobbs Campus
Suffolk, VA
The Endependence Center (ECI) and the following co-sponsors-The Tidewater Autism Society of
America (TASA), Brain Injury Association of VA, Chesapeake Mayor’s Committee for Persons
with Disabilities, Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads, Hope House Foundation, Na-
tional Multiple Sclerosis Society, Norfolk Mayor’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Pro-
tecting Individuals with Disabilities Education Rights, Senior Services of Southeastern VA, South
Hampton Roads Disability Services Board, and Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Persons
with Disabilities– will host a Candidates Forum on Friday, October 10, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
at 6300 East Virginia Beach Blvd, in Norfolk.
The first segment, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, we will have candidates for the Virginia Beach City
Council and School Board elections. For the second session from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the Presi-
dential and Congressional (House and Senate) candidates and their parties have been invited. The
upcoming election will include Congressional House districts #2, #3 and #4.
On Monday, October 20, a second forum will be hosted by Endependence Center and co-sponsors
in the local area of Suffolk. Suffolk constituents will have an opportunity to hear from candidates
for the Suffolk City Council and School Board elections. The Presidential parties and Congres-
sional candidates representing the Suffolk area will also be invited. This forum will take place
from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, at the Hobbs Campus Facility, Room 124, at 271 Kenyon Road in Suf-
folk.
These forums will be an opportunity for constituents with disabilities from the South Hampton
Roads area to address their questions on topics such as employment, health care, long-term support
services, housing, transportation, and education.
If you need transportation for either event, have a disability and not eligible for HandiRide service,
please call in advance to David Hesson, Senior Services, at 461-9481. Senior Services has a new
project to provide accessible transportation services to people with disabilities within Chesapeake,
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
If you would like to attend either Forum, please RSVP with Linda Johnson, at ECI, at 461-8007;
461-7527 TDD, or [email protected]. If you need to request a reasonable accommoda-
tion such as Braille, sign language interpreter or an attendant, please contact Linda Johnson by
Monday, October 6; or if you would like to attend the Forum in Suffolk, please make your accom-
modation request by October 14.

September/October 2008 Page 3 Altruism
Are you Eligible for Virginia Medicaid Waiver Programs?
Theresa McMillan, TASA Parent Partner and Samantha Gregg, Independent Living Coordinator for the
Endependence Center, Inc. will conduct Medicaid Waiver Workshops on Saturday, October 25th from
9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 19th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Ende-
pendence Center 2nd floor conference room. The workshops will provide participants an overview of
Medicaid Waiver programs including information on eligibility, services offered for each of the waivers,
waiting lists, and how to apply. Workshops and materials are provided free of charge. Please RSVP by
calling 757-461-4474.
House Bill 83 On the Web
VIRGINIA Easy Access Program
www.easyaccess.virginia.govwebsite is a technology
solution for seniors and adults with disabilities
throughout the Commonwealth who need assistance
with finding services. The website is easy to use and
will assist caregivers as well as people who need care.
Information regarding public benefits, programs, and
The Special Education Advisory Commission on a variety of informative topics of interest to seniors
Mandated Health Insurance Benefits (Advisory and adults with disabilities can be found through this
Committee) conducted its first public hearing on No Wrong Door initiative.
Monday, September, 29, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in KidsPriorityONE launched a new Community Cal-
House Room D to hear issues relating to House endar The calendar is for all of Hampton Roads and
Bill 83 Substitute, Coverage for Autism. Tide- is designed to help promote those programs, services
water resident and grandparent Mark Llobell and events that occur once, or over a limited period of
represented the Tidewater area. Llobell along time-such as workshops, family fun and education
with TASA, obtained signatures from family, events, and professional training opportunities. Please
friends and co-workers and forwarded the peti- visit the website at www.kidspriorityone.org
tions to the Commission in support of the HB
weareautism.org is a social support network for
83 .
those living with autism. Share, talk, communicate in
For more information on the HR Bill 83 please
a user led social network for individuals, family mem-
visit http://supportvaautismlegislation.com
bers and those members of the community. If you
are familiar with myspace and facebook you will love
this!

September/October 2008 Page 4 Altruism
JLARC Study on Autism Services Availability and Delivery
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is the Virginia General Assembly’s nonpartisan
oversight agency. JLARC was established in 1973 as an independent research arm of the legislature. The
Commission itself is composed of nine members of the House of Delegates, five members of the Senate,
and the Auditor of Public Accounts ex officio. A staff of 30 analysts perform objective studies as requested
by the legislature, and present their findings to the Commission through briefings and reports.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) of the Virginia General Assembly has been di-
rected to assess the current availability and delivery of autism services in Virginia and recommend ways to
improve the delivery of these services. As part of the research for this study, JLARC staff will be conducting
four public sessions to receive the input of parents, caregivers, advocates, and other stakeholders concern-
ing the delivery of autism services in Virginia.
JLARC staff have identified a number of suggested topics for discussion at the public input sessions to in-
clude :
• Key services that are needed by Virginians with ASD but are generally difficult to obtain or unavailable.
• Alternative means of receiving services that are unavailable or inaccessible through the public delivery
system.
• Adequacy of ASD service delivery system in providing the following
Below are the scheduled sessions:
Session Schedule
October 2, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Nicholas Student Center
John Tyler Community College
13101 Jefferson Davis Highway
Chester, Virginia 23831
October 15, 2008, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Natural Science Center
Virginia Western Community College
3102 Colonial Ave, SW
Roanoke, Virginia 24038
October 30, 2008, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Frederick W. Beazley Building, Room 222
Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth Campus
7000 College Drive
Portsmouth, Virginia 23703
For more information about suggested topics for discussion, session procedures, and general information
about JLARC visit http://jlarc.state.va.us/Autism_Input.htm or Ellen Miller at [phone] or Hal Greer at
[phone]
Se ptember/October 2008 Page 5 Altruism
Conferences/Workshops
University of Mary Washington's Teaching Autism Spectrum Synopsis
Students with Autism Certificate Working Together to Connect the Pieces
and the Virginia Council for Exceptional Children Sponsored by the George Washington University
have scheduled a weekend of autism related events Office of Disability Support Services
Date (s): October 3-20, 2008 Date (s): Friday, October 10, 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, VA Location: George Washington University
For event schedules and more information please visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss
http://www.autismva.org/statewide_conferences.php autismSpectrumSymposiumOctober2008/
Insight 2008 Topics in Autism
3rd Annual Wide Open Doors VDOE’s T/TAC at VCU 2nd Annual Autism
A Conference for the Disability Community Conference
Presented by Thought the Roof Ministries of
Woolridge Road Church Key Note Presenter: Kim Peek
“Rain Man is coming to meet us!”
Date (s): October 18-19, 2008
Date (s): October 21, 2008
Location: Woolridge Road Church
Moseley, VA Location: Sheraton Park South
Richmond, VA
For more information visit www.woolridgeroad.org
Program & registration available at www.vcu.edu/ttac
Developing Social Competence and Vocational Skills
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
6th Annual Applied Autism
Paul Wehman, Ph.D. & Maureen Conroy, Ph.D.
Research and Intervention Conference
Presented by Commonwealth Autism Service
Date (s): October 24 -25, 2008
Date (s): November 12, 2008
Location: The Westin Arlington Gateway
Arlington, VA
Location: Doubletree Hotel
Charlottesville, VA
For more information please visit
www.researchautism.org, contact [phone], toll
free [phone], or e-mail For more information please visit http://www.autismva.org/
[email protected] for more information statewide_conferences.php
Pivotal Response Treatment
for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
One Day Workshop
Sponsored by the VT Autism Clinic and Autism Speaks
Date (s): November 18, 2008
Location: Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
For more information please visit www.autismva.org

September/October 2008 Page 6 Altruism
Tidewater Autism Society of America

Project ACT (Autism Community Training)

Presents

Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and
Placement Program (The VB-MAPP)
2 Day Workshop

Presented by Mark Sundberg, Ph.D, BCBA
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
&
Thursday, October 9, 2008
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Virginia Beach Old Dominion University Higher Education Center
1881 University Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453

About The Workshop:
This two-day workshop will present the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (The VB-MAPP), and
describe how to use it to develop or improve a language and social skills program for a child with autism. At the conclusion
of this workshop attendees will be able to:
• Participants will be able to define and exemplify the basic elements of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior
• Participants will be able to use the VB-MAPP to an individual child’s language skills
• Participants will be able to use the VB-MAPP to identify appropriate IEP goals for children with language
delays
• Participants will be able to use the Placement to set up an intervention program for an individual child
• Participants will be able to describe how the VB-MAPP is linked to the verbal behavior intervention procedure

About Dr. Mark Sundberg:
Mark L. Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA received his doctorate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan
University (1980), under the direction of Dr. Jack Michael. Dr. Sundberg is the co-author of the books The Assessment of Basic
Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS), Teaching Language to Children with Autism or Other Developmental Disabilities and
A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior. He has published over 45 professional papers, including a recent book chapter
titled “Verbal Behavior” in the new edition of Applied Behavior Analysis by Cooper, Heron & Heward (2007).

He is the founder and past editor of the journal The Analysis of Verbal Behavior, a twice past-president of The Northern
California Association for Behavior Analysis, a past-chair of the Publication Board of ABA, International and was a member of
the BACB Committee that developed the BCBA and BCABA Task Lists. Dr. Sundberg has given over 450 national and
international conference presentations and workshops, and taught 80 college courses on behavior analysis, verbal behavior, sign
language and child development.
He is a licensed psychologist in private practice who consults for programs and classrooms that serve children with autism in the
San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Sundberg received a number of awards, including the 2001 “Distinguished Psychology Department
Alumnus Award” from Western Michigan University.

