The National Forum on Disability Issues

 I recently stumbled upon some talk about this upcoming forum.  The description below comes from their website (http://www.nfdi.org/ ) where you can follow the forum online. 


The National Forum on Disability Issues- Sep. 28th, in Columbus, OH
The National Forum on Disability Issues is an historic nonpartisan event. The 2012 event builds on the success of the first ever forum organized by the disability community in 2008. The forum will focus on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates. Candidates for the U.S. Senate seat from Ohio will also be invited to participate. The candidates will be given the opportunity to provide their positions on a wide variety of disability issues directly to the disability community.

It will be the only national event to focus specifically on disability issues.

Minutes for meeting 16 September

Another small group on what might be the last really nice Sunday of Summer.  Still a lively discussion and a chance to meet some new people, which is always a pleasure.  Attendees included a grandmother who's son recently moved back home with his two sons, one of which is eleven and has autism.  Sounds like a rocky start to the new school year.  She already knew about MARS, but thanks to Heidi, I was able to let her know about the other advocacy option in town:  Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services. 

Also in attendance from Escanaba was Tammy Krassick, who participated in my virtual meeting over the summer.  She has a 13 year old son whom she has been able to help through naturalpathic methods.  She now works with other families, and you can learn more about her business on her website: http://healthinfo.vpweb.com/default.html.

I made some announcements about some upcoming things going on in our area. 

This afternoon and evening,  The Autism Alliance of Michigan is offering a couple of free webinars to inform parents about the changes coming in October to Michigan's insurance law and how autism treatments will be covered.  The workshop will be offered at noon and again at 7:00.  You can register and learn more about it here:  http://aaomparentworkshops.eventbrite.com/.

Tomorrow (Wednesday September 19) at 6:00 pm is SAIL's Walk & Roll event at the Lower Harbor.  The next day, Thursday, is their Action Day between 8 and 3:00 in the NMU Great Lakes Rooms.  More information and registration forms on their website:  http://www.upsail.com/events.php.  I'll have a table out in the hall with information about the support group.

Next week people are welcome to participate either in Escanaba or via Telecast at the MARESA offices on Ohio Street here in Marquette, in a two day workshop presented by the Autism Society of Michigan.  See more information in the post right below this one. 

I also mentioned the Next Chapter Book Club, a weekly social group for adults with any developmental disability.  Members do not need to be able to read.  If you know anyone who would be interested in participating or facilitating a group, let me know.  Our first group is formed and meeting.  We hope to start a couple more groups this fall.  Those interested can call me at the library:  226-4312.

Autism Society of Michigan available via telacast at MARESA

Later this month, September 26-27, Kathy Johnson of the Autism Society of Michigan is offering a two day workshop in Escanaba that will be telecast to the MARESA building here in Marquette. 

The topics will be "Understanding Autism" and "How to Prepare for Future Transitions." Read more about these workshops here.  I called the ASM office this afternoon and learned the Wednesday evening session will focus more on transition, Thursday morning will be focused more on understanding autism, with more on transition again that afternoon.  I also clarified that the cost applies even if you attend the telecast and are a parent. Those who attend on Thursday will be fed lunch.

Kathy Johnson has a Masters degree in Special Education and taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities for 17 years in New York State. Kathy is also certified in Paralegal Studies. Currently she is an Independent Educational Consultant, advocate and training specialist and the Board President of the Autism Society of Michigan.

Special Needs Classes at YMCA

Once again, the Marquette YMCA will be offering Special Needs Classes.  Karate for kids 5 and up and swimming for kids 3 and up will both be offered on Saturdays, starting next week.  My daughter learned to swim last winter after a few sessions of the swim class.  This fall we'll try Karate. More information at 227-9622.