Networking News - April 2011

April 2011

Networking News

UPDATES from the Autism Society of Alabama

 

Conferences
  • The Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at UCDavis has developed a free, online training series called ADEPT—Autism Distance Education Parent Training Interactive Learning.  ADEPT is a 10-lesson interactive, self-paced, online learning module that gives parents the tools and training to more effectively teach their child with autism using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
  • The Alabama Parent Education Center is hosting a series of workshops around the state.
  • Family Voices is sponsoring the 2011 Partners in Care Summit on April 4-5 in Prattville.
  • The Glenwood Lectureship will be held on Wednesday, April 20 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at UAB in the Alumni Auditorium of the Hill University Center.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • The Spectrum Center for Autism and Related Disorders is hosting a conference April 29-30, 2011 in Dothan.  There are some well-known national speakers in the line-up.
  • There will be a Parent Project Training in Ozark, AL on June 6-10.
  • The 10th Annual Early Intervention Update will be held June 14, 2011 in Tuscaloosa.  One of their key focus areas will be autism.  For more information, contact Tania Baldwin at 1-800-723-0490.

Partnerships

  • The ASA has joined the Disabilities Leadership Coalition of Alabama.  The Coalition will direct its efforts to develop services for all individuals with developmental disabilities.  Alabama is one of three states in the U.S. which limits services based on IQ scores.  Working together, we can develop services based on individual need rather than IQ score.  To participate in this effort and for more information, click here.

Grants

  • BBVA Compass Community CyberGrants recently awarded the ASA funding to expand the Mobile ASA office and staff.  Angel Loewen was hired as an Information and Referral Coordinator  in the Mobile office.  This grant also allows for the purchase of equipment to further support Angel's work.  She comes to us from the Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast where she was the Divisional Director of Children and Family Services.  We are very happy to have Angel join us.  She brings much expertise and passion for individuals and families affected by ASD.
  • Click here to see a listing the location of library books sent to various locations around the state.  Every public county library system was given a set of books from the ASA.  More books will be received in the coming months too.

Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (AIACC)

  • The Community Services subcommittee (part of the Special Projects Committee of the AIACC) is supporting the "A Child is Missing" (ACIM) safety campaign.  This is a nation-wide program that is free to all law enforcement agencies.  A Child is Missing is one of the fastest  and most effective programs law enforcement can activate in for the first critical minutes after a child is reported to be missing.  When a registered law enforcement agency calls ACIM, 1000 phone calls can be generated in 60 seconds to surrounding areas where a child is thought to be.  ACIM is not restrained by jurisdictional boundaries, which permits alert calls to be made across district lines.  Many Alabama agencies are already registered with ACIM, however, many are not.  We need your help to disseminate this information to your local police agency.  Go to www.autism-alabama.org or www.autism.alabama.org for the resources detailed below and follow these steps:
    • Find out if your local law enforcement agency is already registered by looking at the Agency Participation in Alabama.
    • If your agency is not registered deliver the ACIM resources to your local law enforcement agency official.  The resources should include:
      • A Child is Missing brochure
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Key Points
      • Sample Letter for Participation
    • Email Caroline Gomez, State Autism Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that the Campaign Team can keep an account of contacts made.
  • The Early Screening and Surveillance Subcommittee, led by Sarah O'Kelley at UAB/Sparks Clinics has received a $15,000 scholarship to coordinate the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Project.  You will see more about this project coming out during the month of April.  Please feel free to utilize these free materials before the campaign push.  Attached you will find a developmental milestones brochure.  You can also find more free resources at www.cdc.gov/actearly.

