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IDEA Fairness Restoration Act

Recently, legislation was introduced to allow parents to recover expert witness fees in due process hearings and litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The IDEA Fairness Restoration Act was introduced in the Senate (S.613) by Senator Harkin (D-IA), Chair of the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee, Senator Mikulski (D-MD), and Senator Sanders (I-VT); and a companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1208) by Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX). The Autism Society agrees that all students, regardless of background or ability, are entitled to receive an education that gives them the opportunity to live a successful and fulfilling life. "This legislation will remove the financial barrier that families, especially low- and middle-income families, face as they pursue their children's rights to the free, appropriate public education they deserve and are entitled to under the Fourteenth Amendment," said Jeff Sell, Vice President, Public Policy, & General Counsel of the Autism Society.
 
 

Mission to Mars Event

Information:
 
The mission is a parent/child mission for children in 3rd grade+. 

We can take 14 parent/child teams. Registration will be limited to the first 14 parent/child teams that sign up.

Cost:  $35 per team for members or $40 per team for non-members. **Parents are encouraged to check out the website:  www.challengerlearningcenter.com

The mission will take place on Saturday May 21st, 9:00 - 11:30am.  REGISTRATION CLOSES on May 7th. Hurry only 14 spots available.

 
To register for this event, please click here: https://member.autismmclean.org/Events/MarsMission/RegQty.php

Also--the teams that register MUST attend a mandatory information night on May 12th at Challenger Learning Center to receive informational packets and be assigned their jobs for the mission. At the informational meeting the parents will also be able to hear more about the mission and discuss how our mission may be best tailored to meet the needs of the children attending. Example--there are lights flashing and sirens beeping during the mission and they will want to know if any of these things may need to be modified  so that it can be a successful mission for all who attend.

We are very excited that we can partner with CLC to offer this to our ASMC kids!!! Anyone who has questions can email me or look on CLC website: /www.challengerlearningcenter.com.

Date: 
05/21/2011 - 9:00am - 11:30am

Rising Star Play Group

Rising Star Play Group
Our play group was created to give our children with autism and their typical siblings a place where they could be free to be themselves, play, and get to know each other. Rising Star Academy generously allows us to use their facilities. The accommodations are wonderful; they include 3 trampolines (2 are in floor), a very large foam pit, padded floors, soft sided climbing structures and numerous toys.

Where:
Rising Star Academy
2902 Gill Street
Bloomington, Illinois

When:
The 2nd and 4th Saturday’s of each month - 10:30am to 12:00pm

Cost:
$5.00 per child (please let us know if financial help is needed)
 
*A registration form will need to be filled out per family and at least one parent is required to stay while the children are playing.
Date: 
03/26/2011 - 10:30am - 12:00pm

Supporting Students During Transition from School to Adult Life

  • Do you know what the school’s responsibility is in facilitating your child’s movement from school to post-school activities?
  • Do you understand what vocational services are available for your child?
  • Do you know what adult services are available in your area
Join Family Matters PTIC, LIFE CIL and McLean County Transition Planning Committee on Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 9:00-12:00 (1-3 pm Discussion Panel) for a FREE informational session in Bloomington, IL
 
At this session, learn about:
  • Transition Requirements in Federal and State  Laws
  • Vocational Evaluations
  • Career Development Opportunities 
  • Summary of Performance Requirements
The mission of Family Matters is to build upon families’ strengths, to empower parents and professionals to achieve the strongest possible outcomes for students with disabilities and to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities.
 
Family Matters PTIC is funded 95% by the U.S. Department of Education with additional support from ARC Community Support Systems
 
Please see the attachment for registration information..
 
 
Date: 
04/02/2011 - 9:00am - 12:00pm

Planning for Children and Adults with Special Needs for Today and Tomorrow!

Planning for Children and Adults with Special Needs for Today and Tomorrow!
 
