Networking News - March 2011

March 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.  Visit http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/ddcenter/CEDD_ourproducts.html to access the module.

The Alabama Parent Education Center is hosting a series of workshops around the state. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

 

  • The 21st Annual Alabama Transition Conference will be held on March 7-8, 2011 in Auburn.  Information online at www.auburn.edu/atli.
  • The 7th Annual Workshop in High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Behavioral Interventions and Strategies will be held on March 8, 2011 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  See attached brochure for more information.
  • TACA will be bringing Dr. Julie Buckley to their meeting on March 26, 2011 to discuss Puberty and Autism.  She is an MD/DAN practitioner and parent of a daughter with autism.  Contact Margaret Stewart for more information at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit http://www.tacanow.org/local-chapters/alabama/ to register.
  • The Glenwood Lectureship will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at UAB in the Alumni Auditorium of the Hill University Center.  More details for follow.
  • 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. Please see attached flyer for more information!
  • 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.
    • Out-of-State Conferences:
      • The 1st Annual Midsouth Autism Conference will be held in Tunica, MS on April 7-8, 2011.  One of the speakers is Temple Grandin, PhD.  More information and registration available online at www.transformingautism.com.
      • The Autism Research Institute/Defeat Autism Now! Spring Conference will be held in Atlanta, GA April 28-May 1, 2011.  Click here for more information.
      • Pete Wright from Wrightslaw will be speaking for the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta on May 12, 2011.  Click here for more information.
      • The Tennessee Disability 2011 Megaconference is scheduled for June 2-3, 2011.  Click here for more information.

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, visit www.ucpbham.com/onestrongvoice.

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

3.  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.  If you are interested in participating in this committee, the next meeting will be March 21 at the ASA at 2:30 p.m.

Fundraisers

  • 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 Jennifer Robertson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • Standup for Autism, benefiting  Arts N Autism and the Autism Society of Alabama will be held March 19, 2011 at the Bama Theater in Tuscaloosa.  For ticket information, visit www.standupforautism.org.

 

 

 

  • 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.  Visit www.funkyfishfry.com for more information.

 

◦                     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 at www.op4g.com and choose to support the Autism Society of Alabama.

 

  • The Walk for Autism 2011 will be spreading autism awareness during the month of April.  See below for dates and locations.  Contact Jennifer Robertson at  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! To get started with your page go to http://www.firstgiving.com/autismalabama/Event/walkforautism2011 or contact Jennifer Robertson at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 877-4AUTISM ext 3.
  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.

 

For information on other ways to be involved with Awareness month or fundraising efforts contact Jennifer Robertson 877-4AUTISM ext. 3 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

Outreach

◦                     February 24-25 – ASA sponsored and participated in the Planning Committee for the 10th Annual Alabama Autism Conference in Tuscaloosa.  Scholarships were provided for 30+ attendees.  Congratulations to Bama Hager, ASA's Policy and Advocacy Consultant – she was presented with the C.A.R.E.S. Award during the conference.

◦                     March 2 - ASA  will provide a presentation for the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club.

◦                     March 2 - ASA will attende Grand Rounds at UAB, discussing psychiatry and medications used in treating individuals affected by ASD.

◦                     March 4 – ASA will take part in the Mardi Gras Ball in Mobile.

◦                     March 5 – Tracy Robinson will represent the ASA at the Health Fair held at Quintard Mall in Anniston.

◦                     March 7 – ASA is a member of the Alabama Autism Provider Networking.  Their meeting will be held in Montgomery.

◦                     March 8 – ASA is a member of the Alabama Respite Coalition and the Sharing the Care respite groups.  The Public Awareness subcommittee will meet this day.

◦                     March 9 – ASA will be an exhibitor at the Birmingham Parent Special Needs Expo at the Lakeshore Foundation.

◦                     March 30 – The Governor will sign the Proclamation announcing April as Autism Awareness Month in Montgomery at 12:30 p.m.

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!  Stay posted for more information!
  • 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

◦                     Welcome to Andrea Frogue Plante of Gulf Shores to the ASA Board of Directors!  We are happy to have your join us!

 

 

 

Please Note

 

  • Do you need volunteers?  We have a list of volunteers throughout the state.  Let us know how they could be of service and we will help get them connected to you and in your community.
  • If you would like autism merchandise to sell at local group meetings or in the community, please contact Jennifer Robertson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a request form.
  • If you would like an ASA staff member to come speak at one of your meetings, please let us know and we will make arrangements.
  • Our local CDC Surveillance site (they helped get the "1 in 110" number) wants to meet you!  If you would like them to speak at one of your meetings or functions, contact Neva Garner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I am attaching some of their work with the Community Profile Data.
  • Don't forget to submit your receipts if you are using a PEX card!  The next reload date is Monday, May 2, 2011 (receipts must be received by April 15, 2011 to have your card reloaded).

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!

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to have information about your group included in the next monthly update (include "My Community" in the subject line).

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 .