Early Bird Registration: $125 per participant (postmarked by September 30, 2008)
After September 30th and Walk-in: $135 (space permitting). Walk-ins are not guaranteed a boxed lunch
Pre-workshop sign-in: 8:15 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
(Continental Breakfast, Lunch, NEW VB-MAPP Assessment & Procedures, and Conference Handouts
Included)
*BCBA CEU’s available
For more information call 757-461-4474 or visit www.tidewaterasa.org to download a registration flyer.

September/October 2008 Page 7 Altruism
Future Films:
Saturday, November 8th - Madagascar 2
Saturday, December 6th - Bolt

*Show time 10:00 a.m.
Septem ber/October 2008 Page 8 Altruism
Help TASA Raise Dough!
Tidewater Autism Society America (TASA) in conjunction with
UNO Chicago Grill will host a Meet & Greet and
Dough Rai$er™
on
Thursday November 13th & Friday November 14th
at
UNO Chicago Grill
Janaf & Lynnhaven
When you dine at the above locations on Thursday, November 13th and Fri-
day, November 14th at UNO Chicago Grill and present a Dough Rai$er™ do-
nation ticket, up to 20% of your check total (excluding tax and tip) will be do-
nated back to TASA. Please come out to support TASA, enjoy good food and
network with other families affected by autism.

*A Gluten Free Menu is available for those who have diet restrictions.

Meet & Great Time/Location

Thursday, November 13th Friday, November 14th
6:30pm-8:00pm 6:30pm-8:00pm
UNO Chicago Grill Lynnhaven Uno Chicago Grill Janaf
1005 Mall Loop 5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Norfolk , VA 23502

For additional information or Dough Rai$er™ donation tickets contact the
TASA office at 757-461-4474 .

September/October 2008 Page 9 Altruism
TASA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

09/30/08: 7:00 p.m. Resource Center Open House
10/02/08: 6:00 p.m. Coffee & Chat: Panera Bread, Pembroke (VB) location
10/05/08: Family Portraits Fundraiser
10//08/08 & 10/09/08: Project ACT: Mark Sundberg presents the VB-MAPP
Virginia Beach Higher Education Center/ODU
10/11/08: 10:00 a.m. AMC/ASA showing of Beverly Hills Chihuahua: Lynnhaven 18
10/25/08: 9:00 a.m. VA Medicaid Workshop: Endependence Center
10/28/08: 7:00 p.m. General Meeting: TBA

Childcare is available upon request at general meetings and must be requested at least 3 days prior

For more information on TASA upcoming events please join our online meet-up groups at
aspergers.meetup.com/326 and http://autism.meetup.com/378/
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS

Peninsula Autism Society is a local chapter of the Autism
Society of America. Their goal is to provide information to
individuals with autism, their families, friends, educators
and professionals in the Virginia Peninsula area. For more
information about the chapter please visit
http://www.peninsulautism.org/

Parents of Children with Special Needs Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides informa-
Support Group Care Connections for Children CHKD tion, resources, and support to families affected by autism.
is facilitated by JoAnna Bryant, Parent Coordinator. This TACA holds monthly meetings throughout the United
group meets monthly to discuss concerns and share infor- States. For more information about the local Virginia chap-
mation. The group meets the 4th Wednesday of each ter please visit http://groups.talkaboutcuringautism.org/
month 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. For more information on up- virginia/
coming meetings or to RSVP please call 461-4474.
Living in Holland is a faith-based support group for par-
Friday Night Friends/Families of Autistic Children of ents raising children with special needs All meetings are on
Tidewater (F.A.C.T.) Teens with high functioning ASD the second Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at
group meets the third Friday of every month from 6:30- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Norfolk, (6400
9:30 p.m. Contact FACT Director Pam Clendenen Newport Ave). For more information please contact Karen
at 757-422-2040 Or email [email protected] Web- at [email protected].
site: www.camp4autism.org.
Adults with HFA/Aspergers Peer Support Group and
Autism Fellowship is a support group that promotes social Social Outings Meet with other adults affected by As-
programs, education, and health for those with autism. Au- pergers Syndrome for support and discussions. This group
tism Fellowship also charters a Cub Scott Pack geared for is run by those with Aspergers Syndrome, Dr. Rick
boys on the autistic spectrum. For more information please Ellis, Ed.D. provides some administrative support. Every-
visit http://www.autismfellowship.com/ one is welcome, even if you only suspect that you have As-
pergers. No diagnosis is necessary. For more information
please visit http.://aspergers.meetup.com/337/

September/October 2008 Page 10 Altruism