Presented by: Brian Rubin, JU.D. and Sherri Schneider, QSP
 
May 14, 2011 @ The Baby Fold Training Center, 612 Oglesby Ave., Normal (directions below)
 
AGENDA
  • 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. – Registration and Coffee
  • 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. – Welcome and Introductions
  • 9:15 – 10:30 a.m. – Government Benefits, presented by Sherri Schneider QSP
    • The who, what, where, when, why and how of Government Benefits [SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, DAC, HBWD, Ticket to Work, PASS, and related topics]
  • 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. – Break
  • 10:45 – 12:30 p.m. – Special Needs Estate Planning and Planning for When the Bus Stops Coming, presented by Brian Rubin J.D.
    • The who, what, where, when, why and how of PUNs, Special Needs Estate Planning including: Special Needs Trusts, Guardianships & Alternatives, gifting by grandparents and extended family, the impact of divorce and child support on government benefits, determining the appropriate amount to leave, planning for when school years are over, Children’s Waiver for children under 18, navigating the maze of Adult Services (In-Home, Residential, Supported Employment, Sheltered Employment, Developmental Training), the state of the State and related topics.
This event is sponsored by the Autism Society of McLean County and Hammitt School
 
Directions: From College St. in Normal go north on Beech St. (Across from Anderson Park), make a right on Oglesby Ave. (immediately past an old abandoned administration building), You enter the training center through the door on the east end of the Baby Fold building.
 
THIS TRAINING IS FREE. Please RSVP to Kathy Case at 451-7219.
Date: 
05/14/2011 - 8:30am - 12:30pm

2011 Local Agency Contacts Update

Linked below is an updated list of local agency resources for employment of people with disabilities. We have a new "SPOC" -- Single Point of Contact. This is the one local agency person who can direct all disability employment inquiries to the appropriate local agency or business. For employers, as well as potential employees, supported employment programs and schools, seeking help to navigate the local system and get questions answered.
 
 

Cause Warmer Commission Sales go to ASMC

Jan Cavallo of Scentsy, the leading seller of wickless candles, is offering this “Piece by Piece” Awareness Candle for April.
 
"A beautiful message of hope, Piece by Piece will bring warmth and meaning to any room. On each side of the new Scentsy Family Foundation Charitable Cause Warmer, a single blue jigsaw piece, outlined in gold and covered in whimsical hearts, playfully pops out from the rest of the puzzle. Sales of the warmer will benefit Autism Speaks™ which has worked since 2005 to fund global research, spread awareness, and provide hope to families whose loved ones receive this complex diagnosis. Their mission: solving the puzzle piece by piece."
 
Proceeds from sales will benefit Autism Speaks, and commissions from the sale that Jan Cavallo makes will benefit the Autism Society of McLean County.
 
This is a great way to help raise awareness and benefit two worth organizations!
 
You can view a larger image of the Piece by Piece candle warmer here: http://scentsyfamilyfoundation.org/causewarmer.aspx.
 
Please visit Jan's site here: https://jcavallo.scentsy.us
 

Chuck's Harley-Davidson Proceeds to Help Benefit ASMC

Thursday March 17, 2011, 9:00AM – 5:00PM
 
Tis’ the Day for the Wearin’ of the Green at CHUCK’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON
 
Find your “Pot O’ Gold” and Help Fight Autism. Chuck’s H-D will donate proceeds from sales on March 17th to Benefit the Autism Society
 
Enjoy bagpipe music, treats, fun, and more!
 
“If Gold isn’t Your Color, We Have Lots of CHROME”
Date: 
03/17/2011 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Special Needs Fair

5th Annual Annual Special Needs Information Fair!
 
The Dunlap & Central Illinois Special Needs Parent Group in conjunction with the IHSA March Madness Access The Experience Family Fun Night invites all parents/caregivers/families/educators of individuals with special needs to a community information fair.  Organizations in the state of Illinois and many from Central Illinois will be providing information on their services.
 
The event is:
 
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011
5:00pm - 8:00pm @ the Peoria Civic Center
 
Check out the attached flyer for more information!
 
 
Date: 
03/15/2011 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Special Day for Special Kids

Hey everyone! Come out for a day of fun in the Bone Student Center!! The University Program Board's Redbird Diversity is putting on Special Day For Special Kids!
 
The community will be involved in this awesome event! We have the autism society, Easter seals, and special olympics on board! There will be tons of kids, families, and students partaking in the fun.
 
We are going to have:
  • Tye Dye
  • Sucker Pull
  • Duck Pond
  • Inflatable Twister
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Photo Booth
  • Balloon Artist
  • Free Food
  • DJ
  • and more!!
 
Come out on March 19th from 12-4 and have a great time having fun, getting to know each other, and interacting with people both inside and outside the ISU community!!
 
To find out more, check out the Facebook event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144745528922085
Date: 
03/19/2011 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm
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