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April is National Autism Awareness Month
Since the 1970's, April has been recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that an average of 1 in 88 children in the U.S have an ASD. As the number of children identified with autism has grown, so have the number of activities recognizing this month. National, state and local events are scheduled throughout this month. April 2, 2012 is World Autism Awareness Day. Check out the websites below for more information:
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Kennedy Fellowship Application Deadline Extended
The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation is seeking exemplary professionals and/or family members of persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are currently working or volunteering in the field of inclusive services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for an intensive one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicant will learn how federal legislation is initiated, developed, and passed by the Congress, as well as how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by federal agencies. Due to changes in scheduling the application deadline has been extended to April 30, 2012. Find out more. |
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New MSDE Guide on the Role of School Psychologists
In the fall of 2009, the Maryland State Department of Education, in collaboration with representatives of the Maryland School Psychologists' Association, the Maryland Coalition
of Families for Children's Mental Health, and the Maryland Disability Law Center, identified the need to examine the identification practices within local school systems when parents or school personnel suspect the presence of Emotional Disability in children and youth. An interdisciplinary workgroup, including directors of student services, directors of special education, school psychologists, parents, and advocates met throughout the 2009-2010 school year to analyze data, examine current
practices within Maryland and other states, review literature, and identify themes for this technical assistance paper. You can view the entire Guide at the MSDE website. |
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Summer Programs for High School Students with Disabilities
DORS offers three 2 - 4 week summer programs that help high school juniors/seniors prepare for college or employment.
Mastering a Successful Transition (MAST) - a program for students with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders and are interested in attending college.
All about College Exploration (ACE) - a program for students with who are blind or have a significant vision loss and are interested in attending college
Work and Volunteer Experience (WAVE) - a program for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and not planning to go to college.
To be eligible for MAST, ACE, or WAVE, a Student Must:
- Have the appropriate disability.
- Be interested in attending college (MAST of ACE) or finding employment (WAVE).
- Be registered with DORS.
REGISTERED WITH DORS?
If your child is registered with DORS, contact her/his DORS counselor to discuss getting a referral to the MAST, ACE, or WAVE program.
NOT REGISTERED WITH DORS?
If your child is not registered with DORS, contact your local DORS office for more information. To find an office location, go to www.dors.state.md.us, or contact DORS at DORS, 410-554-9442 / 888-554-0334, TTY/TDD: 410-554-9411, or dors@dors.state.md.us
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Informacion sobre el Autismo
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Autism...Did You Know ?
There is a new medical code for wandering.
About 1 in 88 children have autism; about 1 in 6 has a developmental disability.
Divorce rates for parents of children with autism are NOT higher than parents of children without autism.
About 20 to 30 percent of children with an ASD develop epilepsy by the time they reach adulthood.
Mothers of children with autism work less and earn less.
Children with autism are three times as likely to be bullied as their siblings without autism.
There is no link between vaccines and autism.
Asperger Syndrome is named for Hans Asperger an Austrian pediatrician.
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Save These Dates!
April 13 - 15, 2012
Annapolis, MD
April 21, 2012
Transition Conference for Parents and Youth
Salisbury, MD
April 21,2012
9:00am - 2:00pm
Hagerstown, MD
April 23, 2012
6:30pm-8:30pm
Leonardtown, MD
May 11, 2012
Linthicum Heights, MD
May 12,2012
Transition Conference for Parents and Youth
Cumberland, MD
May 19, 2012
Baltimore, MD
Check the PPMD online calendar for time, location, and registration information for these and many other training opportunities. www.calendarwiz.com/ppmd |
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Free iPad Guide
Danielle's Foundation has just released its "Guide to iPad Apps and Resources." This guide offers a listing of helpful iPad apps and adaptive accessories for children with cerebral palsy and brain injury. It also contains information about potential national and state resources that can help families acquire an iPad or funding towards an iPad. Call 1-800-511-2283 to receive your FREE guide. |
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Lose the Training Wheels is Coming to Maryland
Lose The Training Wheels is a nonprofit tax-exempt charitable organization that is much more than just a bike-riding program. For many people with disabilities, it's a seemingly impossible task that they can typically master in less than a week's time through our program. Within days of learning to ride, many children begin exhibiting independent behaviors at home. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity, helping them gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives.
Lose the Training Wheels will be in Harford County the week of July 30th through August 3rd. Applications are due May 1st. For an application or more information email Lori Ginley.
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New Affordable Care Act Videos Online
The Alliance for Health Reform has released new videos intended to help people of various audiences understand the Affordable Care Act. Each video is less than five minutes long and can be found here. The videos include those aimed at:
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Vacation and Summer Camp Guide
The Arc Baltimore has just published its 2012 Camp and Vacation Opportunities for Children and Adults with Special Needs guide. The guide features activities open to individuals with disabilities who live throughout Maryland. Some locations are open to the entire family. |
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