ASA Outreach

  • April 1 - Light it Up Blue at the RSA Towers in Mobile; Radio Interview with WTKI Radio
  • April 2 - Walk for Autism in Decatur, Huntsville, Montgomery, Sylacauga, and Tuscaloosa
  • April 4 - Studio 10/FOX Interview
  • April 5 - Artists for Autism Music Event hosted by Mobile Junior Board
  • April 6 - Sharing the Care Respite Care meeting at Lakeside Baptist Church in Birmingham
  • April 9 - Walk for Autism in Double Springs, Mobile, and Dothan; Funky Fish Fry in Birmingham
  • April 13 - Autism Awareness Night at the Birmingham Barons
  • April 16 - Walk for Autism in Auburn and Cullman
  • April 21 - 4th Annual Autism Matters Legislative Day at the State House
  • April 23 - Walk for Autism in Anniston
  • April 30 - Walk for Autism in Alexander City, Birmingham, Fort Payne, and Sheffield

Fundraisers

  • Cast your vote for the Autism Awareness Car Tag and vote on your favorite tag while you are at a Walk for Autism.  The winning tag will be used as we go to Montgomery to petition for this tag to be an option at the DMV.  More details to follow.
  • The Mobile Junior Board is well under way in development with the help of Jennifer Robertson and Board Member Hanes Swingle, MD.  If you would like to help create a Junior Board in your area, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • The ASA Junior Board and Mitchell's Place Junior Council will host the 2nd Annual Funky Fish Fry on April 9th from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Ezell's will provide fried catfish while great bands and kid's dance contests fill the afternoon.  Tickets are $20 per person.  Kids under 12 are free.
  • The ASA has partnered with Op4G, an internet-based market research organization that pays you up to 75% of earnings from participating in short research surveys, and it allows you to donate 25% or more of your earnings to the charity of your choice.  Register and choose to support the Autism Society of Alabama.
  • The Two Seat Indy Car Fundraiser will be held at the Pelham Firestone location on April 6.
  • The Mobile Junior Board is well under way in development with the help of Jennifer Robertson and Board Member Hanes Swingle, MD.  If you would like to help create a Junior Board in your area, contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Walk for Autism 2011 will be spreading autism awareness during the month of April.  See below for dates and locations.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

***April is Autism Awareness Month and it's just around the corner.  WE NEED YOUR HELP! Here are three ways you can get involved:

  1. Register to participate in one of the 14  walks scheduled  throughout the state during April. Create a walk team together and you will be entered to win an Apple iPad! (See brochure for eligibility rules  and walk locations).
  2. No local walk….participate in our efforts by creating a personal fundraising page or a Networking Group fundraising page.  Tell your story and email the page out to families and friends. Setting a page up is easy and the hassle of money collection is not needed! Get started with your page!
  3. Puzzle Piece Promotion- Contact your local grocers, banks, schools, and other businesses to place the autism symbol (paper puzzle piece) in there stores for a dollar donation.  (See form attached).
  4. Create an Autism Awareness Bulletin Board at your local school with autism facts, signs, and tips.

Research Studies

  • Complete the IAN Elopement and Wandering Questionnaire to help researchers begin to document and understand elopement behavior in ASD.  This project is funded by the Autism Research Institute, Autism Speaks, and the Global Autism Collaboration.

Announcements

  • Save the Date!!!  The 4th Annual Autism Matters Legislative Day will be held in Montgomery on Thursday, April 21, 2011.  We hope you are able to join us on this important day! REGISTER ONLINE!!!
  • The United Way has a FREE tax assistance program for those whose family earning is $50,000 or less or individual earning $25,000 or less. To make an appointment call 1-888-99-TAXAL.
  • Senator Cam Ward is proposing legislation to expand the use of service dogs.
  • Consider placing an Autism Awareness Bulletin Board at your child's school or other community area.

For More Information:

Website: www.autism-alabama.org

Facebook: “Jerry ASA” or “Autism Society of Alabama”

Twitter: AutismSocietyAL

Upcoming Events Page: www.autism-alabama.org/events.html

Tell Us About Your Community!

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Have something happening in your local area that you would like posted in the quarterly newsletter?  Send your announcements to Jennifer Robertson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .