Here is your update on the TACA (TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM) Group for July 2003 - #1. As always, email your thoughts and or questions.
I want to make this e-newsletter informative for you. Let me know your thoughts on how I can improve it.
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IF this email is NEW to you and you don't recognize the name... WELCOME! These emails happen two to four times a month for Southern California Autism support called TACA.
We focus on parent support, parent mentoring, gluten / casein free diets, the latest in medical research, special education law, reviews of the latest treatments, and many other topics as it relates to Autism.
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA’s.
IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO RECEIVE THESE EMAILS, just respond and I will be happy to remove you from the list. EMAIL ADDRESS IS: contact us
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TACA has an official web site at www.talkaboutcuringautism.org
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In this edition of TACA e-news:
- Next TACA Meeting Information
- Upcoming TACA Schedule & other TACA meeting schedule info – June - August 2003
- General News:
- Senate approves Bill for students with disabilities
- Power of One announcements New Autism Rally for 2004
- BEGINNING JULY 24 – SPECIAL CHILDREN/ADULTS FILMS SHOWCASED:
- Important Law Change – Need help from people who live in Brea, Fullerton and Placentia and parts of La Habra, Buena Park, Anaheim, Orange, and Yorba Linda–
- New resources in Southern California –
- New OC Tomatis Provider to host a free open house
- SOCIAL EVENT FOR TACA FAMILIES!
- Free Carousel Rides at So Coast Plaza
- Angels game information
- OC Fair information
- Upcoming Conferences
- Thinking about trying the Gluten Free / Casein Free diet? Here’s how in 10 weeks or less!
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1) Next TACA COSTA MESA support group meeting:
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2003 (always the 2nd Saturday of each month)
Time: 2:30 - 5:30
TOPIC: Child Neuropsychologist – Dr Christine Majors
- What is in a
test and outside evaluations? Why are they important?
- Where should you start? How should you continue?
PLACE: VINEYARD NEWPORT CHURCH - 102 East Baker Avenue - Costa Mesa
(Please do not contact the church for meeting details. They have graciously offered use of their facility, but are not affiliated with TACA.)
Directions:
405 FWY South, Exit Bristol
Right on Bristol
Left on Baker
Go under FREEWAY.
The Vineyard church is on the corner just after the FWY - turn left onto the freeway access road, MAKE FIRST right into the Vineyard's parking lot.
And remember, we are still a non-faith based group!
CONTACT PHONE FOR DAYS OF THE MEETING ONLY: 949.678.9010
Please do NOT use the cell contact for days outside of the meetings. Thank you!
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2) UPCOMING TACA Costa Mesa Meeting Schedule:
July 12, 2003: Child Neuropsychologist: Dr Christine
Majors
- What is in a test and
outside evaluations? Why are they important?
- Where should you start? How should you continue?
August 9, 2003: Who pays for WHAT
SERVICES?
Parent options for PAYING services for their children.
September 13, 2003: Speaker confirming – announcement soon
October 11, 2003 Speaker confirming – announcement soon
Much more is being planned for September – December of 2003! Stay tuned!
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TACA has FIVE So. California meeting locations:
1) Costa Mesa: 2nd Saturday of each month (info in item #1)
2) West Hills (the valley man!): the 1st Sunday of every month, on the Cal State University Northridge Campus in the Early Intervention Psych Clinic... - Info: Contact Us
3) San Diego: 4th Tuesday evening – 6:30- 8:00pm – Info: Contact Us
4) Corona: 3rd Saturday – 2:30pm – 5:30pm – Info: Contact Us - Meetings to resume on July 12th!
5) Torrance: 3rd Monday of each month at Whole Foods Market on PCH In Torrance – 6:30-9:00pm. Info: Contact Us
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3) General News:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/26/national/26EDUC.html?ex=1057643706&ei=1&en=26e9ee1473570352
NY Times, June 26, 2003
Senate Panel Approves Bill for Students With Disabilities
By DIANA JEAN SCHEMO
ASHINGTON,
June 25 — After 18 months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, a Senate
committee today unanimously approved a bill reauthorizing educational services
for the United States' 6.5 million disabled students, assembling a bipartisan
stand on issues including discipline of unruly students and a reduction in
paperwork.
A similar bill split Republicans and Democrats in the House this spring.
The swift approval, in a 10-minute session this morning by the Senate Committee
on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, came in sharp contrast to the last
reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, whose
passage in 1997 was contentious.
The Senate bill preserves protections in current law for special-education
children who misbehave in school, requiring schools to determine whether the
misbehavior was related to a disability. If not, the school could send the
child to an alternative program during a suspension.
But the Senate bill repeals a current provision that lets a child remain in the
original classroom while his family appeals the suspension order. It also
shortens the deadline for rendering such a decision to 20 days from 45.
The Senate bill won cautious praise today from advocates for the disabled, who
had largely criticized the House bill.
James Wendorf, executive director of the National Center for
Learning Disabilities, lauded the committee for "legislation that is
bipartisan, balanced and respectful of the complex needs of our nation's 6.5
million students with disabilities."
The center praised the bill for easing mechanisms to identify children who need
extra help at younger ages. It also commended its steps to help disabled
teenagers with the transition to life after high school.
Paul Marchand, a lobbyist for United Cerebral Palsy and The Arc, an
organization representing people with developmental disabilities, called the
Senate bill a "marked improvement" over the House version,
particularly in its protections of disabled children who run afoul of school
behavior codes. Under the House bill, schools could suspend or expel children
who violate rules, without regard to their disabilities.
Some advocates for the disabled worried, for example, that diabetic children
could be thrown out for eating in class, or that autistic children could be
punished for behavior they could not always control.
School administrators, however, had praised the House bill for streamlining
special education, reducing paperwork, and making it easier to maintain
discipline. That bill passed the House on April 30 by a vote of 251 to 171,
with 34 Democrats joining Republicans to support it.
Nancy Reder, deputy director of the National Association of State Directors of
Special Education, said: "We like what they did with discipline compared
to the House bill. We think it represents a fair compromise with the disability
community that didn't want any changes and our members."
The safeguards about discipline do not apply to disabled children who take
guns, drugs or other weapons into schools, who are subject to expulsion and
other measures like other students.
With the intention of reducing paperwork, the Senate bill removes current
provisions for schools to write short-term goals into the educational plans of
disabled children.
Today's Senate bill left unanswered one major question for every state and
special education director and teacher: the amount of money the federal
government will contribute to special education. Republicans and Democrats
alike say they embrace the goal of fully financing special education by 2009,
but Republicans say they would like the federal contribution to be
discretionary while the Democrats contend it should be mandatory.
Mary Kusler, a legislative specialist for the American Association of School
Administrators, which also supported the House bill, said her group saw the
Senate's effort as "a starting point."
The association, Ms. Kusler said, was surprised and "incredibly
disappointed" that today's bill did not call for mandatory full financing,
or carry an appropriation level, and said that unless the federal contribution
was mandatory, it would continue to fall short.
"They've demonstrated that even when they set out a goal in the budget,
that isn't binding," she said.
With the bill headed to the Senate floor, many advocates wondered how a
conference committee would reconcile the House and Senate versions of special
education's future.
Senator Judd Gregg, the New Hampshire Republican who is the education committee
chairman, said that "the fact that we come to the table with a bill that
was reported out of committee with unanimous support puts us in a strong
position."
From Unlocking Autism – Announcement of Power of One Rally In DC
2001, Unlocking Autism brought you The Power of ONE!
In 2002, Unlocking Autism brought you The Power of ONE! I.D.E.A.
We know that the autism community has the potential to be a powerful political
force in 2004.
SO ITS TIME TO UPGRADE FROM THE POWER OF ONE!
TO THE POWER OF 1.5 (MILLION THAT IS!) APRIL 2004
An estimated 1.5 million people in the United States have autism. There are roughly 3 million parents and
6 million grandparents and Millions and Millions of Siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins,
Family Friends, Neighbors, Teachers, Therapists and physicians.That is ONE BIG
BLOCK OF VOTERS.
We felt it would be perfect to announce on this very special day for our
country, our plans to help families in their fight for the freedom and independence
of the ones they love with autism. Unlocking Autism is proud to announce
four days of power packed activities in Washington, DC from April 21-24 in 2004.
Save the dates and plan to attend:
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Congressional Hearings - Reception with Members of the Congressional Autism
Caucus on Capital Hill
Thursday, April 22, 2004 - The POWER of 1.5 Conference.
Friday, April 23, 2004
Mini-Rally at Capital Hill - Congressional Autism Caucus Meeting - Storming
Capital Hill
Saturday, April 24, 2004
The "Let's ROCK the 2004 VOTE" - Power of 1.5" Rally -at the
base of the Lincoln Memorial
Get a sneak peak at our new 2004 Political Advocacy Shirt by visiting our
website at www.unlockingautism.org.
Click on DC EVENTS at the top. These shirts will be available at our site
next
week. Also, keep your eyes peeled in the next couple of days for new
developments for all the events we have planned.
WE'VE GOT THE POWER! SO, TOGETHER...LET'S ROCK THE 2004 VOTE!!!
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ArcLight Cinemas - 6360 Sunset Blvd. (at Ivar), Hollywood |
BEGINNING JULY 24 – SPECIAL CHILDREN/ADULTS FILMS SHOWCASED:Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and the American Film Institute have joined forces for this special film festival dedicated to the presentation of domestic and international narrative features, documentaries, and short films that depict the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Each screening will be followed by a moderated discussion. The festival will also include two special screenings specifically for adults with developmental disabilities and siblings of individuals with developmental disabilities. A closing night media forum will be held on July 27th which will include celebrity panelist Joe Mantegna who has a daughter with a developmental disability. Immediately following the media form a Perspectives media Award will be presented to actor William H. Macy for his work in Door to Door personifying the positive influence media portrayals can have on understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. Films will include: My Left Foot; Waiting for Ronald, My Flesh and Blood, I Am Sam, Tru Confessions, Refrigerator Mothers, Graduating Peter, How's Your News, Dance Me To My Song, On the Road with Temple, The Eighth Day, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape?. For more information, contact the Lanterman Regional Center's Chirstopher Rivera at christopher.rivera@lanterman.org or AFI's Liza deVilla at ldevilla@AFI.com. |
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4) Important Law Change – Need help from people who live in Brea, Fullerton and Placentia and parts of La Habra, Buena Park, Anaheim, Orange, and Yorba Linda
As requested by Rick Rollens, former Secretary of the State Senate, and Maureen Graves and Kathryn Dobel, lawyers representing children with disabilities, have requested emergency actions Monday and Tuesday JULY 7 & 8th by constituents of State Senator Lynn Daucher, whose district includes Brea, Fullerton and Placentia and parts of La Habra, Buena Park, Anaheim, Orange, and Yorba Linda. Constituents may contact Ms. Daucher's offices by phone at 916-319-2072 and 714-672-4734, and by fax at 916-319-2172 and 714-672-4737. Her local office address is 210 W. Birch St., Suite 202, Brea, CA 92821. Contacts should be polite and personal. Sample letters can be accessed at http://www.feat.org/capca/. Ms. Daucher needs to be told about the importance of private services directly and indirectly (as spurring and assisting public sector quality improvement) as well as the difficulty constituents have in accessing quality services.
Press release:
Assembly Bill 1337, an extremely controversial measure sponsored by State Senator Lynn Daucher will be considered for the second time Wednesday, July 9 by the State Senate Education Committee. After a hearing on July 2, Ms. Daucher amended the bill, which she sponsored at the request of a group of Orange County educational administrators, saying that she was trying to create a "fair" system and apologizing for inadvertently proposing an "I gotcha" system. She vigorously denied any intention of changing the burden of proof in special education cases. However, Valerie Vanaman, who has represented students in special education matters for over 25 years, explained that "there is no way to read AB 1337 as anything but a radical shift in the burden of proof, which would make it far more difficult, and often impossible, for students to access desperately needed private services." In its original form, AB 1337 would have required parents to prove that their own school district, their county office of education, and their special education local plan area were all unable to meet the child’s needs. The revised version would bar a hearing officer from ordering nonpublic services or reimbursement for such services unless he or she finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the specific program offered by the district was inappropriate. In contrast, under current law, private services can be considered if the school district fails to meet its burden of proving that it has offered a free appropriate public education. Numerous disability groups have opposed AB 1337. Lawyer Maureen Graves indicated that "I think Ms. Daucher is getting very bad advice from bureaucrats seeking a captive clientele. She needs to hear from constituents, not just those who directly access private special education services but also those whose public programs are better because districts know that families have an alternative if their child’s needs are not met."
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5) New Resources in So Cal
tomatis ORANGE CO. PROVIDER HAS AN OPEN HOUSE
Who: Dr. Swain and the Listening Center
What: Informational Parents Night
When: July 7, 5-6 pm
Where: 2850 Mesa Verde, Costa Mesa (Cross St: Harbor & Adams)
Why: Join Dr. Swain and the Listening Center staff for an opportunity to
exchange information, ask questions, and share information. This is an
opportunity to learn more about the Tomatis method and hear what parents have to say
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6) CONFERENCES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:
2003 TRAINING DIVISION CALENDER
Solutions for Language Training - July 22-23, 2003
Teaching Play and Social Skills - July 24, 2003
Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS) - July 28, 2003
Teaching Children with Language Delays - August 25-28, 2003
Teaching Verbal Behavior - July 29-31, 2003
All workshops run 9:00 4:00.The workshops will be held at:Centre Concord -
5298 Clayton St. - Concord, CA 94521. For additional information regarding
these courses, please check out our website at http://www.behavioranalysts.com
Register early courses have a participation limit > of 20!
To register: Contact Laurie Winkler at winkler@behavioranalysts.com or
(925) 210 9370 ext. 100
Questions: Contact Stacy Carroll at carroll@behavioranalysts.com or
(925) 210-9370 ext.109
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Family Focus Empowerment Center of California State University, Northridge
Presents
Pat Trenhaile - District E Special Education Coordinator - "Navigating Special Education in the Los Angeles Unified School District" Saturday, July 12, 2003 - 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
California State University, Northridge - 18111 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91330
Education Building ARCO Conference Room ED1214 - Free Parking in lot B5 off Resdea Blvd and Plummer
PLEASE RSVP TO: (818) 677-5575 FAMILY FOCUS RESOURCE CENTER. All are welcome!
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A New Series of Autism “Mini-Conferences”
Starts In Los Angeles Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th
A new series of “mini-conferences” on the theories, causes and treatments of autism for both medical practitioners and parents is scheduled to kick-off Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th in Los Angeles. The mini-conferences, called Mini DAN!, are a downsized version of the renowned major DAN! Conferences which take place twice a year.
The Mini DAN! is designed for those parents and professionals who have difficulty traveling, and for those who have requested smaller, more informal programs. Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless (author of Children with Starving Brains and a well known autism expert) and the DAN! Conference organizers have established the Mini DAN! These programs will occur in various locations and will consist of a full day program for parents, followed by a day-long intensive training for a limited number of local practitioners.
On Saturday July 19th Dr. McCandless will present evaluation information on the most relevant tests that will help pinpoint a child’s health issues. Parents will be given general guidelines on how to work with their pediatrician and or DAN! trained practitioner to interpret these test results as well as how to prioritize specific treatment interventions.
The major DAN! conferences have become a well-recognized forum where leading experts report to parents and professionals on the latest research and theories regarding the causes of, and treatment options for, children on the autism spectrum. These conferences draw well over a thousand attendees, and typically alternate their location between the east and west coast.
The kick-off Mini DAN! conference is scheduled to take place at the Airport Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles, California Saturday July 19th and Sunday July 20th.
Dr. McCandless will be joined on both days by Teresa Binstock an autism researcher. Ms. Binstock will help dispel the myth that “there are no scientific studies supporting the biomedical approach to treating autism” by sharing published research pointing to the credibility and effectiveness of many DAN! based interventions.
Maureen McDonnell, the national coordinator of the DAN! conferences and a registered nurse for over 25 years, will discuss effective methods for correcting many of the biomedical disorders frequently found in children on the spectrum: including healing intestinal permeability, balancing bowel flora, practical ways to help children transition to a healthier diet and effective ways to administer nutrients.
The program on Sunday is specifically designed for practitioners and is limited to 25 participants. It will emphasize testing procedures, interpretation of tests, office procedures specific to this population, treating heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies and immune dysfunction. Guidelines for safely administering chelation therapy, as well as reviewing recent new treatments will be given with specifics such as nutrient and medication dosages and sources.
On both days at the Los Angeles program, the presenters will be joined by the lab directors from Doctors Data (David Quig, PhD), Metametrix (Richard Lord, PhD) and Immunosciences (Ari Vojdani, PhD).
Dr. McCandless and the DAN! Conference committee encourage those parents and practitioners who are not able to attend the larger DAN! conferences, or who wish to participate in this smaller more intimate forum to join them for this unique learning experience.
To obtain more information on this program and to register online go to http://www.DANconference.com.
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AUGUST 5 & 6: PECS WORKSHOP
· PECS Workshop Date: August 5 & 6, 2003
· PECS Follow Up Workshop Date: August 4, 2003
· Location: Holiday Inn Mission Bay- Sea World, San Diego
· Who should attend: SLPs, Special Ed. Teachers, Parents, Other Therapists, Administrators…
Participants will get $30.00 off their registration fee when they mention on their registration form that they heard about the workshop from Sarah Buswell.
Registration fee includes a copy of the 2nd Edition PECS Training Manual.
· Questions? Contact me at sbuswell@pecs.com or 703-421-4001.
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8) SOCIAL EVENTS
South Coast Plaza FREE Carousel rides!
Attention all TACA members! Diane Gallant has worked hard with South Coast Plaza management in arranging FREE CAROUSEL RIDES for children with Autism and their siblings!!
Come join us for a morning of fun and horse rides at South Coast Plaza!
Dates:
Next date is: Saturday, 7/19/2003
Times: 8:30am-9:30am (BEFORE the mall opens)
Local: South Coast Plaza by the carousel (NOT the Crystal Court carousel!)
Costs: FREE!!!!!!!!!
Park: Park by ZTejas Restaurant and the Bank of America ATM’s off Bristol
Note: Kids can ride as often as they would like and based on availability. Come join us for some free fun!!
NO NEED TO RSVP! JUST COME AND PLAY!!
the miracle league presents:
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World Champion Anaheim Angels |
VS.
Minnesota Twins
Saturday, July 7th @ 1:00 p.m.
- FREE Mike Scioscia “Rally Monkey” For All Fans in Attendance!!
- FREE PARKING and Private Tailgate Party (10:00am @ Southern California Gas Company parking lot across from Edison Field, 1919 S. State College, at
Gene Autry Way)
· Tickets are Just $12.00, Are Limited, and Will Sell Out. Deadline to purchase is Thursday, July 10th Order Now or until they sell out!
For More Information Contact: Steel Morris 714-713-2512 www.miracleleague.net info@miracleleague.net
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Miracle League Gear Available to View and Purchase atwww.miracleleague.net |
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Miracle League Polo $16.00 |
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Please make checks payable to “The Miracle League”, and return this portion of
order form with payment to your Miracle League Volunteer ASAP
Tickets will be returned to you on or before July 10th
The Orange County Fair is in town and the fair has a “Friends of the Fair” Tuesday July 15th, 2003. The fair opens up extra early for our special kids so they can enjoy the day without the crowds.
Project SEA has been able to secure free tickets for this event. The doors will open at 9:30AM and selected rides, entertainment and activities will be available to your family. In addition, if “your” special someone would like to enter in the Arts & Crafts exhibit, we have the necessary forms for you to fill out including submission instructions. Doors will regular open at 12:30PM.
All beverages, foods, concession booths will be open and they are no discounts in this area. The only discount is free admission to the fair.
So come along and join in the fun with the entire family. I know it is during the week…but is it on a Tuesday and I am sure you have some sick days built up for a special day like this one.
All Project SEA families who are on this mailing list will have first rights to the tickets. Please, do not post this content on other websites. This event is for those families who wish to be informed of events such as this one.
If you would like to attend, please e-mail me back at gmurillo@projectsea.org and let me know how many tickets you will need. There are maximums for families but I won’t tell you what it is. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Gil Murillo
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9) Thinking of Starting the GFCF (Gluten Free/Casein Free) Diet?
Here is a great resource on how to do the diet in less than 10 weeks. Give it a try!
http://www.autismtoday.com/articles/Suggested_GFCF_dietary_CALENDAR.htm
Hugs, thanks and be safe -
Lisa A Jeff's mom
Web Page for the TACA GROUP: www.talkaboutcuringautism.org - check it out / let me know your thoughts at contact us ! (NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS!)
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) provides general information of interest to the autism community. The information comes from a variety of sources and TACA does not independently verify any of it. The views expressed herein are not necessarily TACA’s.
TACA does not engage in lobbying or other political activities.
P.S. TACA e-news is now at 716 families